Engagement guide · Start here
How to buy an engagement ring.
Begin with the person, not a rulebook. The right ring balances style, lifestyle, proportion, meaning and budget, and you do not need every answer before speaking to us.
Personal guidance · Lab-grown centre stones · London designNotice what they already choose.
Look at the jewellery they wear repeatedly. Is it minimal, sculptural, vintage-inspired, colourful or unconventional? Which metal and visual scale appear most often?
Lifestyle matters too. Someone active with their hands may prefer a lower, protective setting. Someone drawn to expressive jewellery may want asymmetry, colour or unusual proportions.
- What do they wear repeatedly?
- Would they prefer restraint or a strong point of view?
- Should a wedding band sit flush?
- How active are their hands in an ordinary week?
There is no salary rule.
The idea that an engagement ring should cost a fixed number of months’ salary is marketing, not a requirement. Choose a budget that feels responsible for your life.
A useful range lets a designer balance centre stone, setting, metal and detail intentionally rather than hiding compromises.
Start with a setting or start with a story.
Choose a Lark & Berry engagement design when a house silhouette already feels right, then refine the diamond, metal and size.
Choose bespoke when the feeling, practical need, reference or original idea should determine the design from the beginning.
- Collection: begin with an existing design
- Bespoke: develop the composition with a designer
The outline changes the first impression.
Shape describes outline and faceting style; cut quality describes how successfully the design is executed.
- Round: balanced and highly brilliant
- Oval: softly elongated with graceful coverage
- Emerald: architectural step facets
- Pear: curved and directional
- Marquise: long, pointed and expressive
- Cushion: soft corners and romantic structure
- Radiant: angular with lively sparkle
- Asscher: geometric step-cut pattern
How the diamond is held changes the life of the ring.
Consider setting height, snagging, ease of cleaning and how a future wedding band will sit. Beauty and wearability should be designed together.
- Solitaire: one centre stone
- Halo: smaller diamonds frame the centre
- Trilogy: three principal stones
- Bezel: a clean metal rim
- Pavé: small diamonds along the band
- Toi et Moi: two principal stones in one composition
The setting has a colour too.
Yellow gold feels warm and distinctive. White gold has a bright finish that may require rhodium maintenance. Rose gold carries a pink tone through its alloy. Platinum is naturally white and develops its own patina.
Available metals depend on the individual design. Product details or a personal quotation should identify exact alloy and finish.
Measure thoughtfully. Share the date early.
A jeweller’s measurement or a well-fitting ring worn on the correct finger gives the strongest size estimate. Avoid relying only on string or an unverified printed guide.
Made-to-order and bespoke rings require time for stone confirmation, design, production and finishing. If you have a fixed date, share it at the first conversation. Rush work from approximately two weeks may sometimes be possible but must be confirmed in writing.
- Confirm whether displayed price is setting-only or complete
- Review the individual grading report where supplied
- Consider wedding-band fit
- Confirm size, metal and production timing
- Read warranty, care and returns terms