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Engagement Ring 101 for Guys

Engagement Rings 101 for Guys

Want to get engaged but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry—here are some handy tips and tools to help you through the process. We’ve broken it down into simple steps so you won’t feel overwhelmed by the details. With these tips, you'll be on your way to picking the perfect ring that will help her say “YES!”

1. Get Her Ring Size

One of the most important steps is finding her ring size! If you’re lucky, she has a ring that fits her ring finger—borrow, measure, and return it discreetly. If not, avoid guessing her size. Rings can be resized, but it’s not ideal. At Miinella, we offer a complimentary ring sizing if the ring is 2 sizes bigger or smaller. To keep the surprise, consider having a friend take her to a jeweller to measure her finger, or we can send you a complimentary ring sizer for home use. Rings are measured in alphabetical sizes (British system) or numbers (US system), so you’ll need to note her correct size. 

2. Keep It True to Who You Are

While most engagement rings are made with gold and diamonds—often something men save up for diligently—it’s important that the ring reflects who she is and something that would represent her well. Some people opt for non-traditional choices like sapphires, salt & pepper diamonds or laboratory grown diamonds as opposed to a traditional diamond. At the end of the day, what we are seeing over and over is that guys want to give their best irrespective of their budget. At the end of the day, it really is about the heart behind the ring and the ring becomes a symbol, but not the reason for the engagement. Whether you choose something classic or unique, expensive or affordable, the key is making the process special and meaningful to both of you.

3. Stay Within Your Budget

A common question is, "How much should I spend on an engagement ring?" There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The cost of an engagement ring varies depending on the design, metal, and gemstones. Our advice? Stick to what you can afford. It’s not worth going into debt for a ring. If she has expensive taste but your budget doesn’t allow for it, remember that a meaningful, thoughtfully chosen ring will mean more than an extravagant one you can’t afford. 

We do offer payment plans up to 6 months that can help you pay off your engagement ring. 

4. Use Pinterest or Online Pictures

If she has a Pinterest board with engagement rings, take a close look at the designs she’s pinned. Pay attention to the metal type, ring style, and stone settings. Whether she wants a stand alone engagement ring or a matching wedding band, knowing these details early will help you make informed decisions. If you are struggling to dissect her Pinterest board - feel free to send it to us, we will gladly help you make sense of it all! 

Follow us on Pinterest for exclusive, fresh inspiration you won’t find anywhere else!

5. Explore Different Metal Options

When it comes to metal choices, you have several options: 
Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, and Platinum. Each metal has its unique look and price point. 
Here’s a quick rundown of the metals from most expensive to least:

- Platinum – The most luxurious and durable white metal option with the least maintenance
- 18ct Gold – 75% pure gold, the most luxurious gold option
- 9ct Gold – 37.5% pure gold, a more affordable gold choice

Price Tip: If your budget is on the tighter side, you can consider 9ct Gold instead of 18ct Gold. The difference in appearance is minimal, and you can use the savings to invest in a striking centre stone.


6. Diamonds & Diamond Alternatives

If she does prefer a natural diamond, you’ll need to know a bit more about the 4 C’s of diamonds: 

1. Carat (size) 

2. Colour 

3. Cut 

4. Clarity


These factors determine the diamond’s quality and corresponding price. 

1. Carat (size) 

Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. Larger diamonds are rarer and generally more valuable. However, the carat weight should be considered in conjunction with the other 3 C's. A smaller diamond with excellent cut, clarity, and colour can still be incredibly beautiful. Find the right balance between carat weight and the other factors that matter most to you.

2. Colour 

Diamonds come in a range of colours, from colourless to various shades of white to yellow. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a colour scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). 


In general, the less colour a diamond has, the higher its value. Unless you look at 'fancy coloured' diamonds which are very rare and often pricey. Choose a diamond with a colour grade that appeals to you.


Diamond Colour Price Tip:  If you are want a yellow or rose gold ring, you can opt for a diamond colour that is slightly yellower, but will still appear white in the setting (ie. I or J colour as opposed to a whiter D-G colour). However, if you are planning a ring made from a white metal, we would suggest a whiter diamond and suggest opting for a G or H colour, but you don’t have to buy a D-F colour which you pay a premium for. Here is a photo to indicate that a yellower diamond in yellow gold still appears white in comparison to the same stone in a white metal colour (which accentuates the contrast).

3. Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to how it has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, giving it that dazzling sparkle. The quality of the cut is graded from Excellent to Poor, so aim for the highest grade possible.

4. Clarity

Clarity measures the presence of any internal or external inclusions. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (no inclusions visible under 10x magnification) to Included. Look for a diamond with the highest clarity grade that fits your budget and desired appearance. Common abbreviations referring to the clarity of a diamond are IF (flawless) to Included (I). In general, we purchase VVS (Very, very slightly included), VS (Very slightly included), or SI (slightly included) diamonds.

Diamond Clarity Price tip: You can save money by choosing a medium-coloured diamond (G-J) and medium clarity (SI1-VS2). These diamond options can still be ‘eye clear’ with no noticeable inclusions with the naked eye, but without the premium price tag. Should she prefer a Diamond alternative (or the budget doesn’t allow for a natural diamond), a Lab-grown diamond is a great alternative as well as a Moissanite. Here is a quick summary of the key differences: 


7. Consider Gemstone Options

Not every woman wants a classic diamond engagement ring. Consider other gemstones like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds for a unique touch—think of Kate Middleton’s famous sapphire ring! If you need good suggestions for alternative gemstones that are still very hard and durable, have a look here:

8. Consult a Jewellery Designer

If you’re looking for a custom designed engagement ring, consulting a jewellery designer is a smart move to help bring your ideas to life. Before meeting with a designer, have a clear sense of what she likes so you can make the most of the consultation. We will often sketch initial ideas, and once you agree on a design, we'll create a 3D rendering of the ring. This ensures you’re happy with the look before production begins and manages expectations. At Miinella, we specialise in designing your story.We aim to not create cookie-cutter ring that can be bought in a store, but truly capture something unique about your story into the ring’s design. If you would like to book a consultation,click here.

9. Timeline

Good things take time. When planning to get engaged, a custom designed ring takes time. Make sure to plan ahead so that the ring doesn’t have to be made in a rush. In general, 2 months for making a custom designed ring is enough time. At Miinella, our custom order timeline is between 4 - 6 weeks. 

Finding the perfect engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking your time, staying within your budget, and gathering clues about her preferences, you’ll create a meaningful ring she’ll treasure forever. Best of luck in this exciting journey!

Would you like us to reimagine your jewellery into something new and exciting?

BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH US

WE DESIGN YOUR STORY

We design your story through personalised luxury jewellery. 

We offer in person and virtual consultations to design your story.


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