Engagement ring: how to choose, which model?

Gold, diamond or sapphire ring? Classic or original?... The choice of an engagement ring is not taken lightly. Selection and advice for choosing this precious jewel.

  Engagement ring: how to choose, which model?

How to choose your engagement ring?

[Updated November 17, 2021]. Who says engagement , this engagement ring . If the future groom can choose the wedding bands and the solitaire ring, he can also leave his future wife choose the ring of his choice in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises. In this case, he usually offers a jewel at a minimum price to his dear and tender when he asks for her hand. It is then the lucky one who chooses her 'real' jewel. Do not hesitate to test the different models of rings in store, in order to see the rendering once the ring is worn on your finger. Before choosing your engagement ring, it is essential to have a well-defined budget because if the choice is vast, it is the same for the prices. Which stone, which metal and which style to choose? Our tips and ideas to inspire you.

Diamond engagement ring: which one to choose?

Symbol of purity and eternity, the diamond still very popular with women. Its quality, and therefore its value, is defined by its size, weight, purity and color. It also has the advantage of going with all skin tones, all styles, but also with other jewelry. The diamond goes perfectly with frames in rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, silver... Beautiful proof of love, diamond engagement ring can be mounted in solitaire simple or on a ring adorned with a pavé. Indeed, jewelry houses De Beers, Cartier, Chaumet or Piaget offer different models all sumptuous, with a ring set with diamonds, adorned with a solitaire or a pear diamond . The House Deloison Paris offers eco-responsible models because the brand works only with COC-certified recycled gold and GIA or HRD-certified ethically sourced diamonds.

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Ring in 18 carat gold and diamonds, 1200 euros, made to measure
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Solitaire 1895, platinum 950/1000, set with a cushion-cut diamond
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Bague Anna in rose gold 18 carats and central diamond 0.5 carat, 3000 euros

How to determine the quality of the diamond?

With the 4C method ('carat', 'cut', 'color' and 'clarity'). The carat, First of all, is the unit that allows to measure the weight of a stone: it is equivalent to 0.20 grams. The larger a diamond, the higher the carat count. Cut is also critical, as is color (the more colorless the diamond, the higher quality it is judged to be) and clarity: the more inclusions a diamond has, the less valuable it is. The diamond is always awarded with a gemological certificate which is his identity card, a document that certifies his authenticity and integrity.

Sapphire, emerald or ruby ​​engagement ring?

If the diamond is a timeless jewellery, it can be sublimated by stones, often less expensive than the diamond. Know that each precious stone has a symbolism.



  • L' emerald is for example the symbol of hope,
  • the ruby happiness and passion,
  • the sapphire faithfulness and wisdom,
  • l' amethyst happiness and sincerity...
  • It is also said that colored stones capture energies better. L' aquamarine , for example, neutralizes negative waves.
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Candice Or Blanc Sapphire ring, 259 euros
Bellatrix, Ruby ring set with claws, 3525 euros

Where to buy a yellow gold engagement ring?

Once the stone has been chosen, you must now select the alloy . While most brides-to-be choose a white gold engagement ring , it is also perfectly possible to opt for a yellow gold ring , also very refined. We love the warmth of yellow gold which knows how to sublimate all skin colors. Associated with a diamond, yellow gold contrasts with the whiteness of the stone and brings even more intensity to the creation. If the Maison Cartier offers incredible models of yellow gold engagement rings, Maty and Marc Orian will perfectly suit most petits budgets. 

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Alliance in yellow gold and synthetic diamonds, 749.90 euros

Where to buy a white gold engagement ring?

Very popular alloy for engagement rings , white gold is timeless and very easy to wear every day. More discreet than yellow gold or pink gold, it naturally connotes elegance through the sobriety of its color. We like to associate it with colored gemstones to give it even more sparkle. He knows how to sublimate rubies, sapphires, but also semi-precious stones as amethyst, tourmaline or topaz . Depending on your tastes and desires, you can opt for a classic solitaire, a very simple jewel with a sleek design, fall for a model with a single stone, or prefer a mixture of several colors of precious or semi-precious stones. Maison Chaumet revisits the engagement ring every year and brings it even more elegance, as for the Bee My Love model which is simply irresistible. Want modernity? Bulgari offers contemporary and refined rings. More classic? Harry Winston or Chopard will certainly have the ring of your dreams!

Solitaire Bee My Love, 2810 euros
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Ring in white gold and diamonds, 655 euros

Where to buy a rose gold ring?

Delicate and very fashionable in recent years, rose gold immediately brings an extra touch of femininity to jewellery. Atypical, it allows jewelers to offer original and refined creations. More discreet than yellow gold, warmer than white gold, l'or rose  is ideal for all women looking for a original engagement ring which knows how to blend into the skin, to remain easy to wear every day. Its reflections enhance the brilliance of the diamond and go perfectly with garnet, citrine, black spinel or aquamarine, for a more intense contrast. The House of Van Cleef & Arpels offers lovely models in pink gold and has even made it its trademark. We find pretty models at Marc Orian who offers this very pretty ring combining pink gold and diamonds.

Kate Rose Gold Diamond ring, 550 euros

Where to find a cheap engagement ring?

Many jewelry stores offer wedding rings at low prices. And if the carat weighs less, the ring is no less dazzling and brilliant.

Solitaire engagement ring

Simple and dazzling, the loners are the embodiment of love and are worn for life. These quintessential engagement rings showcase the stone, and remain the go-to choice for brides-to-be. In white gold, gray or yellow gold, or in diamonds. .. We have selected for you the most beautiful models that are sure to make you fall in love!

Can we create a bespoke engagement ring?

Yes, many sites and jewelers offer to create a wedding ring according to your wishes. Also, if you have a family stone and you don't like the setting, you can have the stone reworked by a jeweler. Do not hesitate to make him a sketch of the ring of your dreams or to bring him a photo of the jewel which you would like him to be inspired by. You will then only have to pay the labor and the body of the ring to place your own diamond there.

How to choose an engagement ring that goes with the alliance?

When choosing your engagement ring, we must already think about his future alliance. It is indeed preferable that the two jewels are well matched. Many future brides opt for a solitaire diamond on a white gold ring or in platinum for example, whether or not set with small diamonds. If you want more originality, why not opt ​​for a solitaire enhanced with one or more micro-pavers of diamonds, or for a trilogy, a ring set with three diamonds? You can also choose a double ring, wide, even two intertwined rings. In addition, some jewelers offer engagement rings surmounted, for example, by a flower or a bow set with diamonds, a heart-shaped stone... But most future brides prefer alliances at low prices, in order to emphasize THE engagement ring that accompanies it . Our selection of wedding bands for women under 1000 euros:

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Ring in white gold and diamonds, Penelope model, 1690 euros

How much to spend on an engagement ring?

Of course, everything will depend on your desires, the alloy and the stones you like, but also on the jewelry house you choose. Several factors come into play, such as the chosen metal (gold, silver, platinum ), the presence or absence of stones, their weight, the finesse of the design and of course, the seller's margin. Engraving is often included in the price. There is therefore no precise answer to this question. However, we know that on average, the French spend 700 euros for the engagement ring according to a study conducted by Gemmyo in 2014, and Ile-de-France residents spend an average of 1,060 euros. For a slightly less expensive model, consider the semi-precious stones, which bring an original shine to the creation, while being much less expensive than a diamond or a sapphire. Know that there are a whole bunch of brands of engagement rings that offer models at low prices (less than 100 euros), this is particularly the case with Edenly, the Maty or the Swarovski. However, if you wish to offer yourself or be offered a unique or tailor-made model, obviously, its price will be much higher.

Source journaldesfemmes.fr