Selecting an engagement ring is one of life’s most meaningful purchases, it’s a piece chosen not only for its beauty, but for what it represents. More than a gemstone or precious metal, an engagement ring is a symbol of commitment, intention, and the future you and your partner will build together.
While the process can feel overwhelming at first, at Hogans Family Jewellers, we guide by style, practicality, and personal sentiment, ensuring the final choice is both timeless and deeply personal. The result is a ring that will be treasured for generations to come.
Begin With a Considered Budget
One of the most common questions surrounding engagement rings is how much one should spend. Traditional advice once suggested allocating two to three months’ salary, however this rule is widely regarded as outdated and overly prescriptive.
A more meaningful approach is to set a budget that aligns comfortably with your financial position and future plans. Consider existing commitments, upcoming milestones, and savings goals. An engagement ring should feel joyful to purchase, never burdensome. Its value lies not in the price tag, but in the intention behind it and the life it represents.
Our team work to prioritise what matters most, whether that be stone size, setting detail, or metal choice, ensuring the final design feels considered and balanced within your budget.
Selecting a Style That Feels Enduring
The setting style defines the overall character of an engagement ring, it is the architectural foundation that shapes how the gemstone is presented. From refined minimalism to intricate detail, each style tells a different story.
A solitaire setting remains the most enduring choice. Featuring a single centre stone, it celebrates simplicity and proportion, allowing the gemstone to take full focus. Elegant and versatile, a solitaire adapts beautifully across metal colours and band profiles, making it one of the most timeless silhouettes.
A trilogy setting carries rich symbolism, with three stones representing past, present, and future. Visually, it offers greater presence on the hand while maintaining balance and symmetry. Side stones may be matched or tapered to draw the eye toward the centre, adding dimension without overwhelming it.
A cluster setting creates visual impact through composition, with multiple smaller stones arranged to create the impression of a larger feature. This style often delivers exceptional sparkle and can feel both vintage-inspired or distinctly modern depending on the arrangement.
Equally important is how the gemstone is secured. Claw settings allow more light to enter the stone, enhancing brilliance, while bezel settings offer a smooth, contemporary finish.
While trends can provide inspiration, longevity should lead the decision. The most beautiful engagement rings are those that feel authentic to the wearer’s personal style rather than tied to a moment in fashion. A well-chosen design should feel as relevant decades from now as it does today.
Choosing Your Precious Metal
The metal you select plays a significant role in both the appearance and durability of the ring. Each option offers its own character and practical advantages.
White gold offers a bright and radiant white finish. It is rhodium plated for its crisp appearance and will require re-plating to maintain its lustre. We recommend having this done every 12 to 18 months to keep your engagement ring looking dazzling for years to come.
Yellow gold remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its warmth and heritage appeal.
Rose gold, with its soft blush tone, brings a romantic and distinctive character.
Gold is available in different purities, denoted by karat. 9k gold contains 37.5% pure gold and offers a lighter colour tone. 14k gold, at 58.5% purity, provides a classic hue with good longevity. Finally, 18k gold, containing 75% pure gold, is our recommended choice for engagement rings. Its richer, more luxurious colour is less prone to tarnishing, ensuring your ring maintains its brilliance and elegance for decades, a perfect complement to the timeless significance of the gemstone it holds.
Platinum is celebrated for its inherent strength and naturally radiant white sheen. Exceptionally enduring, it retains its colour over time without the need for plating. It is worth noting, however, that the high heat required for resizing or other maintenance may not be suitable for all gemstones or intricate engagement ring designs. Expert guidance ensures that the integrity and elegance of your platinum setting are preserved for a lifetime of wear.
Metal choice also subtly influences how a gemstone appears. White metals can emphasise brightness and showcase cool tones, while yellow and rose can introduce warmth and depth to the stone’s colour.
Selecting the Gemstone
The gemstone is the focal point of an engagement ring, the element that draws the eye and often carries the deepest symbolism.
When selecting a centre stone, professional guidance can make a meaningful difference. Viewing gemstones in person allows you to understand nuance, how they perform in light, how colour presents, and how cut influences brilliance.
Diamonds remain the most traditional choice, admired for their unmatched brilliance and exceptional hardness. When selecting a diamond, factors such as the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity and carat) are essential considerations, along with elements such as fluorescence and overall proportion.
Sapphires are increasingly sought after for engagement rings due to their durability and extraordinary colour range. While royal blue remains iconic, sapphires also appear in pink, peach, pastel and bi-colour varieties, offering a distinctive and highly personal alternative.
Rubies present a bold and expressive option. With durability comparable to sapphire and a rich red hue long associated with passion and courage.
Planning for the Wedding Band
An engagement ring should not be chosen in isolation, it should also be considered alongside the future wedding band it will sit beside.
Some engagement ring settings allow a straight wedding band to sit flush, while low set designs may require a shaped or contoured band to achieve a seamless fit. Thinking ahead can preserve design harmony and prevent the need for later compromises.
Metal consistency between the two rings is also important. Different metals wear at different rates, and pairing unlike materials can lead to uneven wear over time.
Determining the Correct Ring Size
Ensuring the correct ring size contributes to both comfort and security. If discretion is important, measuring a ring your partner already wears on the intended finger can provide a reliable guide. Friends or family members may also be able to assist quietly.
Professional sizing remains the most reliable method, and can be completed in-store at Hogan’s Family Jewellers for complete accuracy. Should adjustments be required after the proposal, most rings can be resized, allowing for refinement without compromise.
A Final Thought
An engagement ring is ultimately a deeply personal choice, one that balances beauty, symbolism, and everyday practicality. With thoughtful consideration and expert guidance, the selection process becomes part of the story itself. At Hogan’s Family Jewellers, we are honoured to assist in bringing these pieces to life, considered, intentional, and lasting.
For those ready to begin the journey, you may explore our ready-to-wear engagement ring collection, thoughtfully designed and crafted for immediate selection. For something more personal, we invite you to book an obligation free design consultation with our team to create a bespoke engagement ring tailored to your vision.
