Michael Spiers

Engagement Ring Guide

The Importance of an Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is one of life’s most meaningful purchases, and it deserves time, thought, and care. Its history stretches back to the very beginning of society, with early traditions tracing to Ancient Rome, where braided reeds were exchanged as symbols of love and commitment. The circular shape of the ring has long represented eternity, with no beginning and no end, and is often associated with concepts such as the Ouroboros and the continuous cycle of life, like Samsara.

Today, an engagement ring is a timeless symbol of modern love between two people. Crafted from precious metal and set with a carefully chosen gemstone, it captures a unique moment in time while becoming a treasured heirloom to be passed down through generations to come.

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a deeply personal journey. It is not a decision to be rushed, but one approached with patience and care. With over 65 years of crafting stunning engagement rings, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

When looking at an engagement ring, there are six key factors to keep in mind to help you find the perfect ring:

Ring Size - Ensuring the perfect fit
Metal - Choose from Platinum, White Gold, Yellow Gold and more.
Ring Style - From timeless solitaires to vintage-inspired designs.
The Precious Stone - Select the gemstone that best represents your love, such as a diamond, sapphire, or ruby.
Cut - The shape and quality of the stone’s cut.
Clarity - The stone's purity.

Michael Spiers

Beginning the process

Selecting an engagement ring, like any relationship, begins with meaningful communication. When beginning your journey of selecting an engagement ring, you have two key ways of doing so:

Openly discussing with your partner
Selecting the ring on your own

Exploring with your partner

Searching for an engagement ring together is one of the best ways to ensure that you find a piece you will both love. From choosing a style that reflects your relationship to making sure the fit is just right, sharing the experience can make the process more enjoyable and far less daunting.

We recommend starting by exploring different ring styles and designs online to discover what catches your eye. You can use our Engagement Ring Curator tool on our website to explore a variety of ideas. Once you have a clearer idea of what you like, visit a jeweller together to see your preferred engagement rings in person.

And do not worry - choosing the ring together does not make the proposal any less special. Once you have found the perfect ring, the proposal itself is entirely yours to plan. Whether beneath a sky full of shimmering stars, on top of a frozen lake, or during a quiet moment that is meaningful to both of you, the surprise lies in the occasion, not the ring.

The Surprise Route

This approach is certainly more challenging and requires careful planning, but it will create a moment your partner will never forget. To pull this off successfully, you will need to be subtle and collect notes on their preferences without them being suspicious. It may feel like a lot of pressure, but we are here to help, and we are confident that you can do it, agent.

If you are purchasing an engagement ring as a surprise:

Subtly ask about their preferred ring styles, size, and stone, ensuring you make plenty of notes
Ask their friends and/or family for advice and insights
Be prepared in case they want to resize or change the design after the proposal. At Michael Spiers, we can help resize or find the right piece

With this in mind, remember that there is no rush. To help you select the perfect engagement ring, we have broken down the areas you need to consider below.

Handing over Michael Spiers Engagement Ring

The Anatomy of an Engagement Ring

It may seem like a simple matter; however, an engagement ring is very individual, and there are many components and styles to think about. One of the most crucial areas to be familiar with is the 4 C’s.

The four C’s ultimately determine a stone's value, and when selecting a stone, this can be a balance. This is explored further in our Engagement Ring Guide, where we look at gemstones.

At Michael Spiers, our minimum standard of diamonds starts from F/G - VS.

The 4 C's of Diamonds

Cut

The cut grades how well a diamond’s facets (external edges) interact with the light, ranging from a scale from poor to excellent. This is important to know how well the diamond will sparkle in the light.

Cut
Colour

This evaluates the absence of colour in white diamonds, running from D (completely colourless) to Z (a yellow/brown tint).

Colour
Clarity

This examines the internal imperfections inside the diamond, known as inclusions and on its surface, which are referred to as blemishes. This scales from flawless (FL) to included (I).

Clarity
Carat

This measures the diamond's weight, with one carat equaling 200 milligrams.

Carat

Michael Spiers

Our Diamond Promise

At Michael Spiers, we take our responsibility to you seriously. That is why every diamond we offer is ethically sourced and untreated, purchased only through legitimate channels in full compliance with United Nations Resolutions and the Kimberley Process. We proudly guarantee that our diamonds actively support responsible practices across the industry.

All of our certificated diamonds come exclusively from the most respected gemological laboratories in the world: the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), HRD Antwerp, and IGI Antwerp.

Engagement Ring Styles

When choosing an engagement ring, you will discover a wide range of styles to explore, from contemporary, minimalist solitaires to ageless halo designs. The perfect ring is the one that reflects your unique style and love story.

Solitaire

A solitaire engagement ring is the epitome of minimalism, showcasing a single centre stone as its defining feature. While the setting can vary, the solitaire design is crafted to maximise the diamond’s brilliance, allowing it to take centre stage without distraction.

Halo

A halo engagement ring is a vintage-inspired design, featuring a central diamond or gemstone encircled by a halo of smaller accent stones. This elegant setting enhances the brilliance of the centre stone while creating an illusion of a larger, more striking diamond.

Cluster

Cluster engagement rings are renowned for their bold, eye-catching style. Similar to halo designs, they feature a central diamond or coloured gemstone, such as a ruby or sapphire, surrounded by a collection of smaller diamonds. The clustered arrangement creates exceptional sparkle and gives the ring a striking appearance.

Trilogy

A trilogy ring features a central diamond or coloured gemstone flanked by two smaller stones. Representing the past, present, and future of a relationship, this style is a popular choice for couples seeking both symbolism and elegance. A trilogy ring can be crafted using different central stones like a diamond, a vibrant ruby, or a rich sapphire.

Diamond Shoulders

While not a ring style in its own right, diamond shoulders are a beautiful design feature that can enhance almost any engagement ring. Set with rows of diamonds along the band, they add extra brilliance to the finish of your piece. When choosing diamond shoulders, it is important to ensure the ring is the correct size, as resizing can be more complex than with a plain band.

Michael Spiers

Selecting your Stone

After exploring the styles that best reflect your and your partner’s taste, the next important decision is selecting the perfect gemstone to bring the ring to life.

Diamonds

Diamonds have long been considered the quintessential symbol of love, with their shimmering beauty making them one of the most popular choices for an engagement ring. While many associate their popularity with De Beers’ iconic “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, launched in 1947, the history of the diamond engagement ring stretches back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented one to Mary of Burgundy.

Centuries later, diamonds remain one of the most coveted choices for engagement rings. Their remarkable durability and brilliance have made them a long-lasting emblem of resilience, devotion, and everlasting love.

Rubies

Rubies offer a striking and romantic alternative to the traditional diamond engagement ring. Revered for their alluring beauty, these gemstones make a meaningful choice for centre stones, symbolising passion, devotion, and the strength of a lasting bond.

Available in a mesmerising range of hues, from rich deep crimson tones to delicate shades of rose, each ruby possesses its own unique character.

Sapphires

Symbolising loyalty, love, and truth, sapphires are an iconic choice for an engagement ring and can be beautifully situated to both contemporary and traditional designs. Their remarkable versatility comes from the extraordinary range of colours they can display, from delicate pastel tones to deep blue hues.

While blue sapphires remain the popular choice, sapphires offer a range of diverse colours created by trace elements becoming naturally embedded within the gemstone during formation. This leads some sapphires to appear in vibrant pinks, subtle yellows, and radiant greens.

Emeralds

Growing in popularity, emeralds have become a captivating choice for those seeking a contemporary engagement ring. With their vivid green hues, emeralds make breathtaking centre stones that offer a sense of individuality.

However, for those drawn to the beauty of green gemstones, we recommend considering a green sapphire. While emeralds are undeniably stunning, they are a softer gemstone and can be more susceptible to wear and tear. Green sapphires offer a similar natural elegance with enhanced durability, making them a more practical choice.

Other Stones

As aforementioned, your engagement ring is all about representing your love. Not current trends, nor modern expectations. There are a multitude of precious and semi-precious stones to explore, so do not feel limited. For instance, your partner may like blue topaz or prefer an amethyst, which you can discover in our Aya ring collection.

The Anatomy of an Engagement Ring

Following the selection of your preferred stone, you can then think about the cut, which refers to its shape and the way it sits on the ring.

Round Brilliant

Round Brilliant
Oval

Oval
Cushion

Cushion
Emerald

Emerald
Princess

Princess
Marquise

Marquise

Choosing your metal

With an engagement ring, you need a metal that will last the test of time, something that can show you love for generations to come, and potentially be passed down through your family. At Michael Spiers, we pride ourselves on quality, crafting rings from 18ct gold and recycled platinum.

When choosing the metal for your engagement ring, think about your partner's style. Do they prefer a traditional warm lustre of yellow gold? Or do they want something more subtle to go with their other jewellery, like White Gold or Platinum? One matter to consider is how your engagement ring will pair in the future. Think about how it will complement your wedding bands, and for the future, an eternity ring.

How to Measure your ring Size at home

Finding the perfect fit is as important as selecting your engagement ring style. If you already know your partner’s ring size, you are one step ahead. If not, we recommend that you come into one of our Showrooms, where a member of staff can size your finger.

Request an Appointment

Talking with your jeweller

We always recommend visiting one of our Showrooms when you are choosing an engagement ring, whether you are shopping on your own or together with your partner. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the journey, helping you find the perfect ring to mark one of life’s most memorable moments.

With our four jewellery showrooms across the South West, in Truro, Plymouth, Exeter, and Taunton, we are here to make your experience as special as the occasion itself. Visit us to explore a wide range of styles, compare different gemstones and cuts, and learn more about the options available in a relaxed environment.

We will help you find an engagement ring that matches your love story.

Our Showrooms

Michael Spiers

Engagement Ring Guide

The Importance of an Engagement Ring

Michael Spiers

Beginning the process

Exploring with your partner

The Surprise Route

The Anatomy of an Engagement Ring

The 4 C's of Diamonds

Cut

Colour

Clarity

Carat

Our Diamond Promise

Engagement Ring Styles

Solitaire

Halo

Cluster

Trilogy

Diamond Shoulders

Michael Spiers

Selecting your Stone

Selecting your Stone

Diamonds

Rubies

Sapphires

Emeralds

Other Stones

The Anatomy of an Engagement Ring

Round Brilliant

Oval

Cushion

Emerald

Princess

Marquise

Choosing your metal

How to Measure your ring Size at home

Talking with your jeweller

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT