How to Choose an Engagement Ring

It is important to take your time when choosing an engagement ring, a jewel that will symbolise your love. Whether you are searching alone to create a surprise, or together as a couple, there are many decisions to be made. We are here to guide you, offering useful reference points on the most crucial choices.

Determining the ideal budget for choosing an engagement ring

Let us begin with the least romantic aspect of choosing an engagement ring, yet one that will allow you to explore the world of precious stones with peace of mind: establishing a price range. Given the extremely varied price brackets and the many alternatives to diamonds, having a budget in mind will make it far easier to navigate your options without feeling overwhelmed.

Once your budget is set, decide which compromises you are willing — or not willing — to make. For instance, few people wish to forgo 18-carat gold (a wise choice, as it is more durable), yet many readily turn to more affordable — and nonetheless beautiful — stones rather than a diamond engagement ring.

Another common scenario: for a similar price, it is often possible to choose between an engagement ring set with several smaller stones and one featuring a single, larger stone (though prices will also depend on the metal and the quality of the gemstones).

Bonnot Paris offers bespoke engagement ring creation to suit a wide range of budgets.

Also read: how to choose your wedding band.

Finding the perfect ring style

Just as gemstones carry meaning, so too do ring styles, most of them bearing a significance tied to the idea of commitment. The solitaire is a symbol of eternal, singular love. A diamond halo evokes endless love and protection. A three-stone ring is a nod to the stages of a relationship — past, present, and future.

That said, many couples choose an engagement ring with elegance as their primary consideration, or simply the beauty of the piece itself. Whether a marquise ring, a pavé solitaire, or another design entirely, what matters most is that the ring delights the person who will wear it. Above all, favour timeless designs over those that are too fleeting in their appeal.

Dreaming of passionate red? While we can create a ruby engagement ring, do take a moment to consider a stone that bears a striking resemblance: the rhodolite garnet.

Also read: how to propose?

Choosing the perfect stone shape for an engagement ring

Being able to obtain the ideal stone is one of the great advantages of having a bespoke engagement ring made. The colour, the shape, the carats: everything can be balanced according to your budget.

On this complex point, there can be several approaches to choosing an engagement ring well. The eye is drawn to the colour of the gemstones, but do not overlook the shape. It greatly influences the style of the piece. It can also affect the way a ring captures the light.

The cushion cut is a very popular choice, particularly for maximum brilliance. The oval is frequently perceived as sophisticated and can create an impression of volume. The princess cut is resolutely modern. Round stones have the gift of suiting all types of settings.

With certain stones, the choice of shapes is somewhat more limited — for instance, an emerald engagement ring features a stone with a rather delicate crystalline structure, most often rectangular with cut corners. Others are cut into all manner of shapes, as is the case with tourmaline engagement rings.

On the colour of the stone

If you are saying "no" to diamond as the principal stone and "yes" to colour, here are a few pointers to help you navigate the wealth of available shades. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal taste, of course!

When choosing an engagement ring, one may:

– keep to historically prestigious stones (long steeped in tradition), such as the sapphire engagement ring,

– opting for more original colours, such as the teal sapphire, to better personalise the ring.

Alternatively, embrace boldness with less conventional stones, such as grey spinels or bi-colour sapphires, which can beautifully reflect a personality or a story. If you prefer lighter or pastel stones to the vivid, rich hues traditionally favoured, consider a ring set with an aquamarine.

Also discover: which finger to wear an engagement ring on.

Which gold should you choose for an engagement ring?

Some are made in platinum, but the majority of engagement rings are crafted in gold. Considered the most traditional choice, yellow gold is no less modern for it. You might choose a yellow gold engagement ring if you love diamonds or deeply coloured stones such as rubies or emeralds, and are drawn to a natural softness or a warm brilliance. Discover here how much an emerald costs.

Now a firm favourite, white gold lends a feeling of altogether more neutral sophistication. It pairs beautifully with diamonds and other lighter gemstones. It may have something of an "icy" quality, but this makes it perfect for a ring that is at once elegant and understated. Choose a white gold engagement ring if you love a cool brilliance, lighter stones, or clean and contemporary styles.

Rose gold is of course very much admired, though it is less commonly chosen for an engagement ring — making it an excellent option for a woman seeking a touch of originality. Its warm, gently coppery hue lends a romantic aura, and this metal is particularly flattering alongside diamonds and lighter stones, where it creates a subtle and beguiling contrast.

Contact us to create a piece of jewellery.