Picking an engagement ring should be fun, not stressful. But let’s be honest—there’s a dizzying number of styles, metals, and stones out there. It’s easy to feel lost right from the start. Here’s the thing: there isn’t one “perfect” ring out there for everyone. There’s just the right one for you.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we think your engagement ring should say something about you—not just follow the latest trend. In 2025, more couples are tossing out the old rules and choosing rings that actually fit their personalities. People want sustainable materials, personal touches, and real craftsmanship—stuff that lasts.
So, whether you’re eyeing a classic solitaire, something vintage, or you like the idea of a modern lab-grown diamond, what really matters is figuring out what each piece means to you. How does it fit your style, your values, and your budget?
Our 2025 guide covers everything: diamond shapes, metals, settings, sustainable options, and what it all costs. We want you to feel good when you shop—confident, clear-headed, ready.
Because when you find the right ring, you’ll know. It doesn’t just sparkle. It feels like it was always meant to be on your hand.
👉 Explore our Collection
“Finding the perfect ring starts with understanding what matters most — your story.”
Step 1 – Choose Your Diamond Shape
Let’s get right to it: the diamond shape is where everything starts. It’s the centre piece of your engagement ring—the part that really says something about who you are.
In the UK, round brilliant and oval diamonds still top the charts for 2025. Cushion and emerald cuts aren’t far behind, either. But honestly, the biggest trend now isn’t about following the crowd. It’s about picking the shape that feels like you.
Every shape has its own vibe:
💎 Round Brilliant: Pure classic. It’s always in style—balanced, timeless, and just plain elegant.
💎 Oval: Sleek and modern, but with a soft edge. It makes your fingers look longer and gives off this gentle, romantic glow. Great if you want a fresh take on tradition.
💎 Emerald: All about clean lines and those sharp flashes of light. It’s bold, minimal, and quietly confident—perfect for people who love a little architecture in their jewelry.
💎 Cushion: Think vintage romance. The rounded corners and deep sparkle make it feel warm, dreamy, and a little nostalgic.
💎 Pear: If you want something a bit daring, this is your shape. It stands out, feels emotional, and brings a subtle vintage feel.
Here’s a tip: forget trends. Go for the shape that just feels right when you see it. Usually, it’s the one you keep coming back to—even after you think you’ve made up your mind.
And if you’re considering lab-grown diamonds, you’ll get up to 40% more carat for your money, without losing anything on beauty or quality. That means you can focus on the shape and sparkle that really speak to you.
Every diamond shape tells a story. The magic is finding the one that tells yours.
👉 Read next: Popular Engagement Ring Shapes and Their Meaning (2025 Edition)
“Each shape tells a different story. The one you choose becomes yours forever.”
Step 2 – Pick the Right Metal
Once you’ve picked the diamond shape that speaks to you, it’s time to pick the metal that really brings the whole ring alive. The metal isn’t just about looks—it sets the vibe, decides how tough your ring is, and even changes how it feels when you wear it.
Right now, platinum and yellow gold are stealing the spotlight. They each have their own style, and honestly, they’ve been classics for a reason.
Platinum – The Modern Classic
Platinum is for people who want something sleek and lasting. It’s naturally white, so you never have to worry about it fading or needing a touch-up. Plus, it’s heavy and strong, which makes it perfect if you plan on wearing your ring every day. Platinum’s cool, silvery tone makes diamonds look even brighter—there’s just something clean and modern about it.
Who loves platinum? Minimalists, modern romantics, and anyone who wants a ring that feels sturdy and could easily become a family heirloom.
Gold – The Warm Icon
Now, gold—especially yellow gold—is having a big moment. Gold gives off warmth and character. If you’re into that vintage romance vibe or your skin has warmer undertones, yellow gold just looks incredible.
White gold is another option. It’s got that shiny, polished look like platinum, but it does need a rhodium touch-up every so often to stay bright.
Then there’s rose gold. It’s got this soft, blush-pink hue that feels romantic and unique—great if you want something a little different from the crowd.
Gold’s perfect for people who love classic or vintage styles, or just want something with a rich, warm feel. And hey, if you can’t decide, mix it up! Mixing metals is huge right now. Try a platinum setting with a yellow gold band for some cool contrast, or sneak in a little rose gold on the inside—just for you.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we always say: pick the metal that feels right when you slip the ring on. The perfect ring isn’t just beautiful—it should feel like it belongs to you.
👉 Learn more: Which Is Better? The Pros and Cons of Gold and Platinum Engagement Rings.
“Your metal choice defines your ring’s personality — timeless, modern, or a blend of both.”
Step 3 – Find the Right Setting
Once you’ve picked out your diamond and metal, the next big decision is how you want that diamond to shine—yep, it’s all about the setting. The setting isn’t just about looks. It’s where style, comfort, and your own personality all come together. This choice shapes not just how your ring looks, but how it actually feels on your hand, day in and day out.
Looking at 2025, ring settings are leaning into subtle elegance with a dash of personal meaning. Couples want classic shapes, but they’re adding small, sentimental touches to make each ring feel like it belongs to them alone.
Here’s what everyone’s loving this year:
Solitaire – The Forever Favourite
It’s hard to top the solitaire. Simple, timeless, and always chic, it lets the diamond take centre stage—no distractions, just clean lines and pure sparkle. Lately, solitaires are getting some updates: think tapered bands, hidden halos, or cathedral shoulders for just a hint of something different.
Halo – The Classic Comeback
Remember when halos seemed a bit old-school? Not anymore. They’re back in a big way, thanks to that “Old Money” vibe—elegance without showing off. A halo wraps the centre diamond in extra sparkle, making it look bigger and bolder. Perfect if you love a little glamour.
Hidden Halo – Secret Sparkle
If you want that touch of luxury without shouting about it, the hidden halo is the go-to. Tucked under the main stone, it catches the light in unexpected ways. It’s a little secret sparkle, just for you.
Toi et Moi & Trilogy Rings – Full of Meaning
The Toi et Moi—French for “You and Me”—is all about togetherness, a romantic twist with two stones side by side. Trilogy rings use three stones to tell your story: past, present, and future, all in one design.
Split-Shank – Modern and Sculptural
A split-shank setting splits the band as it nears the centre stone, framing it in a way that feels modern and a bit architectural. It’s elegant but with a twist.
Quick tip from Blackwell: Think about your lifestyle, not just the look. If you’re active or wear your ring every day, pick a setting that protects the stone and feels comfortable all the time.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we believe your ring setting shouldn’t just hold a diamond—it should hold a memory.
👉 Explore styles: Halo vs Solitaire – Which Suits You?
“Each setting tells a story — the question is, which one tells yours?”
Step 4 – Diamond Type: Lab-Grown vs Mined
Lab-grown diamonds have really taken off in 2025, and honestly, it makes sense. For years, people treated mined diamonds as the gold standard — the only “real” option. Well, not anymore.
Here’s the thing about lab-grown diamonds: they look and sparkle just like mined ones because, at a chemical and physical level, they are the same. The real difference? Where they come from. Instead of forming deep underground over ages, lab-grown diamonds are created above ground in labs that mimic nature’s process.
There are some big upsides here:
💰 Value: You’ll pay 40–60% less for a lab-grown diamond than a mined one, so your budget stretches further — maybe a bigger stone or higher quality for the same price.
🌍 Sustainability: No digging up the earth. Lab diamonds are the more ethical, eco-friendly pick.
💎 Quality: These stones get the same grading and certification as mined diamonds, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
But let’s not forget about mined diamonds. Some people love the idea of owning something rare, formed by the earth over eons — there’s a certain romance to that. Both options have their own kind of beauty. In the end, it comes down to what matters most to you.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we’ve got both lab-grown and mined diamonds, so you can pick what fits your style, values, and budget.
💡 Blackwell Tip: Don’t get hung up on tradition. Go with what feels right.
👉 Read more: Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Mined – The Complete 2025 Guide
“Same brilliance. Different origin. The choice is yours.”
Step 5 – Budget & Longevity
Let’s be real—figuring out how much to spend on an engagement ring can be stressful. But honestly, no one’s following those old “three months’ salary” rules anymore. People in 2025 care more about what the ring means and how it’s made than about some outdated price tag.
Across the UK, most couples spend somewhere between £1,800 and £3,200. Still, that number by itself doesn’t say much. What really counts is getting the most for your money. You can pick out a stunning lab-grown diamond in a classic platinum band and end up with a ring that looks like it cost £5,000, but you only paid half that.
Here’s how to make every pound count:
Focus on cut and craftsmanship. A ring that’s beautifully made always stands out—even more than a bigger one with a sloppy finish.
Pick styles that last. Classic designs like solitaires or halos never go out of fashion, and you can always upgrade them later.
Think ahead. Down the road, you can resize, reset, or add to your ring. It’s part of the story you’ll build together.
Skip the big brand markup. At Blackwell Jewellers, you’re paying for quality, not a fancy logo.
💡Blackwell Tip: The right ring doesn’t empty your wallet—it adds to your story.
No matter what you want to spend, our team will help you find a ring that feels right for you, both practically and personally.
“Your dream ring isn’t about the price — it’s about how it makes you feel.”
Step 6 – Go Bespoke
In 2025, more couples are skipping the cookie-cutter rings and going for something that’s truly theirs. And honestly, who can blame them? Designing your own engagement ring is more than just picking out jewellery — it’s about capturing a piece of your own story, something personal that speaks to you both.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we see it all the time. Couples walk in wanting a ring you just won’t find in a shop window. They want to choose everything — the shape of the diamond, the metal, how it’s set, and even the little secret touches hidden in the design. Sometimes that means an engraving only you two get. Sometimes it’s a birthstone that marks the month you met. Whatever it is, a custom ring lets your story live right there in the metal.
We keep the whole process simple and personal. It starts with a real conversation: What’s your vision? What’s your budget? What feels like your style? After that, our jewellers sketch out your ideas by hand and craft the ring using techniques we’ve trusted for generations. Every step happens right here — no outsourcing, no guesswork, just total honesty and care.
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: a bespoke ring doesn’t have to mean “expensive.” It just means it’s yours. You’re paying for real craftsmanship, not a pile of markups. You end up with something one-of-a-kind, not just another ring off the shelf.
So, whether you want to rework a family piece, blend vintage with something modern, or just start from scratch, we’re here to help you bring it to life.
👉 Start your journey: Design Your Own Bespoke Engagement Ring
“Designed for your story — crafted by hand, built to last a lifetime.”
Picking out an engagement ring is a big deal. It’s more than just buying jewellery — it’s a promise, a piece of your story, and, honestly, something you’ll probably pass down one day.
These days, couples are shaking things up. They want rings that feel real, not just whatever’s popular on Instagram. Some go for a classic platinum solitaire, others pick out lab-grown diamonds, or even dream up a custom design from scratch. What matters is that the ring actually fits who you are.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we get that. We think the right ring brings together skill, ethics, and a bit of soul. Every piece we craft — whether it’s a timeless favourite or something totally new — gets made by hand, with care and real attention to your story.
Here’s what matters: The perfect ring isn’t the one that turns heads at a party. It’s the one that just feels right when you slip it on.
So, whether you’re curious about our collections or want to create something just for you, we can help you find the ring that’s truly “the one.”
👉 Explore our Engagement Ring Collection
👉 Book your free Bespoke Design Consultation
“The perfect ring doesn’t follow trends — it follows your story.”
