Engagement Guide

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The foundations

Choosing an engagement ring is a significant decision, but it doesn't have to be daunting. It can and should be fun! In our experience, knowing where to begin is half the challenge…

Every couple, person and relationship is unique, so there is no single ‘perfect’ ring or even a right way to find it. Whether it’s a surprise engagement or a jointly chosen ring, the only thing that really matters is finding a piece that feels ‘you’.

Think about your partner – what are their tastes and passions? How do they spend their day? What stories or symbolism might they wish to celebrate? If you have them and their style in mind when you begin, you’re already off to a good start!

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Exploring your options

It helps to understand the basics. An engagement ring usually has three parts - the mount, the stone, and the setting style.

The metal you choose sets the tone for the ring. Yellow gold, rose gold, white gold and platinum each have their own distinct personalities. All Eartha & Wolf engagement rings are made from solid 18K recycled gold and platinum. Our vintage and antique pieces are sustainable by nature and sourced from the UK, Europe or America, by our in-house gemmologists, diamond graders and antique specialists.

The most common choice for a stone is a diamond, but coloured stones - sapphires, emeralds and rubies are also popular. Many of our pieces include antique stones with a beautiful history and character of their own.

Finally, the setting is how the stone is secured. A simple setting, such as a four claw, is a classic way to allow the stone to shine, but settings can range from minimal to decorative.

shop vintage engagement

"Bezel settings are sleek, clusters are decadent, and trilogies are rich in symbolism."

The special thing about purchasing with Eartha & Wolf is access to all the options. Whether you want an original antique, a contemporary design or a bespoke piece, we’ve got you. Our Reimagined collection marries restored antique stones and mounts with their beautiful new counterpart, to breathe life back into a magnificent design. Shop Reimagined

The details

Consider the 4C's (but don’t be ruled by them).

A working knowledge of the 4C's will help you make diamond decisions, but they aren't the only factors to consider. Diamonds have personality as well as sparkle, and we encourage you to focus on what makes the stone special to you rather than just following the grading scale.

Head to our Diamond Guide for a breakdown of the 4C's.

Our signature collection allows you to shop ready to wear pieces alongside customisable diamond sizes to fit every desire and budget.

All Eartha & Wolf modern diamonds promise a minimum grade of I colour and SI1 clarity. Any diamond above 0.50ct will always carry a GIA certificate and are always conflict free, so you can purchase your engagement ring with complete peace of mind. Our Signature collection also features perfectly unique recycled antique diamonds, for those that prefer the softer 'glitter'...

Shop signtature collection

  • ANTIQUE

    For the old cut diamond and gemstone lovers - there’s something incredibly romantic about choosing an antique or vintage engagement ring. All our pieces are carefully curated and lovingly restored, offering a trustworthy way to own a storied piece of jewellery history.

    SHOP VINTAGE 

  • CONTEMPORARY

    Eartha & Wolf signature styles; timeless, elegant, sophisticated. Our signature collection of engagement rings blends modern flair with vintage charm and is the perfect way to get the ‘best of both worlds’. All of our pieces are handmade to last a lifetime using conflict-free diamonds.

    SHOP CONTEMPORARY 

  • BESPOKE

    If you want something truly unique to you, our bespoke service helps you create a ring that’s entirely guided by your vision, our expertise and excellent craftsmanship. A bespoke engagement ring allows you true creativity and tailored specifications to create your heirloom piece.

    DISCOVER BESPOKE 

Take your time

Allow yourself time to explore your options and enjoy the process. There should never be any pressure to make a decision - talk over the options with each other or, if you’re planning a secret proposal, someone who knows your partner well.

If you want the ring to propose with, we recommend starting a few months before you plan to pop the question, especially if you’re considering a bespoke design.

The most important thing is that the ring feels right to you. Don’t be too swayed by trends or technical specifications - trust your instincts, and find a piece that speaks to you.

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ENGAGEMENT FAQs

How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

Ignore the three months' salary advice - there aren’t any rules when it comes to how much to spend on an engagement ring. Yes, an engagement ring is an investment. Choosing a piece of fine jewellery means your ring will last a lifetime or beyond, beautifully crafted using rare and precious materials. But your budget should feel comfortable. We can help find a piece that balances your dreams with reality. It's the meaning behind the ring that counts.

What are the latest trends in engagement rings?

Trends come and go, but ‘timeless’ is always an engagement ring buzzword. We’d like to add ‘personality’ too. From classic solitaire settings to vintage-inspired designs, cluster rings to modern minimalist, if you’ve chosen a piece that reflects your or your partner’s style and story, it will always feel right.

Should I surprise my partner with an engagement ring?

This very much depends on your relationship, and how intimately you think you know their style! If your partner loves surprises, it could be a memorable moment. If they’ve got a Pinterest board, have dropped hints or have in-the-know friends and family, we can help you find a piece they will love. However, if they're particular about their jewellery or you’re less sure about what they want from an engagement ring, you may want to involve them in the process. Choosing a ring together is a special process, and can be just as romantic as a secret proposal!

Should I buy a vintage engagement ring?

Vintage rings often boast craftsmanship, materials and details that are hard to find in modern pieces, making them truly one of a kind. They also come with a sense of history and character, telling a story through their design and previous life.

By choosing a vintage ring, you're also opting for a piece that doesn't require new resources, which reduces their environmental impact.

Are there any downsides? Well, vintage rings are one of a kind, so you may not find exactly what you want in your size, chosen materials or budget. Some people also want the thrill of choosing a new piece, of being the first chapter in the story. If that’s you, we also have a beautiful collection of vintage inspired signature rings.

How can I be certain my antique engagement ring is authentic?

It’s important to buy antique jewellery from a reputable source so you can be comfortable in the provenance and history of your piece. A trustworthy seller should be able to provide detailed information about the ring's history, condition, and any restorations. You’ll find all the information on a piece in our product descriptions, and we can also offer insurance valuations on request.

How do I find out my partner’s ring size without them knowing?

With our size guide! Using this guide you can take an existing ring belonging to your partner and find out what size it equates to. If you can’t get hold of a ring for the same finger, use another ring and pop us a message - Pandora and her team are amazing at ‘guesstimating’ ring sizes remotely, based on images and other rings.

Whatever happens, don’t worry - we offer free resizing as part of our service. We’re always secretly delighted to have our couples get back in touch for resizing, so we can hear all about the proposal and engagement…!

I don’t know where to start…??

Take a breath, take a look around our site, read our guides, and if all else fails, contact us. We’re here to help demystify it all!

And finally… we’re here for you

We know jewellery, we know engagement rings, and we know what a big decision choosing one is! So whether you want advice on our collections, to ask about bespoke options or simply need some advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Pop us a message here and we’d be delighted to help.


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