Once the decision has been made to draw a line under the single life and make a commitment to another, the first and most important thing is choosing the perfect engagement ring that will guarantee a ‘YES!’.

Easy you might think, but quickly it becomes obvious that with a long and rich history as that of an engagement ring means the options are considerable: Diamond or Gemstone, Brilliant Round Cut or Fancy Cut, Gold or Platinum, Traditional or Contemporary, Ready-to-wear or Bespoke, Discreet or Eye-Catching? Overwhelming, is an understatement.

Fortunately, our legacy as a jeweller of choice for many notable couples, we are well versed in guiding our clients through the process of marking this lifetime commitment. Here are some of our tips and considerations that will arm you for that one kneed drop.

So convincing was the marketing campaign devised by De Beers in the 1930’s, as a ploy to sell more Diamonds during the Great Depression, it recommended that an engagement rings worth should mirror three months’ salary. Decades later, people still believe it to be the definitive guide.

Stephen’s Advice: "Start with a budget you feel comfortable with, whilst keeping in mind that this ring will be worn everyday by your other half and be admired by everyone currently in your life as well as all of those about to be."

We’re all human. Everybody wants to show off their engagement ring (be that the wearer or proposer), and if the ring has a feature stone, then yes, size can matter.

That said, size matters to a point. The colour of the stone should just as much be a consideration. It’s a balance of the two.

Stephen’s Advice: "Find the biggest stone that matches your budget and that does not compromise on the colour."

Let’s start with the most popular choice, the Diamond.

Like a human fingerprint, every Diamond is unique, and the 4C’s are a global standard for assessing the quality of a Diamond.

In terms of colour, D is the top colour grade and therefore the most expensive. If you are looking to strike a balance between a good quality stone and value, we recommend choosing a Diamond between a grade of F – H.

It’s important however, to look beyond the specifications of the stone, and choose the stone that ‘speaks to you’ on an emotional level.

For more information on grading considerations across the 4C’s - colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.

- Stephen Webster, Founder & Creative Director

The most popular cut for an engagement ring is a Brillant Round Cut for a Diamond, and an Oval for a coloured gemstone. However, clients who come to Stephen Webster, often look for a piece that is more creative, opting for a fancy cut such as a Marquise or Pear.

Once you have established the cut, you are one step further to defining the design for your engagement ring.

The setting of a stone is extremely important and should not be overlooked. With a bad setting, even a good stone can get buried by poor craftsmanship.

Our Jewellers have undergone classic Goldsmith training and have the finesse to enhance and maximise the lustre of the stone, rather than deplete it.

At Stephen Webster, we have always believed that the back of a piece is just as important as the front. If a piece has not been beautifully made, and the back is enclosed, light is unable to enter the stone and enhance its sparkle.

If you are trying to keep the proposal under wraps, here some tips to finding their ring size.

Do they wear a ring on their right ring finger? If yes, download our printable ring size guide to find the perfect fit. Simply place their ring on the printout and find the appropriate size.

If you are unable to obtain a finger size, we would estimate based on the UK average sizing. For a female this is a size 6 and for a male size 9. Should the ring not fit perfectly, do not worry, our Master craftsmen can re-size the ring post-proposal.

1. Come with a budget in mind - this will set the scope of the engagement ring.

2. Have an idea of whether you would like a Diamond or a Coloured Gemstone as the central stone – this will define the quality and carat size available within your budget.

3. Do you have a stone Cut in mind?

4. Consider your partners style do they wear White or Yellow Gold jewellery?

5. With the above information, our expert team can guide and showcase designs that may appeal to you, as well as source a range of stones ahead of your appointment to view.

6. If you are looking for a piece that is totally unique, we invite you to explore our Bespoke Service.