The Mulu blog
How to Choose an Engagement Ring
A plain guide to the four Cs, diamond shapes, settings and budget.
Choosing an engagement ring gets easier when you take it one decision at a time. Start with the shape, then the setting, then the stone.
Start with the shape
Round brilliant cuts return the most sparkle. Oval and pear shapes look larger for their carat weight and lengthen the finger. Emerald cuts are quieter and more architectural, and they show a stone's clarity more openly.
Understand the four Cs
- Cut is how well the stone is proportioned. It affects sparkle more than anything else.
- Colour runs from colourless to light yellow. Warm gold settings are forgiving of a little colour.
- Clarity describes inclusions. Many are invisible without magnification.
- Carat is weight, not size. Two one-carat stones can look different depending on cut.
Pick a setting
A solitaire puts all the attention on one stone. A halo surrounds it with smaller stones and adds visual size. Three-stone rings bring in more sparkle and meaning. Prong settings let in more light, while bezel settings protect the stone's edges and suit an active lifestyle.
Set your budget and check the fit
Decide what you are comfortable spending before you start looking. Then find the ring size quietly, if it is a surprise. Choosing lab-grown or natural will change what your budget can buy.