Education

The engagement ring guide

Choosing an engagement ring should feel as meaningful as the moment it marks. This is everything you need — the shape, the setting, the diamond, the metal — brought together, step by step.

Where to begin

Building a ring, step by step

There’s no wrong order, but this is the path most people love to follow.

  1. 1

    Find a shape

    Round, oval, emerald — the outline that feels like them.

    Explore shapes →
  2. 2

    Choose a setting

    Solitaire, halo, three-stone — how the diamond is held.

    See settings →
  3. 3

    Pick the diamond

    Balance the 4Cs — and lead with cut.

    Learn the 4Cs →
  4. 4

    Select the metal

    Yellow, white, or rose gold — or platinum.

    Compare metals →
  5. 5

    Make it yours

    We craft it to order, just for you.

    Start your ring →

Planning a surprise?

Buying in secret

Most of our rings begin as a surprise — here are a few gentle ways to get it just right.

  • 01

    Find their size, quietly

    Borrow a ring they already wear and compare it to our size guide, or ask a close friend. Don’t worry about exact — we resize the finished ring.

  • 02

    Read their style

    Notice what they reach for: yellow, white, or rose? Dainty or bold? Modern or vintage? It’s the best clue to the ring they’ll treasure.

  • 03

    Or propose first, design together

    Not certain? Propose in the moment, then design the ring side by side. Made to order means it’s built around you both.

The setting

Settings & styles

The setting is how the diamond is held — and it shapes the whole character of the ring.

  • Solitaire

    A single diamond on a clean band — timeless, and it lets the stone speak.

  • Halo

    A ring of tiny diamonds circles the centre, adding sparkle and making it look larger.

  • Three-stone

    A centre stone flanked by two — a romantic nod to past, present, and future.

  • Pavé

    Small diamonds set along the band for extra brilliance from every angle.

  • Bezel

    A smooth metal rim wraps the stone — sleek, modern, and very secure.

  • Cathedral

    Graceful arches lift the diamond high, bathing it in light.

  • Vintage

    Milgrain beading and fine detail for an antique, heirloom feel.

The metal

Choose your metal

It sets the mood of the ring and frames the diamond. We craft every piece in 14k & 18k gold — yellow, white, or rose — and in platinum.

Yellow gold

Warm and timeless — the classic choice, rich and flattering against most skin tones. 18k gives a deeper colour and is a touch softer; 14k is harder and more scratch-resistant.

Best for Classic, vintage, and warm-toned looks

The diamond

It starts with the stone

The heart of the ring. Go as deep as you like — we’ve written a full guide for each part.

  • Diamond shapes

    Find the outline that suits them — and how each catches light.

    Explore shapes →
  • The 4Cs

    Cut, colour, clarity, carat — what to prioritise, and what to buy.

    Learn the 4Cs →
  • Lab-grown diamonds

    Identical to mined, certified, and kinder — every stone we use.

    Why lab-grown →

Good to know

Before you choose

  • Budget, honestly

    Forget the old “three months’ salary” rule — there isn’t one. Spend what feels right for you. Because every Margot Vane diamond is lab-grown, your budget reaches further: more size and quality for less. If you trade anywhere, protect the cut — it’s what makes a diamond sparkle.

  • Finding their ring size

    Not sure of their size? Borrow a ring they already wear and compare it to our size guide — the most common women’s size is around 6 to 6.5. Don’t worry about getting it exact: we can resize, so a close guess is plenty to begin.

  • Made to order

    Every ring is crafted to order by our in-house team — created for you, never pulled off a shelf. Allow a little time for it to be made beautifully. Each arrives with its independent certificate (GIA, IGI, or GCAL) and our lifetime care.

Our promise

Every Margot Vane ring includes

  • A certified diamond

    Independently graded by GIA, IGI, or GCAL, with its full report.

  • Made to order

    Crafted in-house by our own team, just for you — never mass-produced.

  • Ethically grown

    100% lab-grown diamonds — the same beauty, without the mining.

  • The perfect fit

    Complimentary resizing within the first year, so it sits exactly right.

Good to know

Frequently asked

How do I choose the right engagement ring?

Start with the shape they’ll love, choose a setting that suits it, then pick the diamond — leading with cut — and finally the metal. If you remember one thing: a great cut matters more than sheer size.

What’s the most popular diamond shape?

Round is the most popular and the most brilliant, followed by oval, which looks larger for its weight. But the best shape is simply the one that feels like them.

Are lab-grown diamonds a good choice for an engagement ring?

Yes — wonderfully. A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, identical in every way that shows, fully certified, and better value, so more of your budget goes into the stone. Every Margot Vane diamond is lab-grown.

How much should I spend?

There is no rule — spend what feels comfortable. Lab-grown lets that budget stretch further. Put your money where it shows: an excellent cut first, then balance carat, colour, and clarity.

How do I find my partner’s ring size?

Borrow a ring they already wear and compare it to our ring size guide; the most common women’s size is about 6 to 6.5. A close guess is fine — we can resize the finished ring.

Which metals are most durable?

Platinum is the most durable and never needs plating. In gold, 14k is harder than 18k. All of them last a lifetime with simple care.

How can I make a smaller diamond look larger?

Choose a halo setting, an elongated shape (oval, marquise, pear), a slim band, and an excellent cut — together they make a stone look noticeably larger.

Can I customise an engagement ring?

Absolutely — every ring is made to order. Choose the shape, setting, diamond, and metal, and we’ll craft it just for you.

Ready to begin?

Start with a setting you love, or browse our certified lab-grown diamonds. We’ll bring the two together into a ring made just for you.