The Engagement Ring Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Get It Right)  

The Engagement Ring Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Get It Right)  

Buying an engagement ring? It’s exciting, but it can also feel like navigating a minefield of diamond jargon, endless choices, and pressure to get it just right. Whether you’re about to propose or buying a ring together, here are the most common mistakes people make; and how to avoid them like a pro.  

1. Guessing the Ring Size  

This is a classic. Too big and it spins, too small and it won’t go on at all.  

How to get it right:  

• Sneak one of their rings (from the correct finger!) to a jeweller  
• Trace it on paper or measure the inside diameter  
• Order one of our free ring sizers and leave it where they might find and use it 
• Use our online ring sizer 
• If in doubt, go slightly larger — it’s easier to size down  

2. Not Setting a Budget First  

Rings come in all price ranges. Without a clear budget, you’ll either overspend or get overwhelmed by options.  

How to get it right:  

• Decide your budget before browsing  
• Explore smart ways to maximise value, like lab-grown diamonds or settings that make a diamond appear larger, like a halo 

Start with our guide here: How to Get the Most Out of Your Engagement Ring Budget  

3. Choosing a Style That’s Not Them  

It’s easy to be swayed by trends — but your partner will wear this ring forever.  

How to get it right:  

• Think about their style: minimalist? vintage? bold?  
• Peek at their jewellery box or ask friends or family 
• Take into consideration the colour metal jewellery they wear day to day 

Check out our guide: What Your Engagement Ring Says About You  

4. Ignoring the Metal  

It’s not just about the stone — the metal matters too. Unless they love to mix their metals, choose the same tone as the jewellery they wear daily. 

How to get it right:  

• Know the differences between white gold, platinum, and yellow gold  
• Consider lifestyle: platinum is the most durable metal 

Learn more here: Which Metal Should You Choose?  

5. Rushing the Decision  

A last-minute buy is rarely the best one. Leave yourself enough time to plan your engagement ring buy in advance, to ensure you can make a smart decision. 

How to get it right:  

• Start browsing at least a few months ahead  
• Ensure you have enough time to compare prices and offerings from jewellery companies, online retailers and anywhere you might ‘window shop’ for a ring 
• Allow extra time for resizing or custom orders  

Read: How Far in Advance Should You Buy an Engagement Ring?  

6. Skipping the Research  

Diamonds come with a whole set of terms: carats, clarity, colour, cut… it pays to know what they mean. If you play your 4C’s right, you can end up with a great deal on a beautiful stone. 

How to get it right:  

• Read up on the 4Cs  
• Compare stone types (natural vs lab-grown)  
• Ask for certification and warranties  

Last but Not Least… 

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t need to be stressful. With a bit of planning, the right resources, and a focus on them, you’ll find a ring that feels just right, for both of you. Take a look at our engagement rings here, or chat to a customer advisor, who would love to help you find ‘the one’.