If you’re engagement ring shopping and feeling overwhelmed by choices no one explains, this guide covers the details most people only learn after it’s too late.
Working in engagement ring production taught me that a ring’s beauty, wearability, and meaning all come down to details most people never think to ask about.
I learnt that the slow way, through my own engagement ring journey. I knew the setting and the 4 Cs — but I wish someone had told me everything else.
1. Add personal details
You can ask for small touches that make it uniquely yours — engraving, a birthstone, or even subtle hidden details inside the band. It’s a way to make it more personal and less “off the shelf.”
2. Gemstones are beautiful, but fragile
Emeralds and sapphires are stunning, but the lesser-known fact is that they’re quite fragile for everyday wear. Most jewellers would advise against choosing them for a ring you plan to wear all the time.
They may not hold up to daily activities like cooking, washing dishes, or showering the way a diamond would. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be your engagement ring of choice. It simply means they’re better reserved for non-active moments or when you’re stepping out.
3. Understand the stone itself
Especially for larger stones, look carefully under different lighting. Tilt the diamond and notice how it behaves from every angle. Look for windows, dark areas, stars, bowties, or other light patterns that can affect brilliance.
Proportions matter too. Two stones can have the same carat weight but look completely different. An oval, for example, can be long and slender or short and wide depending on the ratio. Ask for the millimetre measurements, and if you’re particular about proportions, select your stone before finalising the setting.
Certifications help, but trust your eyes — they’ll tell you more than any report can.
4. Consider the side profile
The front view gets all the attention, but the side profile quietly defines the ring’s personality. Look at how the stone sits: the height, the gallery, and any surrounding settings.
Do you prefer something open and airy, or a closed, sculpted basket? You can even add design details there small stones, filigree, or hidden accents that only you know about. This is the angle you’ll see most when you wear it, so take a moment to appreciate how it feels from every side.
5. Band shape and shank thickness
The shape and thickness of the band change how the ring feels as much as how it looks. Rounded, flat, or knife-edge profiles each give a different character; what looks delicate online can sometimes feel sharp or bulky in person. Try them on to see what feels right for you.
If you love a thin band, 1.5 mm is the absolute minimum; anything thinner can feel too fragile. Slightly thicker bands are more durable and comfortable for everyday wear.
On the other hand, very thick or tall bands can feel heavy or protrude more on the finger, especially if the setting sits high.
6. Claw styles matter
There are many options: square, talon, rounded, double, or single prongs — and each changes the personality of the piece.
If you want something classic and clean, talon claws are a great choice: sleek and refined, they let the stone take centre stage.
7. Be specific about side-stone settings
If you’re adding diamonds to the band, it may seem like a simple request, but there are many different types of settings. Just showing a reference image or saying “side stones” won’t always be enough.
Clarify exactly what you want: micro pavé, channel, shared claw, or single claw. This single detail changes everything.
Personally, I think microset or micropavé is a beautiful choice for side stones. It showcases the sides of each diamond and creates a soft, continuous sheen.
8. Check how it pairs with your wedding band
If you plan to get your wedding ring elsewhere, make sure your engagement ring sits flush with it. Some settings, especially with low baskets or wide shoulders, won’t allow another band to sit snugly next to them.
A wedding band also adds total depth, affecting how the two rings sit and move together. Always try them side by side when possible — comfort is as important as proportion.
9. Sizing and resizing
Get your ring size checked midday or early evening, when your hands are at their natural size. Avoid measuring right after waking, exercising, or when your hands are cold.
A proper fit should slide on with gentle resistance and need a small twist to come off. Remember that wider bands fit tighter, so always size using a ring or sizer in a similar width.
If your ring has side stones, resizing can be more delicate. Ask your jeweller to walk you through their process before making changes. The band shouldn’t feel thinner or weakened afterwards — for larger adjustments, a good jeweller will add metal rather than stretch it, to preserve the ring’s strength and shape.
10. Ask about a placeholder ring
A placeholder ring is something you can ask your jeweller to make for you. It’s a stand-in piece — a temporary ring they can provide if your proposal happens before your custom design is ready, or if you’re travelling and need the ring sooner.
It’s just for the moment, while your actual ring is being made, and most jewellers can easily accommodate this.
11. A note on metal maintenance
White gold naturally requires replating over time. It’s not a manufacturing flaw; it’s part of the metal’s nature. The rhodium plating gives it that bright white shine, but it softens gradually with wear.
Platinum is a good alternative if you prefer a white metal that doesn’t need replating, though it has a slightly darker, greyer hue compared to rhodium-plated white gold. Both are beautiful — it simply depends on the tone you prefer and how you plan to wear the ring.
Final thought
Engagement rings are symbols of love, commitment, and everything that lives quietly between the two. Knowing the details helps you translate that love into design — creating something deeply personal, beautiful, and enduring through every season of life.
Questions we often hear
Q: What should I look for beyond the 4 Cs when buying an engagement ring?
A: Pay attention to band shape, claw style, stone proportions, and side profile; they affect comfort and character more than you’d expect.
Q: Are gemstones good for engagement rings?
A: They’re beautiful but more delicate than diamonds. With care and occasional wear, they make meaningful alternatives.
Q: What’s a placeholder ring?
A: A temporary stand-in your jeweller can provide if your proposal happens before the real ring is ready — a thoughtful option for timing flexibility.