Choosing an engagement ring that actually feels like you
An engagement ring doesn’t have to look a certain way just because that’s what the high street is pushing. Some people prefer a simple, low-profile ring they can wear every day without worrying about it; others want a bit of height, sparkle and presence on the hand. This collection includes everything from neat solitaires to bolder cluster and trilogy designs so you can match the ring to the person, not the other way round.
Diamond, coloured stones and alternative engagement rings
Diamonds are still the classic choice for engagement rings, but they’re not the only option. You’ll also find rings with sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganite and other stones that give a softer or more individual look. Some people like the traditional diamond centre stone with coloured side stones, while others prefer a coloured centre stone with diamonds around it. The photos and descriptions will give you a clear idea of how each ring sits on the finger and how much sparkle it has.
Vintage and antique engagement rings with a story
If you like the idea of an engagement ring with a bit of history behind it, our vintage and antique pieces might appeal. Older rings often have hand-cut stones, carved shoulders, interesting settings and full British hallmarks and date letters. They can be a more characterful and sometimes better value alternative to buying a similar ring brand new. As with all our pre-owned pieces, most of these rings are one-offs, so once they’re gone we’re unlikely to find the exact same design again.
Getting the size roughly right (especially for surprises)
If you’re planning a surprise proposal, getting the size perfect first time isn’t always easy, and that’s okay. Borrowing a ring they already wear on the same finger, tracing the inside of it on paper or using a simple ring size guide at home can all help you make a sensible guess. Each engagement ring on the site is listed with a UK size, and some designs can be resized within sensible limits. If you’re unsure, just ask us about a particular ring before you buy and we’ll let you know what’s realistic.
What we check before listing an engagement ring
Every engagement-suitable ring is inspected before it goes on the website. We check that stones are secure in their settings, note any wear to claws or bands and record hallmarks and ring sizes where present. If there is anything you should be aware of – such as evidence of past resizing or a slightly rubbed mark – we mention it in the description rather than gloss over it. The aim is that when the box is opened, the ring looks how you expected it to from the photos and words on the page.
