Planning a Valentine's Day proposal in 2023? They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, which is why you can't go wrong with a sparkling engagement ring when you're planning to pop the question.
Whether it's a halo ring, trilogy ring or a classic solitaire, it's important to get to know the four c's – carat, clarity, colour and cut – before you splash the cash. And if you want to know how to secretly measure your partner's engagement ring size, we've got you covered on that front too.
Get to know more about how to buy the perfect engagement ring here, right after you've swooned over our pick of the most beautiful diamond engagement rings from high street jewellers like Beaverbrooks through to Tiffany & Co. How could she ever say no?!
How much money do you spend on engagement rings?
Past traditions dictate that three months' salary should be spent on an engagement ring, however, these days there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone has a different idea of budget and with so many designers and high-street jewellers offering a wide range of stunning styles, price doesn't have to be a major cause for concern. If you're worried about making the wrong choice, a dummy proposal ring could be an option and you and your bride-to-be can go ring shopping together afterwards.
How many carats is appropriate for an engagement ring?
According to Diamond Heaven, in the UK the average carat size for a diamond engagement ring is between 0.5-1 carat, although some suggest it's 0.6 carats. Of course, there's no pressure to abide by a certain carat size as other factors such as budget and style can impact your final choice.
The best engagement rings
1. Beaverbrooks
A timeless token of love, this Platinum Diamond Halo Ring is seriously stunning. It's hard not to fall in love with the beautiful round-cut diamond which sits at its centre.
Platinum Diamond Halo Ring, £3,250, Beaverbrooks
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2. Pandora
A solid 14k yellow gold ring hand set with a 1.00 carat lab-created diamond. A beautiful statement of empowerment and possibility, or a simple yet eloquent declaration of love.
Pandora Brilliance Lab Created Diamond Ring, £1,290, Pandora
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3. Goldsmiths
For vintage-inspired elegance, it doesn't get much better than this oval-cut halo ring created by one of the Duchess of Cambridge's favourite designers, Jenny Packham, and available at Goldsmiths.
Jenny Packham oval halo diamond engagement ring, £3,750, Goldsmiths
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4. Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery
If you're after an engagement ring that's unique and interesting, Carrie Elizabeth should be a go-to. This ring below is crafted in 14k solid white gold and the stunning Salt & Pepper diamonds have a wild, natural beauty that is mysterious and luxurious in appearance. The distinctive “Salt & Pepper” pattern is created by inclusions and imperfections in the diamond that look like little speckles and flecks of white and black, creating a mottled, smoky effect in a spectrum of silky grey tones. The beauty of Salt and Pepper diamonds is that no two are the same.
Aria Salt & Pepper diamond ring, £1,385.95, Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery
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5. Dower & Hall
Dower & Hall's Stargazer ring is out of this world! Hand-crafted with luxurious gems, including a cushion cut Morganite surrounded by seven tiny diamonds, this contemporary ring has been designed to evoke stars surrounding an astral nebula – so romantic. A sustainable alternative, it's even been made with 18ct recycled gold.
Morganite & Diamond Stargazer Ring, £1,495, Dower & Hall
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6. Tiffany & Co.
Hailed as the inventor of the modern engagement ring, that little blue Tiffany & Co. box alone will be enough to ensure she says yes. The Tiffany Soleste Pear-shaped engagement ring gathers and mirrors light, resulting in an unrivalled display of brilliance. According to the jeweller, the pear shape was made popular in the 18th century and is said to represent tears of joy, fitting as it will surely make her emotional.
Tiffany Soleste pear-shaped halo engagement ring, POA, Tiffany & Co.
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7. Swarovski
Expertly crafted, the scene-stealing princess-cut centre stone is enhanced with elegant pavé on the gallery and along the rhodium-plated band. It's super affordable and could even make a great option for a ring to propose with and then go out to find the dream ring together.
Constella cocktail ring, £135, Swarovski
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8. H Samuel
This luxurious 18ct yellow gold ring exudes elegance and classic glamour. The Forever Diamond has a unique flower cut made up of 73 facets which gives exceptional sparkle and radiance. Finished with 'FOREVER' engraved upon the inside of the shank set with a final secret diamond in the O, for a final sentimental secret touch.
The Forever Diamond engagement ring, £1999, H Samuel
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19. Thomas Sabo
The ring is made from high-quality 925 Sterling silver and would make a great affordable proposal ring.
White stone ring, £98, Thomas Sabo
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10. Goldsmiths
With its dazzling opal-cut centre piece and a scattering of diamonds on a platinum band, she'll treasure this timeless ring forever. The ring features a state-of-the-art setting technique to make the diamonds really stand out and appear even bigger than they already are. Stunning.
Platinum 0.70cttw Diamond Oval Cut Scatter Ring, £4,000, Goldsmiths
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11. Vera Wang Love
The go-to wedding dress designer for everyone from Rochelle Humes to Hailey Bieber, you can also snap up Vera Wang's designs from her Vera Wang LOVE jewellery collection at Ernest Jones. The white gold diamond halo ring features a 0.70ct diamond with Vera's signature sapphire underneath. It's currently on sale at a fantastic reduction, so now's a great time to snap it up.
Vera Wang 18ct White Gold 0.70ct Diamond Halo Ring, £1,625 (WAS £3,250), Ernest Jones
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12. Beaverbrooks
Let your loved one fall in love all over again with this Platinum Diamond Pear Cut Halo Ring. Bursting with a striking fire and brilliance, this ring reflects passion and elegance for your loved one to cherish forever.
Pear-cut halo ring, £4,250, Beaverbrooks
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13. Taylor & Hart
Celebrities including Amal Clooney, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez all love their emerald cut diamond engagement rings, so she'll be in good company with this sparkler from Taylor & Hart.
Utopia emerald diamond centre platinum engagement ring, £2,220, Taylor & Hart
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14. Purely Diamonds
A halo diamond ring, featuring dazzling round brilliant cut diamonds in a two row halo, all beautiful held in a classic claw setting and nestled in a band with matching shoulder stones. As elegant as it is timeless, this ring has been crafted in 18ct white gold.
18CT White Gold Diamond Ring, from £1,298, Purely Diamonds
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15. Neil Lane
A go-to designer worn by everyone from Miley Cyrus to Jennifer Lawrence, you don't need a Hollywood budget to treat that special someone to a Neil Lane engagement ring. A highlight from his Ernest Jones collection is the marquise-shaped cluster ring, and it's currently on sale.
Neil Lane Silver 1/10ct Diamond Marquise Shaped Cluster Ring, £160 (WAS £325) , Ernest Jones
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16. The Diamond Store
Looking for something extra special? This diamond halo engagement ring, featuring a unique mix of pink and white diamonds set on a white gold band is a real one-of-a-kind. Currently available for £1,389 on The Diamond Store, RRP: £2,439.
Pink diamond square halo engagement ring, £1,389, (WAS £2,439) The Diamond Store
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17. De Beers
Symbolising the past, present and future, its little wonder trilogy rings have long been a favourite for engagement rings. This DB Classic Trio Ring features one central diamond that is more prominent than the round brilliant diamonds sat on either side on a platinum band.
DB Classic Trio Ring, from £7,750, De Beers
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18. Cartier
Characterised by its clean lines and pavé diamonds, the Étincelle de Cartier collection by Cartier includes this ring. Crafted from 18-carat rose gold, it’s scattered with a cluster of 22 brilliant-cut diamonds (totalling 0.28 carats) and finished with an emerald-cut centre stone (totalling 0.16 carats) at the centre.
Étincelle de Cartier 18ct rose-gold and 0.28ct brilliant-cut diamond ring, £2,780, Selfridges
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19. Taylor & Hart
Taylor & Hart's 'Affinityl' ring is beautiful and elegant. Drawing the eyes to its ornate marquise diamond, the elongated shape of this classic cut can make the finger of its wearer appear longer and slimmer.
Affinity Engagement Ring, from £2,040, Taylor & Hart
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20. Annoushka
This floral engagement ring is handset with a 0.85ct GIA certified diamond. Designed to be worn forever, it's part of Annoushka's Love & Commitment collection, meaning it's been handcrafted in 100% recycled 18ct gold.
Marguerite 18ct Gold Triple 0.85ct Diamond Ring, £6,200, Annoushka
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21. Wove
Terra three-stone diamond engagement ring, from $2300 (setting only), Wove
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Wove offers a fully personalised and unique engagement ring-buying process which is an amazing choice for anyone wanting to purchase online. Firstly, you work with one of their designers to create your dream ring or choose from their stunning catalogue of pre-designed rings. (Case in point, the beautiful Emerald cut centre stone Terra ring above) They then send you a replica which you can try on at home so you're certain you love it, and if you're happy, you return it to have the finished product sent out to you to keep forever.
22. Tru Diamonds
Royal fans will love this glamorous trilogy ring, which is directly modelled on the ring Meghan Markle received from Prince Harry to celebrate their engagement in 2017.
Meghan's Royal Engagement Ring, £99, Tru Diamonds
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23. QP Jewellers
If she prefers more understated jewellery, QP is selling this classic solitaire ring – and it's also available in rose gold, yellow gold and sterling silver.
Diamond Crown Solitaire Ring 0.25ct in 18ct White Gold, £599, QP Jewellers
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24. Mappin & Webb
The ultimate romantic gesture, this three-stone engagement ring is named after the beautiful English Amelia rose – the greatest symbol of beauty and love. Handcrafted in Britain by master craftsmen, she's sure to swoon at the gleaming oval cut diamond at its centre, not to mention the surrounding halo of shimmering round diamonds.
Amelia Platinum 1.00cttw Diamond Engagement Ring, £5,000, Mappin & Webb
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25. Abelini
Stars have long been perceived as one of the most romantic symbols, representing a love that's quite literally out of this world or 'written in the stars' – so what better way to celebrate your engagement than with a celestial ring? This minimalist, solitaire style orbits around a glistening round diamond that's been naturally mined, and we can't take our eyes off it.
Star Solitaire Engagement Ring, £220, Abelini
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26. Ring Concierge
A truly unique choice, why opt for one stunning diamond when you can have two?! This Toi et Moi ring features two complementary diamonds set on a delicate band setting. In French, "toi et moi" means "you and me."
Toi et Moi Engagement Ring, from $12,000, Ring Concierge
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27. Ramsdens Jewellery
Ramsdens Jewellery is the destination for a wide range of engagement rings to suit everyone's taste, from simple solitaire rings to statement diamond cluster rings. This 18ct white gold solitaire ring features a brilliant cut diamond with claw setting for an elegant, classic design.
18ct White Gold 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, £899, Ramsdens Jewellery
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28. Brilliant Earth
Looking for a specific style for your engagement ring? You can design your own at Brilliant Earth. We're loving this art deco ring which features milgrain accents and a bezel-cradled stunning center stone – but you can get another diamond shape or metal colour of your choice, so it perfectly suits your partner's taste.
Sinclair art deco diamond engagement ring, from $1,590, Brilliant Earth
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29. Grown Brilliance
Lab-grown diamond jewelry is a sustainable option to mined diamonds - they're every bit as beautiful and extremely affordable. Grown Brilliance is one of the leading brands in the US and Canada, with a wide selection of both contemporary and classic designs to suit all tastes. How gorgeous is this Badgley Mischka Colorless bezel set solitaire diamond ring? It's available in platinum or 18k gold in either white, yellow or rose gold and it comes with a lifetime warranty, which is great for peace of mind.
Badgley Mischka Colorless 2 ctw Round Lab Grown Diamond Bezel Set Solitaire, $4,030, Grown Brilliance
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30. Budrevich
This pear-shaped diamond halo engagement ring features an elegant teardrop-shaped diamond, encircled by a striking halo of pavé diamonds expertly set to amplify the stone in the centre. Universally flattering to all hand shapes, the meaning behind the teardrop silhouette is romance personified – it is said to symbolise tears of joy.
Pavé Set Pear Shaped Diamond Halo Engagement Ring, from £2,660, Budrevich
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