The best stone for an engagement ring is a diamond, renowned for its unmatched brilliance and durability. Its hardness makes it ideal for daily wear, however, sapphires and emeralds are also popular choices for their vibrant colours and unique charm, offering beautiful alternatives to diamonds.

Investing in a diamond engagement ring can be a daunting task. A great place to start is understand what styles of rings your partner likes, in particular the shape of the centre stone. In addition to this, we recommend familiarising yourself with the 4Cs which includes the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of a diamond. Visit our journal, where you can learn more about the 4Cs.

At Hogans, we have a workshop on-site and can either resize the ring for you following the proposal, or if they would prefer a completely different design we can exchange the piece provided it is returned in its original state and within 30 days of the purchase.

The most popular type of engagement ring is the solitaire style design, featuring a single stone as the centrepiece. Its timeless elegance and simplicity make it a classic highlights the brilliance of the diamond, making it the focal point.

Other styles that have been trending include the three-stone or trilogy and the two-stone or 'toi-et-moi' which translates to 'you and me' in French.

Periodically have your diamond or gemstones set pieces inspected by a professional jeweller. They can check for loose or damaged stones, worn claws and settings that can lead to loss of stones, or any other signs of damage that may require repair.

To clean diamond or gemstone jewellery at home, soak them in a mixture of warm water and detergent. Gently scrub the surface with a soft toothbrush to remove dirt and oils. Rinse with clean water and pat dry using a soft, lint-free cloth.

At Hogans we offer a lifetime of complimentary professional cleaning at our workshop located at 241 Margaret Street, Toowoomba. Simply visit our showroom where our jewellers will inspect the piece before it is cleaned.