Guide
How to find the right engagement ring
There is no single right engagement ring — but there are a few things that are good to know before you choose. Here is a thorough guide to the most important choices: the diamond's shape, metal, the 4 Cs, budget and size.
Will you surprise each other, or choose together? Both are completely normal — and we are happy to help, whichever way you go.
Find the right diamond shape
The shape matters just as much for the ring's look as the style of the ring itself. These are the four shapes we work with at Emmi & Co. — see them in real life, and what you should know about each one.
Round brilliant
The most popular shape — and the only one for which GIA gives an official cut grade. Round diamonds catch the most light and give maximum sparkle.
Oval
An elongated shape that makes the finger look slimmer and often appears larger than its carat weight. Choose a stone with good symmetry to avoid a shadow in the middle of the stone.
Emerald
A rectangular step cut with clean lines and a characteristic "hall of mirrors" effect rather than maximum sparkle. Since the facets are more open, we recommend a slightly higher clarity grade.
Asscher
A square step cut with cut corners and an elegant, retro-inspired "hall of mirrors" effect. Like the emerald cut, the open facets clearly show the stone's clarity, so we recommend a slightly higher clarity grade.
Choose the right metal
The metal determines both the ring's appearance and how much maintenance it needs over time. Here are the most common types.
Platinum
The most durable precious metal. Platinum pushes metal aside instead of wearing it away, is naturally hypoallergenic and rarely needs more than a light polish. On the other hand, it is heavier and more expensive than gold.
White gold
Gold alloyed with white metals and plated with rhodium for its clear, white shine. It needs re-plating every few years to keep its finish, but is a popular and affordable alternative to platinum.
Yellow gold
The classic choice that never goes out of style. A pure gold colour with no need for re-plating and a soft look that suits vintage-inspired designs well.
Rose gold
Gold alloyed with copper, which gives it its warm, pink colour. The copper content makes rose gold unusually tough and scratch-resistant — a romantic and modern choice.
At Emmi & Co. we currently work with 14 karat gold and white gold. If you are looking for platinum or rose gold, you are welcome to contact us — we are happy to explore the options for your ring.
Carat — weight
Carat measures the diamond's weight, not its size. A higher carat usually means a higher price, but two diamonds with the same carat can look different depending on the cut. A well-cut diamond with a slightly lower carat can therefore appear just as large as a less well-cut, heavier stone.
Cut
Cut determines how well the diamond catches and reflects light. It is the factor that matters most for the diamond's sparkle — more important than carat, colour and clarity. That is why we always recommend prioritising a good cut.
Clarity
Clarity describes how few small internal or external characteristics the diamond has. The fewer there are, the purer and rarer the diamond. Most characteristics cannot be seen with the naked eye at all, so high clarity is often not necessary to get a beautiful, clean stone — unless you choose a shape like emerald or asscher, where the open facets make characteristics easier to see.
Colour
Colour ranges from completely colourless to faintly yellowish. The more colourless, the more the diamond is usually valued. In yellow gold, a slight colour in the diamond can be almost impossible to notice, while it stands out more clearly in white gold or platinum.
How do we find the right balance?
Most couples prioritise cut the highest, as it matters most for the sparkle, and spend the rest of the budget on carat and a clarity/colour that cannot be seen with the naked eye. There is no single right answer — we are happy to help you find the balance between the 4 Cs that suits your budget and wishes.
Budget and ring size
Set the budget first
It makes the choice much easier, and you can filter directly by price in our collection. Lab-grown diamonds typically give you more stone for your money than mined diamonds in the same price range.
No "right" rule
The rule of two to three months' salary comes from an advertising campaign by De Beers in the 1930s and 40s. Set the budget that feels right for you, and let that be your starting point.
Not sure about the size?
Borrow a ring your partner already wears on their ring finger, or book an appointment in the showroom — we will help you find the right size, and the ring can always be adjusted afterwards.
Get the ring insured
Most home contents insurance policies can be extended with an add-on for high-value jewellery — ask your insurance company, and keep the receipt and certificate in a safe place.
Not sure what to choose?
Book a no-obligation chat with us — in store or by video. We go through styles, diamond quality and budget together, so you feel confident when it is time to choose.
See our engagement rings
From classic solitaire rings to modern multi-stone rings — find your style and filter by price, metal and carat.
