The world of engagement rings comes with no shortage of questions, ranging from everyday concerns about how to propose, all the way through the specifics surrounding diamonds, precious metals, sizing, and more.
Let’s take a look at twenty-two engagement ring questions and answers, and solve some of the most common queries.
1. How to propose with an engagement ring
Every couple is different, just as the story of each relationship is completely unique.
Of course, you could go down the creative route of picking the perfect moment, the ideal location, and sweeping your partner off their feet while down on one knee.
However, the grandiose and cinematic isn’t for everyone and you might prefer a romantic home proposal instead. Nobody knows your partner better than you do.
No matter the approach you take, and whether you opt for something awe-inspiring or intimate, traditional or breathlessly contemporary, make sure your choice of ring has what it takes to show your love and reflect your journey together.
2. Is it OK to look at engagement rings together with my partner?
The tradition of springing an engagement ring upon a partner still has plenty of fans out there, but for many couples, the decision to commit to married life is one which is very much jointly made.
As such, it’s increasingly common for couples to plan every aspect of their engagement together, including shopping for engagement rings, and there’s nothing wrong with this whatsoever.
There are plenty of advantages to shopping together for an engagement ring. It alleviates a lot of the pressure of finding the perfect item of jewellery alone, and it ensures that the recipient is every bit as delighted as they deserve to be with their ring.
Of course, if you believe that you can pick out the perfect ring and surprise your partner with its grand reveal, then don’t let anything stand in your way.
3. Should my partner pick out their engagement ring?
Again, this really comes down to the nature of your relationship.
Some people like to have a hand in the choice of their engagement ring – after all, they’re going to be wearing it for a long time, and they want to be assured that it’s the perfect style and fit for them.
Other people love the romance of the traditional proposal, and the thrill of seeing that beautiful engagement ring being revealed for the very first time.
These engagement ring traditions still have plenty of mileage to them, and if you know your partner well enough to commit to marriage, it’s highly likely you’ll be able to tell which approach will suit them best.
4. Do engaged men wear rings?
It’s been quite a long time since engagement rings were thought of solely as a female accessory, and more and more men worldwide are proudly wearing engagement rings as an enduring symbol of their commitment.
Indeed, Ed Sheeran raised eyebrows back in 2018 when he stepped out with a ring on his finger, causing many people to assume he’d secretly tied the knot.
He revealed to the press that he’d become engaged to his partner, expressing surprise that there was any confusion regarding his choice to wear a ring.
As he put it, and as many men nowadays increasingly agree, it’s the same commitment for both men and women. So why wouldn’t men choose to mark it with a beautiful item of jewellery?
5. What do you do with your engagement ring on your wedding day?
There’s no cut-and-dried rule regarding what to do with your engagement ring once you’ve tied the knot.
Many people transfer their engagement ring onto the ring finger of the opposite hand for the duration of the wedding ceremony. Then, after the ceremony, they slip the engagement ring back on to “seal in” the wedding ring.
In some countries, people wear their engagement ring first on their ring finger (to keep it closer to the heart) and place the wedding ring on after it during the wedding ceremony.
More and more couples are sharing the experience of shopping for engagement rings, not only to ensure they find the perfect engagement ring style and fit, but also as a way of taking that step towards their future side by side.
Looking at engagement rings together isn’t for everyone, but the engagement ring tradition of it always being a surprise is starting to become less ubiquitous than it was in the past.
7. Can a woman propose to a man?
Once upon a time, the notion of a woman proposing to a man was simply unheard of. In fact, in the UK, it was an oddity reserved only for the 29th of February – a date which only rolls around once every four years.
Naturally, in our age of increasing gender equality, the male dominance over the realm of engagement and proposals is nowhere near as inflexible as it once was.
All across the globe, it’s becoming more and more commonplace for women to propose to men, and this is one trend we don’t expect to reverse any time soon.
8. Is a diamond necessary for an engagement ring?
There’s no getting away from the fact that diamond engagement rings are generally the gemstone of choice when it comes to engagement rings.
However, there’s no rule that dictates you must choose a diamond. In fact, gemstones come in a wide array of colours, qualities, and styles and provide a wonderful alternative to diamonds if you’re looking for something that stands out from the crowd.
Whether you have a particular affinity with a birthstone, or dream of a gemstone engagement ring which displays a certain colour, there are many great choices other than diamonds out there.
Read more answers to this type of engagement ring questions:
Your choice of precious metal for your ring’s setting – which could include yellow, white, or rose gold, platinum, palladium, silver, or something else entirely – will influence the price of your engagement ring, as well as other aspects of the ring which are crucial to keep in mind.
For example, white gold has a similar lustre and is more affordable than platinum, but is, generally speaking, less durable and will require recoating after a couple of years.
Yellow gold is undoubtedly striking and beautiful, but at 18K has a softness which makes it prone to dents and scratches, and is perhaps less suitable for those with an active or sporty lifestyle.
It’s worth researching or asking a jeweller to take you through the various pros and cons of each precious metal, as well as keeping in mind your partner’s style and preferences when choosing your ring.
Let’s get one thing clear: when it comes to ring sizes and buying an engagement ring, don’t rely on guesswork or estimations.
Make sure you know your partner’s exact ring size before you make your purchase, as even though resizing is possible, it can be a bit of a hassle and will add to your budget.
If you’re planning on surprising your partner with an engagement ring, it might be a little tricky to ascertain their ring size.
Some people ‘borrow’ a favourite ring of theirs and ask a jeweller to identify the size, others will speak to friends and family members to get those all-important details. Whatever you do, don’t leave it to chance!
11. Are there any ways to save money on an engagement ring?
If budget is an issue, you’ll be pleased to discover that there are many different ways you can bring the potential cost of an engagement ring down, without necessarily compromising on impact or appearance.
It all comes down to the factors which make a ring more expensive, including the purity of the metal, the clarity and carat weight of the gemstone, and the type of precious metal chosen.
Generally speaking, the difference between clarity points on a diamond or other precious gem can be almost impossible to perceive with the naked eye and yet the difference in price can be dramatic.
The same can be said for carat weight. There are certain cuts and shapes which maximise the appearance of a gemstone’s size, allowing for a smaller stone to be fitted without affecting the impact it has to the viewer.
Gold karat purity levels can be selected for a more affordable band, or you could opt for white gold in place of platinum to bring the price down, too.
If your partner has their heart set on a traditional-style ring, then the answer to this question is most probably ‘yes’ – that is, if you want them to fall in love with the jewellery at first sight.
Should your partner prefer more contemporary styles, however, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from opting for something a little more unusual or modern.
13. Is it bad luck for someone else to wear my engagement ring?
This all depends on how superstitious you are. In reality, of course, it’s not going to make any difference if somebody else wears your engagement ring.
However, it’s perfectly understandable to see the engagement ring as an item of jewellery imbued a powerful sense of intimacy, meaning many people – superstitious or otherwise – wouldn’t like the idea of it ever being on someone else’s finger.
14. How can I select a ring to match my partner’s style?
With such an amazing array of gemstones, settings, precious metals, cuts, and colours out there, it’s never been easier to match an engagement ring with a partner’s personal sense of style.
It’s important to pay close attention to just what it is that makes his or her style unique. Ask yourself:
Are they fairly traditional, or do they like to embrace contemporary or edgy fashions?
Are they interested in vintage looks, or do they tend to opt for sleeker, more modern styles?
Do audacious and glamorous statement pieces appeal to them, or are they more likely to be swept away by something understated and intimate?
All of these questions will help you narrow down the options until you find the engagement ring that’s perfect for them. Alternatively, you could simply ask them about the kind of ring they’ve always dreamed of having.
The Four Cs refer to the different qualities of a diamond. They are used by jewellers and customers alike to find the diamond which best suits their budget, their style, and their overall wishes and expectations.
The Four Cs are:
Cut: this refers to the shaping and cutting of the diamond, a process which aims to maximise the gemstone’s beauty, sparkle, and ability to refract and redirect light.
Clarity: simply how clear the diamond is, and whether or not it features any inclusions – marks or imperfections which alter the stone’s clarity and affect its price.
Carat: the weight of the diamond (which has an impact on its size)
Colour: how clear, colourless, or ‘white’ the diamond is. Diamonds with dull, yellowish, or brownish hue are far from uncommon, but will not value anywhere near as highly as a perfectly white stone.
Again this is one of those engagement ring questions that jewellers hear all the time.
Almost all engagement rings can be resized by an expert jeweller. However, rings such as eternity bands, which typically feature a row of precious gemstones all along the band, usually cannot be resized.
You may also ask your jeweller for advice beforehand if your ring size is very small or large, as some ring styles may look much wider or narrower when resized by several sizes.
17. How do you maintain the lustre of an engagement ring?
While all of the precious metals used for quality engagement rings are prized for their untarnishable quality, over time, engagement rings will gradually lose that initial brilliance and lustre.
However, with regular gentle cleansing and care, it is possible to maintain the original lustre and ensure that the ring retains its beauty.
For regular monthly cleansing of yellow gold and platinum rings, all that’s needed is some lukewarm water, a dash of detergent, and a soft cleaning brush.
However, white gold rings will require dipping in a specialist solution every few years, which is an affordable process your jeweller can easily undertake.
18. What is the most popular diamond shape and style?
By a considerable distance, the most popular diamond shape and style is the round brilliant cut.
For hundreds of years, jewellers have been honing the perfection of this multi-faceted cut, designed to exude a truly exemplary sparkle – on even very low carat weighted diamonds.
The answer to carat size-related engagement ring questions really depends on your powers of observation, the keenness of your eyesight, and your experience with comparing one diamond against another.
It’s easier to notice differences in carat sizes on smaller diamonds. For example, most people will be able to identify the subtle difference between a 0.40 carat diamond and a 0.50 carat one.
The larger the gemstone, the more difficult it can be to tell – the naked eye will struggle to be able to see the difference between a 0.90 and a 1 carat diamond, for example.
Read more answers to related engagement ring questions:
Try our DIAMOND SIZE WIDGET to see what different carat sizes really look like
20. Which precious metals suit which skin tones the best?
While there’s a huge amount of versatility when it comes to how precious metals suit various skin tones, most experts would argue that certain colours of metal do work more harmoniously with certain hues in the skin. For example:
Yellow gold tends to look most striking and glorious when worn by people with warm toned skin
White gold and platinum will enhance the appearance of cool and rosy-coloured skin tones.
Rose gold, with its decadent and vintage-tinged hue, is recommended for those in between the two, for those whose skin tone varies with the seasons and people with olive skin.
While this really comes down to individual preferences, most people would advise against sleeping while wearing an engagement ring, and would recommend keeping it in a velvet bag or ring box overnight.
Not only could you bump or scratch the ring accidentally while you sleep, changes in blood pressure and unconscious positioning of the arms might lead to the fingers swelling during the night, resulting in difficulty removing the ring or discomfort upon waking.
22. Can a damaged engagement ring be fixed?
This is one of the most asked engagement ring questions that jewellers hear. The answer is, yes, most of the time, but it depends on the type of accidental damage, and the style and the materials of the ring.
Noticeable bends or cracked claws in yellow gold and silver rings can generally be fixed with shaping and soldering, as long as these techniques don’t further bend the mount (the part where the diamond or gem is set). If they do, it may be necessary to replace the mount or the entire ring
Small dents and scratches, in even harder metals such as platinum, can often be polished out. But again, it depends wher they are on the ring.
Chipped or lost diamonds can usually be replaced as long as the ring’s mount is intact or repairable.
The best thing to do if you accidentally damage your ring is to take it to the store where you bought it from. A professional team at a jewellery workshop will then study your ring carefully and suggest either repair or replacement for a fee.
If you have specialist jewellery insurance with all-round cover, they will fix or replace your ring for free.
Read more answers to related engagement ring questions:
Did you find all the engagement ring questions and answers you were looking for?
There you have it! Twenty-two engagement ring questions and answers to make the perfect choice. Looking for more? Visit all of our engagement ring articles now.
Shop Engagement Rings
Beautiful diamond and gem engagement rings for all styles and budgets
The world of engagement rings comes with no shortage of questions, ranging from everyday concerns about how to propose, all the way through the specifics surrounding diamonds, precious metals, sizing, and more.
Let’s take a look at twenty-two engagement ring questions and answers, and solve some of the most common queries.
1. How to propose with an engagement ring
Every couple is different, just as the story of each relationship is completely unique.
Of course, you could go down the creative route of picking the perfect moment, the ideal location, and sweeping your partner off their feet while down on one knee.
However, the grandiose and cinematic isn’t for everyone and you might prefer a romantic home proposal instead. Nobody knows your partner better than you do.
No matter the approach you take, and whether you opt for something awe-inspiring or intimate, traditional or breathlessly contemporary, make sure your choice of ring has what it takes to show your love and reflect your journey together.
Read more – 101 Proposal Ideas Guide – find your perfect proposal
2. Is it OK to look at engagement rings together with my partner?
The tradition of springing an engagement ring upon a partner still has plenty of fans out there, but for many couples, the decision to commit to married life is one which is very much jointly made.
As such, it’s increasingly common for couples to plan every aspect of their engagement together, including shopping for engagement rings, and there’s nothing wrong with this whatsoever.
There are plenty of advantages to shopping together for an engagement ring. It alleviates a lot of the pressure of finding the perfect item of jewellery alone, and it ensures that the recipient is every bit as delighted as they deserve to be with their ring.
Of course, if you believe that you can pick out the perfect ring and surprise your partner with its grand reveal, then don’t let anything stand in your way.
3. Should my partner pick out their engagement ring?
Again, this really comes down to the nature of your relationship.
Some people like to have a hand in the choice of their engagement ring – after all, they’re going to be wearing it for a long time, and they want to be assured that it’s the perfect style and fit for them.
Other people love the romance of the traditional proposal, and the thrill of seeing that beautiful engagement ring being revealed for the very first time.
These engagement ring traditions still have plenty of mileage to them, and if you know your partner well enough to commit to marriage, it’s highly likely you’ll be able to tell which approach will suit them best.
4. Do engaged men wear rings?
It’s been quite a long time since engagement rings were thought of solely as a female accessory, and more and more men worldwide are proudly wearing engagement rings as an enduring symbol of their commitment.
Indeed, Ed Sheeran raised eyebrows back in 2018 when he stepped out with a ring on his finger, causing many people to assume he’d secretly tied the knot.
He revealed to the press that he’d become engaged to his partner, expressing surprise that there was any confusion regarding his choice to wear a ring.
As he put it, and as many men nowadays increasingly agree, it’s the same commitment for both men and women. So why wouldn’t men choose to mark it with a beautiful item of jewellery?
5. What do you do with your engagement ring on your wedding day?
There’s no cut-and-dried rule regarding what to do with your engagement ring once you’ve tied the knot.
Many people transfer their engagement ring onto the ring finger of the opposite hand for the duration of the wedding ceremony. Then, after the ceremony, they slip the engagement ring back on to “seal in” the wedding ring.
In some countries, people wear their engagement ring first on their ring finger (to keep it closer to the heart) and place the wedding ring on after it during the wedding ceremony.
Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Read more – Wearing Engagement and Wedding Rings on Which Finger?
6. Do couples look at engagement rings together?
Simply put, yes they do.
More and more couples are sharing the experience of shopping for engagement rings, not only to ensure they find the perfect engagement ring style and fit, but also as a way of taking that step towards their future side by side.
Looking at engagement rings together isn’t for everyone, but the engagement ring tradition of it always being a surprise is starting to become less ubiquitous than it was in the past.
7. Can a woman propose to a man?
Once upon a time, the notion of a woman proposing to a man was simply unheard of. In fact, in the UK, it was an oddity reserved only for the 29th of February – a date which only rolls around once every four years.
Naturally, in our age of increasing gender equality, the male dominance over the realm of engagement and proposals is nowhere near as inflexible as it once was.
All across the globe, it’s becoming more and more commonplace for women to propose to men, and this is one trend we don’t expect to reverse any time soon.
8. Is a diamond necessary for an engagement ring?
There’s no getting away from the fact that diamond engagement rings are generally the gemstone of choice when it comes to engagement rings.
However, there’s no rule that dictates you must choose a diamond. In fact, gemstones come in a wide array of colours, qualities, and styles and provide a wonderful alternative to diamonds if you’re looking for something that stands out from the crowd.
Whether you have a particular affinity with a birthstone, or dream of a gemstone engagement ring which displays a certain colour, there are many great choices other than diamonds out there.
Read more answers to this type of engagement ring questions:
Diamond Vs Gemstone Engagement Rings
Can any ring be an engagement ring? Or does it have to be a diamond?
9. Which precious metal should I choose?
Your choice of precious metal for your ring’s setting – which could include yellow, white, or rose gold, platinum, palladium, silver, or something else entirely – will influence the price of your engagement ring, as well as other aspects of the ring which are crucial to keep in mind.
It’s worth researching or asking a jeweller to take you through the various pros and cons of each precious metal, as well as keeping in mind your partner’s style and preferences when choosing your ring.
Read more – White Gold vs Yellow Gold vs Rose Gold
10. How do I know what size ring to choose?
Let’s get one thing clear: when it comes to ring sizes and buying an engagement ring, don’t rely on guesswork or estimations.
Make sure you know your partner’s exact ring size before you make your purchase, as even though resizing is possible, it can be a bit of a hassle and will add to your budget.
If you’re planning on surprising your partner with an engagement ring, it might be a little tricky to ascertain their ring size.
Some people ‘borrow’ a favourite ring of theirs and ask a jeweller to identify the size, others will speak to friends and family members to get those all-important details. Whatever you do, don’t leave it to chance!
Read more – How to Measure Ring Size
11. Are there any ways to save money on an engagement ring?
If budget is an issue, you’ll be pleased to discover that there are many different ways you can bring the potential cost of an engagement ring down, without necessarily compromising on impact or appearance.
It all comes down to the factors which make a ring more expensive, including the purity of the metal, the clarity and carat weight of the gemstone, and the type of precious metal chosen.
Read more – How do I get the best deal on an engagement ring?
12. Do I have to choose a traditional-style ring?
If your partner has their heart set on a traditional-style ring, then the answer to this question is most probably ‘yes’ – that is, if you want them to fall in love with the jewellery at first sight.
Should your partner prefer more contemporary styles, however, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from opting for something a little more unusual or modern.
13. Is it bad luck for someone else to wear my engagement ring?
This all depends on how superstitious you are. In reality, of course, it’s not going to make any difference if somebody else wears your engagement ring.
However, it’s perfectly understandable to see the engagement ring as an item of jewellery imbued a powerful sense of intimacy, meaning many people – superstitious or otherwise – wouldn’t like the idea of it ever being on someone else’s finger.
14. How can I select a ring to match my partner’s style?
With such an amazing array of gemstones, settings, precious metals, cuts, and colours out there, it’s never been easier to match an engagement ring with a partner’s personal sense of style.
It’s important to pay close attention to just what it is that makes his or her style unique. Ask yourself:
All of these questions will help you narrow down the options until you find the engagement ring that’s perfect for them. Alternatively, you could simply ask them about the kind of ring they’ve always dreamed of having.
Read more – 10 Best Engagement Ring Designs and Styles
15. What are the “Four Cs”?
The Four Cs refer to the different qualities of a diamond. They are used by jewellers and customers alike to find the diamond which best suits their budget, their style, and their overall wishes and expectations.
The Four Cs are:
Read more – Diamond Buying Guide – The 4 Cs
16. Can an engagement ring be resized?
Again this is one of those engagement ring questions that jewellers hear all the time.
Almost all engagement rings can be resized by an expert jeweller. However, rings such as eternity bands, which typically feature a row of precious gemstones all along the band, usually cannot be resized.
You may also ask your jeweller for advice beforehand if your ring size is very small or large, as some ring styles may look much wider or narrower when resized by several sizes.
17. How do you maintain the lustre of an engagement ring?
While all of the precious metals used for quality engagement rings are prized for their untarnishable quality, over time, engagement rings will gradually lose that initial brilliance and lustre.
However, with regular gentle cleansing and care, it is possible to maintain the original lustre and ensure that the ring retains its beauty.
18. What is the most popular diamond shape and style?
By a considerable distance, the most popular diamond shape and style is the round brilliant cut.
For hundreds of years, jewellers have been honing the perfection of this multi-faceted cut, designed to exude a truly exemplary sparkle – on even very low carat weighted diamonds.
Read more – How to Choose a Diamond Shape
19. Are differences in carat sizes noticeable?
The answer to carat size-related engagement ring questions really depends on your powers of observation, the keenness of your eyesight, and your experience with comparing one diamond against another.
It’s easier to notice differences in carat sizes on smaller diamonds. For example, most people will be able to identify the subtle difference between a 0.40 carat diamond and a 0.50 carat one.
The larger the gemstone, the more difficult it can be to tell – the naked eye will struggle to be able to see the difference between a 0.90 and a 1 carat diamond, for example.
Read more answers to related engagement ring questions:
What Size Carat Engagement Ring? 12 Tips
7 Ways to Get a Bigger Engagement Ring for Your Budget
Try our DIAMOND SIZE WIDGET to see what different carat sizes really look like
20. Which precious metals suit which skin tones the best?
While there’s a huge amount of versatility when it comes to how precious metals suit various skin tones, most experts would argue that certain colours of metal do work more harmoniously with certain hues in the skin. For example:
Read more – Best Ring Style for Your Hand Shape and Complexion
21. Should I sleep with my engagement ring on?
While this really comes down to individual preferences, most people would advise against sleeping while wearing an engagement ring, and would recommend keeping it in a velvet bag or ring box overnight.
Not only could you bump or scratch the ring accidentally while you sleep, changes in blood pressure and unconscious positioning of the arms might lead to the fingers swelling during the night, resulting in difficulty removing the ring or discomfort upon waking.
22. Can a damaged engagement ring be fixed?
This is one of the most asked engagement ring questions that jewellers hear. The answer is, yes, most of the time, but it depends on the type of accidental damage, and the style and the materials of the ring.
The best thing to do if you accidentally damage your ring is to take it to the store where you bought it from. A professional team at a jewellery workshop will then study your ring carefully and suggest either repair or replacement for a fee.
If you have specialist jewellery insurance with all-round cover, they will fix or replace your ring for free.
Read more answers to related engagement ring questions:
Jewellery Guarantee Vs Insurance? What Is the Difference?
Do You Need Jewellery Insurance? And what type of insurance is best?
Did you find all the engagement ring questions and answers you were looking for?
There you have it! Twenty-two engagement ring questions and answers to make the perfect choice. Looking for more? Visit all of our engagement ring articles now.
Shop Engagement Rings
Beautiful diamond and gem engagement rings for all styles and budgets
Discover more
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