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 square-cut stone, polished rose gold band and a price of £75, what's not to love about this gorgeous Swarovski ring?
Rose-gold ring, from £75, 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, £3,900, 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, £2,999, 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. Goldsmiths
This shimmering design takes its name from the English Amelia rose – the greatest symbol of beauty and love. At the centre sits a gleaming 0.30ct diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller gems. A truly timeless and expertly crafted piece, your new fiancé will be able to pair her new favourite accessory with a number of daytime and evening ensembles.
Amelia Platinum 0.50CTW Diamond Engagement Ring, POA, Goldsmiths
14. 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 £2,848, Purely Diamonds
15. Annie Haak
Simple and understated, the Lover's Knot ring symbolises being together forever. The ultimate romantic gesture, it's handcrafted in 925 Sterling Silver and looks far more expensive than it's £42 price tag.
Lover's Knot Ring, £42, Annie Haak
16. 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, £250, Ernest Jones
17. 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 £1,196 on The Diamond Store, RRP: £2,069.
Pink diamond square halo engagement ring, £1,389, The Diamond Store
18. 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 £6,650, De Beers
19. 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
20. 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, £3,999, H. Samuel
21. 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
22. Annoushka
Truly unique, this floral engagement ring is inspired by the quintessential British countryside in Summer. According to the brand, the 'Marguerite' reflects Annoushka's love of untamed meadows and distinctive rural hedgerows, bursting with flora and fauna – a fitting choice if you're planning a summer proposal.
Marguerite 18ct Diamond Triple Ring, £3,500, Annoushka
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