How to choose an engagement ring: 7 principles that make the difference.

Jun 14
4 min read

When a customer comes to us to choose an engagement ring, we know that this is not an ordinary purchase. Every story is different and our task is to understand what ring will really suit a particular woman. That is why we go through individual variants with the client and look for a design solution that makes sense not only visually, but also in the long term and in terms of value. So that at the moment of the request, there is only one thing left – to say the essential.

Principle #1 - Respect a woman's style, not your own image

An engagement ring is not about what you like, but what will come naturally to her.

Watch:

What jewelry do they wear every day?
whether they prefer subtlety or more expressive pieces
What metal do you prefer?

The ring should fit into her life, not stand out from it. If you have a wish, we can come up with a design element that is just for her.

Principle No. 2 - Choose the material according to the reality of wear

Every metal and alloy has its own properties – it's not just about color.

Consider:

how often the ring will be worn
contact with water, work, sports
willingness to deal with maintenance

The right material means the ring will still work for years to come.

Basic materials of engagement rings and their properties:

Yellow gold → stable color, natural character, less demanding on maintenance
White gold → elegant, neutral appearance, requires regular rhodium plating (surface plating)
Rose gold → beautiful modern color, soft tone, but lower hardness
Platinum → Stable color, beautiful character, hardness very similar to white gold. Higher toughness. Higher weight and price.

Principle No. 3 - Choose a gemstone based on character and durability

Diamond is the traditional choice, but it is far from the only one. Each gemstone has a different appearance, value, and durability in everyday wear.

Diamond (10 Mohs) → the hardest natural mineral, ideal for everyday wear without compromise
Sapphire (9 Mohs) → very durable, suitable for an active lifestyle - available in various shades of many colors
Ruby (9 Mohs) → as hard as sapphire, more pronounced color character - traditionally available in shades of red
Emerald (7.5–8 Mohs) → beautiful, but more sensitive stone, requires more careful handling - not quite suitable for an engagement ring, it is more for occasional wear. This gemstone has a high level of cleavage.
Aquamarine (7.5–8 Mohs) → light blue tone, softer visual appearance
Morganite (7.5–8 Mohs) → pink shade, often combined with rose gold
Tourmaline (7–7.5 Mohs) → wide range of colors, suitable for less exposed wear

Diamonds are evaluated according to separate criteria, which we discuss in detail in a separate article.

Hardness determines how well a stone resists scratching and wear. For an engagement ring that is worn daily, it is not a detail, but a crucial parameter. Gemstones that have a hardness lower than 8 on the Mohs scale require more careful handling and regular checks.

So it's not just about how the stone looks when you choose it, but how it will perform after years of wearing it.

Principle #4 - Stone placement is not just a visual detail. It affects safety, comfort, and everyday usability.

Carapace setting (solitaire) → maximum light for the stone, but higher susceptibility to trapping
Bezel setting → the stone is protected, suitable for an active lifestyle
Halo → optically enlarges the central stone. The crown is set with smaller side stones. A more distinctive luxurious look.

Important:

How high is the stone placed?
how is it protected against impact
if the ring does not interfere with normal activities

Design should work not only when handed over, but especially when worn. At DeLoire we may be all about the details, but we believe that they are what make the difference.

Principle No. 5 - Choosing the right size

A ring that doesn't fit can ruin even a perfectly prepared proposal. The ideal situation is when the ring:

passes through the joint without resistance
Holds firmly but does not press
does not seem uncertain when moving

How to find out your size:

use a ring that the woman is already wearing
to consult with those around you
possibly choose a slightly larger size

Resizing is common and it is common for an engagement ring to not fit 100%.

Principle #6 - Think about the ring in the context of the future

An engagement ring almost always becomes part of a pair with a wedding ring.

Therefore, it makes sense to consider the following when choosing:

how the rings will fit together
whether they can be worn comfortably next to each other
whether they are visually related to each other

The problem arises when the engagement ring is too prominent or structurally complicated - the wedding ring then has to step back or adapt.

It is ideal to consider both rings as a whole, not as two separate choices.

Principle #7 - Choose a ring that can withstand everyday wear

Our opinion is that an engagement ring is not a piece of jewelry for special occasions, but an item that is worn every day.

Therefore, it should:

be comfortable during normal activities
resist wear and tear
not to interfere with work or movement

If you follow these simple principles when choosing, you will significantly increase your chances of making the right choice. The “three salaries” rule is a marketing myth that has nothing to do with reality. The price level of a ring is mainly determined by your options and preferences, which we always respect. An engagement ring has value – not only in its meaning, but also in the material and workmanship. If you choose the right one, it can be a piece of jewelry that maintains its value in the long term.

Radim & Michaela