Choosing an engagement ring is a once-in-a-lifetime moment filled with excitement and joy – but it can also be a little daunting. With so much to take in, from the Four Cs of diamonds to the age-old rules about how much to spend, it’s easy to lose sight of the fundamentals: an engagement ring is a symbol of your love that will be worn every day, forever.
With that in mind, there’s no need to stick to tradition. An engagement ring should reflect your taste and personal style; whether that’s classic and pared-back, or something bolder and more contemporary. Brides are increasingly involved in choosing or designing their own ring in order to create something unique. There’s a plethora of independent designers and jewellery houses to cater for every style – so, where to start?
We’ve rounded up the most dazzling engagement rings from some of our favourite jewellers, for inspiration when it comes to finding the one for The One.
Hancocks
Hancocks specialises in antique diamonds and gemstones, sourced from historic jewellery and given a new lease of life in handcrafted, one-of-a-kind rings. Sink into a squishy sofa in the St James’s townhouse and learn all about the unique characteristics of Old European Cut, Old Mine Cut, Asscher and antique emerald-cut diamonds and more. This five-carat Golconda diamond (among the purest and rarest diamonds on earth) is what engagement dreams are made of.
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Boodles
Named after an ancient Indian emperor, the Ashoka-cut diamond is a beautifully rounded rectangular shape that appears up to 30 per cent bigger than a standard emerald cut. And the only place you’ll find it in the UK is at Boodles, the 226-year-old, family-run British house whose timeless engagement rings exude elegance. In its signature Harmony ring, the Ashoka’s perfect proportions are complemented by a slender band of pavé-set diamonds.
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De Beers
With a legacy stretching back to 1888, De Beers is synonymous with diamonds. It popularised diamond engagement rings with the iconic phrase ‘a diamond is forever’, and its close connection to the source of its diamonds means there’s an incredible array of colours, shapes and sizes to choose from. We love the DB Classic emerald-cut trio ring, with three diamonds to represent your past, present and future. It’s a powerfully chic statement that will never go out of style.
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C Heinrich Diamonds
The GIA-trained Australian jewellery designer Charlotte Heinrich draws on her background in fashion to create distinctive engagement rings imbued with contemporary, New York-style flair. She sources many of her stones from Manhattan’s diamond district, setting them in refined designs that draw envious glances from across the room. We love the gypsy-style setting of this modern three-stone ring, with trapezoid side stones which emphasise the emerald-cut diamond’s angular beauty.
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Hattie Rickards
Every Hattie Rickards engagement ring is unique, designed to reflect the personality, style and lifestyle of the woman who’ll wear it. She’s known for bold volume, custom-cut diamonds and accents of colour that make each creation stand out from the crowd. The Signature ring from her Icons range combines carré, Asscher and baguette-cut diamonds for a crisp, geometric look that packs a punch. Use it as the starting point for your own one-of-a-kind dream ring.
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Cartier
Regarded as one of the world’s most esteemed jewellery houses, a little red Cartier box semaphores prestige and sophistication. Its rings have adorned the fingers of royalty and celebrities alike: Grace Kelly’s famous emerald-cut engagement ring was made by the French house. Cartier’s engagement rings are a masterclass in classic design and outstanding craftsmanship. The oval- shaped diamond in the Destinée Solitaire is the epitome of elegance, surrounded by a pavé-set halo to maximise its sparkle.
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Philippa Herbert
The London-based duo behind Philippa Herbert create bespoke engagement rings that range from simple solitaires to eye-catching coloured stone designs. Working closely alongside each client, their rings are imbued with sentimental details and are made to bring joy, every day. The sensational geometric Art Deco engagement ring is masterfully crafted with mixed metals and can be customised with any combination of gemstones.
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Annoushka
The first piece of jewellery Annoushka Ducas ever designed, 35 years ago, was her Art Deco-style engagement ring, and she’s been working with brides-to-be to make their dreams a reality ever since. This one-of-a-kind ring combines the elegance of an oval-cut yellow diamond with crisp, geometric baguette-cut diamonds, all wrapped up in cool, contemporary white gold. Finished with thoughtful details, it’s the type of ring you’ll gaze at for hours.
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Minka
London jewellery brand Minka, founded by Lucy Crowther, is known for vibrant coloured gemstones. As a trained gemmologist and former stone trader, Lucy sources the most beautiful, exceptional quality gemstones for her bold, sculptural creations. A talented designer, she specialises in bespoke creations, and her signature Atlantis Mermaid ring has garnered a cult following for its beautiful silhouette and colour combinations. Perfect for the bride who wants something unique.
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Tiffany
When it comes to timeless perfection, you can’t go wrong with a Tiffany solitaire. The house invented the style as we know it in 1886 when it invented the six-prong Tiffany Setting, raising diamonds upwards towards the light to intensify their sparkle. The house remains a go-to for those who want a classically elegant design that allows an exceptional diamond to take centre stage.
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David Morris
British jewellery house David Morris is internationally renowned for its remarkable high jewellery featuring rare coloured gemstones. And its diamond rings are just as spectacular, ranging from traditional solitaires to more daring designs. The Frozen Kiss ring was inspired by Rodin’s masterpiece, The Kiss. Featuring a central brilliant-cut diamond embraced by angular pavé-set curves, it’s a romantic twist on a classic for your forever love.
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Jessica McCormack
Beloved by A-listers for her instantly recognisable, antique-inspired designs, a Jessica McCormack engagement ring is on every cool bride’s wish list. Her signature Button Back setting was inspired by Georgian jewellery, and her Instagram feed is awash with so many showstopping solitaires that it’s impossible to choose a favourite. We love the contemporary simplicity of her East-West rings: this incredible five-carat cushion-cut diamond would do nicely.
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Vrai
Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity as an alternative to mined stones. Chemically and physically identical, they offer just as much sparkle for a more conservative price point. Vrai’s lab-grown diamonds are created with zero carbon footprint at its foundry in Washington State. Its Toi et Moi ring, meaning ‘you and me’, is a contemporary take on a romantic antique style that is sure to turn heads.
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