Education/Choosing your ring
How to Choose an Engagement Ring
The short answer
Most people start with the diamond. We would start with the shape of the stone and the shape of her hand, because that is what you see from across a room. From there, choose the style, metal and size. There are five decisions to make, and every Amarii ring is made to order.
Nothing here is permanent until you say so. Every Amarii ring is made to order, so you can change any of these five decisions right up until the moment we begin.
What should you look at before choosing the ring?
01
Watch what she already wears
Her existing jewellery answers more questions than any guide. Is it fine and understated, or bold? Warm metals or cool? Does she wear rings every day, or only sometimes?
Someone who wears nothing but a fine chain will not suddenly wear a wide, high set ring. Choose for the person, not for the photograph.
What ring style should you choose?
02
Choose the style
A solitaire puts everything on the centre stone. A halo surrounds it with smaller stones and can make the centre appear larger. A trilogy carries meaning in three stones. Pavé adds light along the band.
Style also decides how the ring lives. A low set ring sits closer to the finger and can be easier to wear with gloves and sleeves. A high setting shows more of the stone and asks for a little more care.
Which diamond shape should you choose?
03
Then the shape of the stone
Shape is the most visible decision you make. Round returns light strongly. Oval and marquise can elongate the finger and appear larger for their carat weight. Emerald and Asscher trade some sparkle for clean, architectural lines.
At the same carat weight, an oval can appear larger than a round because of the way its proportions distribute weight. If size matters more than maximum sparkle, that is worth knowing before you spend.
Which metal should you choose?
04
Metal, and the stone it flatters
White gold and platinum create a cool look around a diamond. Yellow gold brings warmth, while rose gold creates a softer contrast.
Metal and diamond colour work together. A slightly warmer diamond can look harmonious in yellow gold, which means you may not need to choose the highest colour grade simply because it is the highest grade.
At Amarii, our Amarii Curated diamond criteria remain D to F colour, regardless of the metal you choose.
How should you choose the ring size and budget?
05
The one you can get wrong safely
Size is the decision that is easiest to correct. Start with your best estimate, and use the free resize within six months if the fit is not right.
Budget is different. Spend where the difference can be seen. Cut has a significant effect on how a diamond returns light, while the difference between adjacent colour or clarity grades may be much harder to see once the ring is on the hand.
A ring is something she will wear, not a list of specifications. Start with how it looks on her, then work backwards into the details.
What are the five decisions when choosing an engagement ring?
| Decision | What to consider |
|---|---|
| 1. Existing jewellery | Her style, metal preferences and everyday habits |
| 2. Ring style | Solitaire, halo, trilogy, pavé and setting height |
| 3. Diamond shape | Round, oval, marquise, emerald, Asscher and other shapes |
| 4. Metal | White gold, platinum, yellow gold or rose gold |
| 5. Size and budget | The right fit and where your budget will have the most visible effect |
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose the diamond first?
No. Start with her existing jewellery, then consider the ring style and diamond shape. The stone, setting and metal should work together.
Which diamond shape looks the biggest?
Oval and marquise can appear larger for their carat weight than some other shapes because of their proportions. Actual appearance depends on the individual diamond.
Does ring setting affect how practical it is?
Yes. A low setting sits closer to the finger, while a high setting exposes more of the centre stone. Your lifestyle should be part of the decision.
Should I choose white gold or yellow gold?
There is no single right metal. Look at the jewellery she already wears and consider how the metal will work with the diamond colour and her preferred style.
What should I spend more of my budget on?
Consider cut first because it has a direct effect on how the diamond returns light. Amarii Curated diamonds are selected within our criteria of Ideal or Excellent cut, D to F colour and IF to VS2 clarity.
Can I change the ring after I order it?
Amarii rings are made to order, so decisions can be changed before production begins. After the ring is made, resizing may be available subject to the design.
What if I get the ring size wrong?
Amarii offers a free resize within six months, so an incorrect initial estimate does not necessarily mean the ring cannot be corrected.
Where to explore next
Made for you, made to be worn
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