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Engagement Rings: How to Choose One?

Published: 2022-06-09
Edited: 2026-11-13
Airidas Ulevičius
Airidas Ulevičius
Founder and Director of Auksinė svajonė, Master Jeweller

How do you choose an engagement ring? First, consider the person’s style, daily lifestyle, and budget; then choose the ring’s design, metal, stone, shape, and setting. Finally, it’s important to determine the ring size as accurately as possible. The best choice isn’t necessarily the most expensive one—the most important thing is that the ring suits the person who will be wearing it.

In short:

Before buying, answer these seven questions:

  1. What style of jewelry does the person already wear?
  2. What budget works for you?
  3. What ring design is best suited for everyday life?
  4. What color and karat of metal should you choose?
  5. What type of center stone do you want to choose?
  6. What stone shape and setting are most suitable?
  7. What is the exact ring size?

If you’re torn between several options, practicality and the future ring owner’s personal style are better criteria than current trends.

1. First, assess the person’s style

If you’re buying the ring as a surprise, the best clues are often already in the person’s jewelry box. Take note:

  • Do they tend to wear yellow, white, or rose gold?
  • Do they prefer delicate or more substantial pieces?
  • Do they favor minimalist, classic, or bold designs?
  • do they wear colored gemstones;
  • is their jewelry mostly symmetrical or does it feature unusual shapes;
  • do they tend to choose a single striking detail or several subtle accents.

For example, for someone who wears very minimalist jewelry every day, a large, high-set, and heavily decorated ring may not necessarily be the most practical choice. On the other hand, if you already prefer bold gemstones, unusual shapes, and more substantial jewelry, a classic ring with a single small diamond might seem too understated.

2. Set a realistic budget

You still sometimes hear the rule that an engagement ring should cost one, two, or even three months’ salary. There is no such universal rule. You should allocate an amount for the engagement ring that:

  • doesn’t cause financial strain;
  • allows you to choose a high-quality ring;
  • aligns with your priorities;
  • lets you invest in what matters most to you—the stone, the metal, a custom design, or another detail.

Having a clear budget makes it much easier to compare realistic options. For example, you might choose a smaller but better-cut diamond, a simpler ring design, or a different gemstone.

3. Choose an engagement ring design

The ring’s design determines not only its appearance but also how it will feel and perform in everyday wear.

Design What makes it unique? Who is it for?
Solitaire One center stone Those who love classic and minimalist styles
Halo The center stone is surrounded by smaller stones Those who want more sparkle
With side stones The center stone is complemented by smaller stones Those who want a more decorative design
Three-stone Three clearly visible center stones Those who prefer a more expressive composition
Pavé Small stones are set in a halo Those who want more shimmer
With a colored gemstone The main accent is a sapphire, emerald, ruby, or other gemstone Those looking for a more personalized solution

4. What metal should you choose for an engagement ring?

Gold is one of the most common choices, and its color can be matched to the jewelry the person already wears.

Yellow gold

A classic and warm choice. It blends particularly naturally with someone who already wears yellow jewelry.

White gold

A visually understated metal with a cooler tone, often paired with colorless diamonds.

Rose gold

A warmer rose hue may be suitable if you’re looking for a softer or more distinctive design. You shouldn’t choose a metal color based solely on what’s currently popular. A more reliable guide is the jewelry the person already owns.

If you want a detailed comparison of different alloys, read our updated guide “Gold Colors”.

5. What kind of stone should you choose for an engagement ring?

A diamond is the classic choice for an engagement ring, but it’s not the only option. You can also choose:

  • a sapphire;
  • a ruby;
  • an emerald;
  • another colored gemstone;
  • a combination of several different stones.

When choosing a colored gemstone, it’s worth considering not only its appearance but also its durability for everyday wear and the care it requires. If someone has a favorite color or gemstone, a custom-selected colored gemstone can be more meaningful than a traditional option.

6. Choose the Stone’s Shape and Setting

The stone’s shape is one of the most noticeable elements of an engagement ring. The most common shapes are:

  • round;
  • oval;
  • princess;
  • emerald;
  • pear;
  • marquise;
  • cushion;
  • heart-shaped.

It’s important not to confuse the shape with the quality of the cut. “Oval” or “pear” describes the stone’s outline, while the quality of the cut refers to how precisely its proportions and facets are shaped and how the stone interacts with light.

Which shape should you choose?

  • If you want a classic option, you can start with a round shape.
  • If you prefer more modern or unique jewelry, it’s worth considering oval, pear, emerald, or other shapes.

However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule that one shape “suits” a specific personality or finger type. It’s best to compare how different shapes look in real life. We discuss all the main shapes in more detail in the article “Diamond Shapes: How to Choose?”.

How important is the stone’s setting?

The stone’s shape and size aren’t the only design considerations. How the stone is set in the ring is also very important. For example:

  • Prongs—leave a large portion of the stone visible and allow plenty of light to pass through, but a higher setting may catch on things more often.
  • Bezel setting—the metal surrounds a larger portion of the stone and can provide more protection against impacts.
  • Pavé—the band features many small stones, making the ring sparkle more, but the more intricate design also requires more careful maintenance.

7. How can you secretly find out the size of an engagement ring?

If the proposal is going to be a surprise, one of the most practical ways is to briefly borrow a ring that the person already wears on the same finger. Measure its inner diameter, preferably with a caliper. Important to know:

  • which hand the ring is on;
  • which finger it’s worn on;
  • whether the ring actually fits well.

If you don’t have the ring on hand, you can measure the finger’s circumference, but this makes it more difficult to pull off a surprise. For detailed methods and calculation examples, see our updated guide “How to measure finger sizes for a ring at home?”.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best engagement ring?

There is no single “best” model. The most suitable engagement ring is one that matches the wearer’s style, lifestyle, the right size, and your budget.

How much should an engagement ring cost?

There’s no rule that says you have to spend a certain number of months’ salary on a ring. Set a budget that you can comfortably afford without financial strain, and tailor the design, metal, and stone accordingly.

How many carats should the diamond in an engagement ring be?

There’s no one “right” size. A carat measures a diamond’s mass, but the stone’s visual size is also influenced by its cut and proportions. It’s best to choose the carat weight while considering the other 4Cs and your budget.

What’s the best type of gold for an engagement ring?

There’s no single “best” gold color. Yellow, white, and rose gold can all be good choices. It’s usually best to base your choice on the color of the jewelry the person already wears and the specific design of the ring.

How can you discreetly find out the size of an engagement ring?

The most reliable method is to borrow a well-fitting ring worn on the same finger and measure its inner diameter. If you’re unsure, consult a jeweler about the possibilities for resizing a specific model.

Looking for an engagement ring?

Choosing an engagement ring becomes much easier when you consider style, budget, metal, stone, setting, and size separately.

Browse Auksinės Svajonės’ engagement rings and compare different designs. If you’d like a custom solution, you can discuss the ring’s design, stone, and construction with a jeweler.

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