Megan Bull
Diamond engagement rings: discover some of the best designs from Tiffany & Co, Vera Wang, Beaverbrooks, Taylor & Hart and more
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. 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?!
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How much money do you spend on engagement rings?
Past traditions dictate that three month's 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 designer and high-street jewellers offering a wide range of stunning styles, price doesn't have to be a major cause for concern.
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 carats, 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
2. Pandora
An affordable alternative which won't break the bank, this sterling silver band is adorned with scores of cubic zirconia and polished off with a striking blue crystal that's been faceted to reflect the light.
Blue Square Sparkle Halo Ring, £60, Pandora
3. Goldsmiths
For vintage-inspired elegance, it doesn't get much better than this oval-cut double halo ring created by one of the Duchess of Cambridge's favourite designers, Jenny Packham, and available at Goldsmiths.
Jenny Packham oval-cut double halo diamond engagement ring, £3,250, Goldsmiths
4. 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, £1,295, Dower & Hall
5. 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.
6. Swarovski
With a rounded stone, polished rose gold band and a price of £85, what's not to love about this gorgeous Swarovski ring?
Rose-gold ring, from £85, Swarovski
7. Louise Sinclair
Looking for something less traditional? This striking statement piece is truly one-of-a-kind. Louise Sinclair's eye-catching design combines an octagon emerald with green pavé set diamonds and a black rhodium finish.
White Gold Octagon Emerald Ring, £13,000, Louise Sinclair
8. Thomas Sabo
This vintage-inspired ring nods to the 1970s with its iridescent opal colour effect.
Opal ring, £119, Thomas Sabo
9. Goldsmiths
With its dazzling 1 carat trio 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 1ct total weight diamond engagement ring, £3,250, Goldsmiths
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10. 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.
Vera Wang 18ct White Gold 0.70ct Diamond Halo Ring, £3,250, Ernest Jones
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11. Beaverbrooks
The royal family's engagement rings have long sparked trends, and the Duchess of Cambridge's stunning sapphire ring – which previously belonged to the late Princess Diana – is no exception. Featuring a princess cut sapphire in between two round brilliant diamonds, this white gold engagement ring is striking, timeless, and reminiscent of Kate's.
18ct White Gold Diamond and Sapphire 3 stone ring, £3,750, Beaverbrooks
MORE: Kate Middleton wasn’t supposed to have Princess Diana’s engagement ring
12. 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, which also features two tapered baguettes set in platinum.
Utopia emerald diamond centre platinum engagement ring, £1,950, Taylor & Hart
13. Purely Diamonds
Break away from tradition and surprise them with this unique style. It's certainly eye-catching thanks to its 0.70ct brilliant cut diamond which is encircled by 92 smaller stones. An eco-friendly option, the brand's diamonds are all naturally mined and ethically sourced as well, which makes for a nice bonus.
18CT Yellow & White Gold Diamond Ring, from £2,735, Purely Diamonds
14. 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.
Neil Lane Silver 1/10ct Diamond Marquise Shaped Cluster Ring, £275, Ernest Jones
15. 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, The Diamond Store
16. 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 £6,850, De Beers
17. Louise Sinclair
Wow her with this limited edition design from Louise Sinclair's Guilty Pleasures collection. Exuding sophistication and charm, the 2.50ct pear shape diamond is beautifully bordered by a claw setting in black rhodium finish.
Yellow and White Gold Pear Shape Diamond Ring, £46,000, Louise Sinclair
18. H. Samuel
This luxurious platinum ring hosts a solitaire forever diamond within a subtle twisting frame. Finished with 'FOREVER' engraved upon the inside of the shank, there's also a secret diamond in the O, for a final sentimental secret touch.
Platinum 3/4ct Forever Diamond, £1,999, H. Samuel
19. Taylor & Hart
Taylor & Hart's 'Ethereal' ring is just that. 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.
Ethereal Engagement Ring, from £1,830, Taylor & Hart
20. Annoushka
Truly unique, this floral engagement ring is handset with a 0.25ct 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 0.25ct Diamond Ring, £5,900, Annoushka
21. 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 £2660, Budrevich
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, £149, Tru Diamonds
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 Solitaire Ring 0.35 ct in 9ct White Gold, £725, QP Jewellers
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, £4,000, Mappin & Webb
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 of it.
Star Solitaire Engagement Ring, £359, Abelini
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