Asking someone to marry you is one of life's most memorable moments. That makes it all the more important to approach the process thoughtfully — both the proposal itself and the choice of ring.
Budget
Engagement ring prices vary enormously depending on the quality and cut of the stone, and the choice of metal. The old suggestion of spending two months' salary is, frankly, an outdated convention — there are no hard and fast rules. Over many years we have sold thousands of engagement rings, and the average spend among our happy couples tends to fall between £1,500 and £2,000. What matters most is finding a ring your partner will love, and only spending what feels right and comfortable for you. An engagement ring is a symbol of love and commitment, not a measure of it.
We always carry a variety of designs and styles to suit different budgets. Just phone or email us and we will put together a selection of rings for you to browse.
Choice of Metal
If you know your partner's taste in jewellery, a good starting point is the metal colour they usually wear.
Yellow gold is the classic, timeless choice, and the natural partner for yellow gold wedding bands. Gold purity is measured in carats — 24 carat is pure gold, while 9 carat is alloyed with metals such as silver and copper for increased hardness. We would recommend 18 carat gold for a ring worn daily, as it combines a high gold content with excellent durability.
White gold is a perennially popular choice — diamonds look particularly stunning against a white metal setting. White gold is typically 18 carat, alloyed with approximately 25% palladium, giving it its silvery colour. It is durable and well suited to everyday wear.
Rose gold has a warm, romantic pinkish hue, created through an alloy of yellow gold and copper. First popularised in Russia in the 19th century and fashionable again during the 1920s, rose gold has enjoyed a strong revival in recent years. A considered choice, and no less durable than yellow gold.
Platinum is the hardest of all the metals used in jewellery and an excellent choice for an engagement ring worn daily. Any gemstone looks exceptional in platinum, and the metal will never tarnish. A platinum or white gold wedding band completes the look beautifully.
Choice of Stone
Beyond the metal, you will want to consider the stone. A colourless diamond is timeless and endlessly versatile. For something more individual, a blue sapphire, red ruby or green emerald each brings its own distinctive character.
It is worth bearing in mind that some gemstones are harder than others, and the best choice for a ring worn every day is one that will stand up to daily life. Gemstone hardness is measured on the Mohs scale, developed in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs. Diamonds score 10 — the maximum — followed by sapphires and rubies at 9, and emeralds and aquamarines at 7.5 to 8.
Style and Setting
The way a stone is set into a ring affects both its appearance and its practical durability. As a general rule, the more a stone protrudes, the more exposure it has to knocks and scratches. Even the hardest stones can chip, so it is sensible to remove the ring during physical or hazardous activities.
There is a wide range of styles to consider: from a simple single solitaire to a solitaire with diamond-set shoulders; two, three and five stone rings in many configurations; and cluster rings with a central stone surrounded by smaller diamonds. Rings with multiple stones often offer better value per total diamond weight than a single solitaire of equivalent size.
It is also worth thinking about how the engagement ring will sit alongside a wedding band. We are very happy to show you this in our shop in Battle, or via photographs and video if you are not able to visit in person.
Finger Size
It is helpful to know your partner's ring size in advance, but it is not essential. The vast majority of rings — with the exception of full eternity rings — can be resized. Tips for finding the size discreetly include measuring one of their existing rings at home, taking a ring they already wear to a jeweller, or enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member. Where resizing is needed, we include this at no extra charge wherever possible, and we will always discuss this with you.
Before You Visit
We can reserve any number of rings ahead of a visit to our shop. Simply browse friarhouse.com, note down the SKU numbers of the rings you are interested in, and let us know — we will set them aside until your visit. Once here, you are of course welcome to look at everything else we have in stock. We have noticed over the years that a ring often seems to choose the person, and occasionally does not even need resizing — what we like to call a serendipity ring.
For surprise purchases, an understanding of your partner's general style and the jewellery they currently wear will always help to guide your choice. Rings can also be purchased directly from our website. Please email us or call 01424 777721 if you would like to discuss anything further.