engagement rings

A classic diamond engagement ring with one elegant centre stone usually weighs about one carat, while a slightly larger, two-carat diamond is also a popular weight. But there is no "right" size for a diamond or gemstone engagement ring. The best engagement ring carat size depends on your budget, style and the wearer’s unique personality.

The amount you spend on an engagement ring is a personal choice that should take your finances and priorities into account. Beautiful engagement rings are available for a range of budgets, and our experts are happy to help you find the best value at a price you're comfortable with.

When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, keep in mind that the shape and cut of a gemstone are more important than its size. Even more important is the wearer's personal style and lifestyle. Choose a diamond ring that fits the wearer’s personality, whether that's a pink cushion diamond in a vintage gold setting or a classic round diamond in a sleek and modern platinum setting. And if they’re very active, choose a durable ring with a low profile.

Traditionally, an engagement ring is what’s presented during a marriage proposal and a wedding ring is what partners give to each other during the wedding ceremony. It’s also common for an engagement ring to be more ornate than a wedding ring. One of our best selling combinations is a round diamond solitaire engagement ring paired with a diamond pavé wedding band. On the flipside, we have many customers who love to turn tradition on its head: some customers forgo the engagement ring altogether and choose matching bands. Other couples double up on sparkle, with stacking rings that bookend the engagement ring.

Diamonds for engagement rings and other jewellery come in round and fancy shapes. With nearly 60 facets to reflect light, round-cut diamonds have unsurpassed brilliance. Each of the fancy shapes—princess, emerald, Asscher, marquise, oval, radiant, pear, heart and cushion—is beloved for its own, distinctive look and style. There is no single best diamond shape for an engagement ring—choose the shape that speaks to your heart.

A popular engagement ring metal among Blue Nile customers is definitely platinum (or white gold for people who want a platinum-look at a lower cost). Over the last few years, however, rose gold engagement rings are a fast-rising trend. Rose gold was often used in settings in the late nineteenth century, and is appreciated today for its naturally romantic appeal that particularly suits rings with vintage-inspired styles. Most recently, yellow gold engagement rings are capturing the attention of people who appreciate the way this metal’s beautiful warm glow complements engagement ring settings with coloured gemstones.

The 4Cs are the four main quality factors that determine the value of a diamond: colour, cut, clarity and carat. The sparkle of a diamond comes from its cut and symmetry, while the carat size determines how big it will look on the wearer's finger. Use the 4Cs to help guide your engagement ring choice, but—as always—the "right" ring is the one that reaches out to you, whether or not it's deemed a "perfect" stone by experts.

You can find out how to measure ring size at home using household items with our guide. You can also request a free plastic ring sizer through our website. When measuring a ring size, do so at the end of the day when the fingers are warm. Don’t forget to measure a few times for accuracy.

There are several ways to find an engagement ring style that matches your partner’s jewellery tastes. Their existing jewellery can tell you a lot about their preferences in terms of metals, styles and even sizing. Discreetly asking a trusted friend or family member can also help you determine your partner’s engagement ring style

Popular styles include engagement rings for women that feature a prominent centre stone such as solitaire and halo rings. Pavé, twist band and milgrain styles are also in-demand styles.

There is no set rule for how much to spend on an engagement ring. You should focus on purchasing a ring that fits your partner and your budget. Our engagement ring inspiration page includes recently purchased rings that can help you see what options are popular.

Traditionally, engagement rings are worn by the person that has been proposed to. Today, some couples are choosing to shake things up with the partner who popped the question sporting an engagement ring as well.

Engagement rings are worn on their own until the wedding ceremony when they are then paired with a wedding ring.

Engagement rings are traditionally purchased by the partner that proposes.

If you’re keeping your engagement ring a surprise, there are many ways to keep it hidden until you propose. At home, engagement rings can be hidden in areas where your partner doesn’t often look. This may be up high, in a sock drawer or in other infrequently accessed areas. Some people opt to hide their engagement ring in a safety deposit box or at a trusted friend or family member’s house.

Visit our blog for romantic, creative and memorable proposal ideas.

All engagement rings require basic gemstone care, including using a micro-fibre cloth to polish and dust the ring regularly. You should also use a gentle jewellery cleaner or mild soap and water to wash your ring with a soft-bristle brush.

How you deep clean an engagement ring will depend on the centre diamond or gemstone. Different gemstones have different needs, read our gemstone care guide to find cleaning instructions for your specific stone.

In the UK and most western countries, tradition states that the engagement ring should be worn on the ring finger of your left hand. The ring finger is fourth finger—next to the pinky.