Finding the perfect engagement ring has never been easier, with a wealth of online jewellers offering stunning designs to suit every taste and budget. From established luxury maisons to innovative sustainable start-ups, the UK market is brimming with options for that all-important proposal.
Top Online Jewellers at a Glance
- The Diamond Store: Price range ££, Thediamondstore.co.uk
- Kimai: Price range £££, Kimai.co.uk
- Ernest Jones: Price range ££, Ernestjones.co.uk
- Mejuri: Price range ££, Mejuri.com
- De Beers: Price range £££, Debeers.co.uk
How Much to Spend?
Antiquated etiquette guides suggest spending two or three months' wages on an engagement ring, but this outdated idea carries little weight today. The advice is to spend what you can comfortably afford. If you're concerned about cost, lab-grown diamonds offer an indistinguishable alternative to mined stones at a fraction of the price.
Finding Their Ring Size
If your partner has a jewellery box full of rings, simply borrow one and show it to a jeweller to determine the size. Alternatively, inexpensive ring sizers are available online. For those who would notice a missing ring, tracing the inside of a ring onto paper can help. According to a Hatton Garden jeweller, the average ring size for women is M, so going with the crowd and ensuring resizing is possible later is a safe bet.
When to Buy the Ring?
The most popular time to propose in the UK is Christmas, with more couples getting engaged between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day than any other time. Holidays, anniversaries, and Valentine's Day are also popular. Whichever date you choose, order the ring a few months in advance to allow time for design, forging, and sizing.
The Diamond Store
Offering a vast array of diamond jewellery, The Diamond Store is one of the largest online purveyors of the precious stone. Its sustainable lab diamond engagement rings include designs in round, oval, cushion, pear, princess, emerald, baguette, and marquise cuts, as well as coloured lab diamonds for a stylish twist.
Ernest Jones
Established in 1949, Ernest Jones offers a stunning range of engagement rings, with prices starting from £85 up to £22k+ for a platinum band. The site also features bridal sets with matching wedding bands, such as the Diamond Cushion Halo Bridal Set.
H. Samuel
A major British high street jeweller, H. Samuel was founded by Harriet Samuel over 150 years ago. With frequent sales and discounts, it's a budget-friendly option, with prices currently topping out at £7,000.
Chaumet
Founded in 1780, Chaumet is a heritage brand with a fine fashion aesthetic. Its engagement rings, like the Joséphine Aigrette 18ct white-gold and diamond ring, take inspiration from Napoleon's wife, a notable patron of the maison.
Goldsmiths
Another high street favourite, Goldsmiths offers a dedicated engagement ring section, 0 per cent financing, and Click & Collect service. The online selection includes princess cuts, solitaires, pear cut stones, eternity styles, gemstone rings, bridal sets, and men's rings.
Mejuri
Known for affordable and chic jewellery, Mejuri also has dedicated engagement and wedding ring sections. The oval eternity ring offers a subtle level of sparkle.
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth ensures all gemstones are conflict-free, with options including lab-grown and pre-loved stones, avoiding new mining. Beyond diamonds, the brand offers gemstones and statement collections. The Mosaics collection blends varying cuts for a contemporary look, and there are also fashion and stacking rings at impressive prices.
Lark & Berry
Lark & Berry's engagement ring collection uses only lab-grown diamonds in elevated designs. Many options are made to order, allowing for customisation, with prices starting around £2,000.
De Beers
De Beers, a brand synonymous with diamonds since 1888, offers both opulent and restrained engagement ring designs. Today, every De Beers diamond is certified conflict-free.
Mappin & Webb
With over 240 years of experience, Mappin & Webb is a British jeweller known for fine jewellery and Royal Warrants. The collection includes popular cuts, various metal options, multi-stone and coloured gemstones, as well as matching wedding bands.
Vrai
Sustainable lab-grown diamond company Vrai offers a minimalist approach, allowing you to design a unique ring by choosing a setting or diamond first.
Kimai
Kimai is a contemporary jeweller using lab-grown diamonds for full traceability. All pieces are made to order, allowing for small customisations. The Jackie pear ring offers a literal twist on a classic with an accented diamond.
Tiffany & Co
Known for its iconic powder blue boxes, Tiffany & Co offers some of the finest gems and designs, including brilliant round stones, sharp square cuts, sapphires, and yellow diamonds. Band styles range from minimalist to contemporary.
Taylor & Hart
Each Taylor & Hart ring includes a Greenland Ruby on the inset. Every piece is bespoke, with many simple options starting just below £1,000 (excluding the gemstone). Search by metal type, ring style (Toi & Moi is popular), and stone shape.
