So, I finally got engaged. Yay! The first question everyone asked was: where’s your engagement ring?
There’s a slightly complicated answer. After almost 20 years of owning Nude Jewellery, my fiancé was never going to choose the ring first. Instead, he proposed with a ring that cost around £2 — and I think I’m being generous! He bought it from the place where we had our first date, so it was wonderfully sentimental. It didn’t fit, though, and even if it had, it probably would have turned my finger green.
As a jewellery designer who spends much of my time creating bespoke engagement rings for other people, I suddenly found myself with a very personal design question: how do you choose the perfect ring for yourself?
While working through my own design process, I realised I was asking myself the same questions I ask my clients. If you’re beginning your own search, these are a few helpful places to start.
Explore bespoke engagement ring designs
Start with your personal style
Do you love pieces that are big and bold, or are you drawn to something dainty and delicate? Perhaps your style is Art Deco, organic, ornate, alternative, sculptural or whimsical. Looking at the jewellery you already wear can reveal more than you might expect.
For my own ring, I’ve chosen an Art Deco-inspired design. There’s no right or wrong answer here. The best engagement ring is one that feels like you, rather than one chosen because it happens to be fashionable.
Choose a metal you’ll love wearing
Which metal do you naturally reach for: yellow gold, white gold or rose gold engagement rings? Think about the jewellery you wear every day, as well as the colour and warmth you’ll be happy to see on your hand for years to come.
Rose gold continues to be a beautiful and popular choice, while yellow gold has had a real moment in recent years. Trends can be useful for inspiration, but your own wardrobe and instincts are usually the best guide.
Decide between a diamond and a gemstone
An engagement ring doesn’t have to feature a diamond engagement ring. For some people, a diamond is non-negotiable. For others, a colourful gemstone better reflects their personality and the way they see the world.
I love green, so I’ve chosen a green tourmaline with diamonds either side. Your stone could be a sapphire engagement ring, ruby engagement ring, emerald, tourmaline or something else entirely. The important thing is that you choose a colour and character you’ll enjoy wearing.
Discover bespoke engagement ring inspiration
Think about how you’ll wear it every day
An engagement ring is a very personal piece, but it’s also one you’ll probably wear often. Consider how it will sit on your finger, whether you prefer a lower or higher profile, and how it might work alongside a wedding band or the rest of your jewellery.
These practical details don’t need to limit your creativity. They simply help turn a beautiful idea into a ring that feels comfortable and completely your own.
See more bespoke engagement ring inspiration
Explore our engagement ring collections
Once you have a clearer idea of your style, metal and centre stone, our collections are a lovely place to gather inspiration:
- Sapphire engagement rings
- Teal sapphire engagement rings
- Pink sapphire engagement rings
- Diamond engagement rings
- Lab-grown diamond engagement rings
- Champagne diamond engagement rings
- Ruby engagement rings
- Rose gold engagement rings
- Asymmetric engagement rings
Most importantly, enjoy the process. Choosing an engagement ring should feel exciting, not intimidating. If you’d like help creating something completely bespoke, contact us about a bespoke ring and we’ll be happy to talk through your ideas.