Topping the list of 10 things to do when you get engaged is, of course, finding the perfect ring! But there’s so much to consider when finding THE ring: like antique, vintage or vintage inspired? white, yellow or rose gold? Or platinum instead? Solitaire, halo or trilogy? (I love the idea of a stone for your past, your present and your future!) Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire or something altogether different? And it’s so important you get it right, because this is a ring you should love and wear for the rest of your life. In the face of so much choice – and pressure – it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. But don’t worry because I am here to help with some inspiration, as well as just a few words of engagement ring wisdom, and 21 of the most swoonworthy sparklers you ever will see!

When it comes to choosing your engagement ring, my advice would be to follow your heart! Of course you should educate yourself a little first too. It’s oh so tempting, once the question has been popped, to head straight to the high street in excitement and buy the first ring you like. But there’s no rush! Take your time, shop around, familiarise yourself with the all important 4 cs (that’s carat, cut, clarity and color), learn the different properties of metals: for example, did you know white gold turns yellow after a year or two? And the only way to get that beautiful white back is to get the ring Rhodium plated? And whilst platinum may retain its color, it is a more brittle metal? Nope, me either – but I do now!

If all this has left your head spinning, and even less sure where to begin, I have a little inspiration for you. I have rounded up 21 seriously gorgeous engagement rings, so take a deep breath and swoon over these stunners…..

Diamond Engagement Rings

When it comes to timeless elegance, there is nothing quite like a diamond! And it is the most popular choice for an engagement ring for a reason, because whether you go solitaire, trilogy or halo, in a vintage, vintage inspired or modern setting, it is a stone that will outshine all the rest…..

Micropavé Trio Diamond Ring – Blue Nile

Edwardian Inspired Diamond Ring – Erica Weiner

Delicate Diamond Ring – Melanie Casey

Art Deco Trio Ring – Trumpet & Horn

Vintage Inspired Diamond Solitaire Ring – Erstwhile

Colored Stone Engagement Rings

If diamonds are a little too conventional for you, you might want to add a splash of colour. Whilst your choice used to be limited to sapphires, emeralds and the occasional ruby, today you will find these and SO much more! With tourmaline, aquamarine and alternatively colored sapphires and diamonds (yep, they both come in different colors) offering stones in a literal rainbow of sumptuous and stylish shades…..

Marquise Ruby Ring – MinimalVS on Etsy

Sapphire Vintage Engagement Ring – Trumpet & Horn

Aquamarine Pear Ring – Davie & Chiyo

Emerald & Milgrain Ring – Blue Nile

Pink Tournmaline Ring – S. Kind & Co

Budget Friendly Engagement Rings

And you will find that with a different choice of stone, the price decreases significantly! Meaning you can choose a sparkler with real wow, at a fraction of the price of a traditional diamond ring. Stones like Mossanite and Morganite are especially budget friendly, without sacrificing any of the sparkle or romance – and best of all, they’re conflict free!…..

Hexagonal Champagne Diamond Ring – Catbird NYC

Mossanite Rose Gold Engagement Ring – Etsy

Melika Sapphire Ring – Catbird NYC

Morganite Rose Gold Engagement Ring – Davie & Chiyo

Emerald & Diamond Ring – Catbird NYC

Unique Engagement Rings

Of course if it’s unconventional you’re after, whilst still wanting the classic diamond, there are some incredibly creative jewelers today. From their choice of stones, to their settings, their designs are little works of art that are sure to make a statement….. they are not the rings for you though if you’re wanting your engagement, wedding and eternity rings to nestle neatly together!

Marquise Moissanite Ring – Olive Avenue Jewelry

Heart Diamond Ring – Katoaka

Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring – Olive Avenue Jewelry

 Opal Engagement Ring – Catbird NYC

‘Wandering Star’ Diamond Ring – Morphe Jewelry

Diamond Halo Engagement Ring – Olive Avenue Jewelry

The most important thing of all though, when shopping for your engagement ring, is to enjoy the process! Choose one that you are confident you will always love, one that suits your style and personality, and you can’t go wrong. Oh and always choose timeless elegance over fashionable fads, because whilst rose gold is the biggest trend right now, how will you feel about it in 10 years time?

After looking at all of these beauties, the only question I have is, how is a girl supposed to choose?! I would be happy to see any one (or all!) of them sparkling away on my finger.

Amy

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