First you need to decide whether to surprise your partner with a ring or to involve her in the design process.

If you are planning a surprise proposal, you will obviously want her to love the ring. – You’ll need to find out about your partner’s preferences.
Unless you already have a good grasp of her likes and dislikes, don’t risk a stab in the dark! – You could get it totally wrong. Do a bit of research so that you can be confident that the ring you buy is totally her. (Don’t forget that you will also need to find out your partner’s finger-size.)

Get some help

You could seek the advice one of her friends, a sister or her mother. They might well have a good idea of the style of ring she would like.

(Make sure you choose someone you can trust not to let the cat out of the bag!)

If you are not confident that you know your partner's taste in rings you could propose with a temporary ring. – This could be costume jewellery, a ring from a Christmas cracker or even a Haribo ring! – You can then design the real ring together. – This can be just as romantic and memorable an experience as a surprise proposal. It also means that she’ll get an engagement ring that she loves!

Designing the ring together

A nice alternative to the surprise proposal with the ring already purchased is to design your ring as a couple.

This way you can both have an input into the design. Many couples find this an exciting and enjoyable experience.

Engagement and wedding ring sets

If you would prefer to buy the engagement ring and the wedding ring together we can, of course, design and make them at the same time. However, most clients start by commissioning their engagement ring and then at a later date they come back so we can create the wedding ring to go with it. Often this will be followed by an eternity ring designed to complete the set.

Design your own Engagement ring

It is natural to want your engagement ring to be unique to you.

Of course you could personalise a mass-produced ring with an inscription inside the band. But why settle for that, when you could have a hand in the design of your own unique ring?

There is no need to be able to draw. – If you can describe what you have in mind, our expert craftsmen can turn your ideas into reality.

Even if you have no idea what you are looking for, you can design your own engagement ring! How? Come along for a design consultation at our showroom. One of the talented designer-jewellers from our on-site workshop will lead you gently through the whole process. Over the years we have worked with thousands of couples. Our craftsmen have the experience and skills to ensure your ring fulfils everything you imagine for your engagement.

The design process

The purpose of a design consultation is for us to find out what your perfect ring would be. Once we have the exact specifications we can then calculate a price for you.
We’ll start by listening to any ideas you may have. This will give us an idea of the general direction we need to go in. We will make suggestions about every little aspect of the design, and gradually by process of elimination, we will arrive at the precise specifications for your perfect engagement ring.

Once we have established the exact specifications we will be able to calculate prices for you. If you decide to order from us it is generally the goldsmith you meet at your consultation who will create your handmade engagement ring. – Very few jewellers, even those offering custom-made engagement rings, work in this one-to-one way. The Design Process

Classic Engagement ring styles

If you don’t know what style of engagement ring you would like it’s a good idea to start by looking at the classic categories of engagement rings:

Single stone or “Solitaire” engagement rings

Probably the most popular engagement ring style.

With a Solitaire the emphasis is usually on the stone itself, and the ring is just a way of holding the stone.

Two-stone rings

Two-stone rings usually have two diamonds, but sometimes have one diamond and one coloured stone like a sapphire or ruby. Generally the two stones will be the same size.

Three-stone rings

Often called Trilogy rings, three-stone rings are almost as popular as solitaires.

The three stones might be the same size or the centre-stone might be larger than the outer two. The engagement ring of the Duchess of Sussex is an example.

Five-stone rings and seven stone rings

These are less popular now than they once were. Usually the stones graduate from the largest in the centre to the smallest on the ends. Choose from all diamond, or diamonds alternating with a coloured stone such as sapphire, ruby or emerald.

Cluster rings

A cluster is any ring where the stones are grouped rather than in a line.

Again, these can be all diamond or feature a different stone in the centre. From a distance a diamond cluster can resemble a single-stone ring. Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now belonging to the Duchess of Cambridge, is a classic example of a sapphire and diamond cluster. This oval blue sapphire surrounded by smaller diamonds has been much imitated.

Halo rings

Diamond halo engagement rings are currently on trend.

A halo is similar to a round cluster.

A larger centre diamond surrounded by small diamonds set a little way away from it giving the halo effect.

Each of these categories could be interpreted in an infinite number of ways. You might prefer a classic or traditional version or something more contemporary. Vintage engagement rings are popular with people who love the fashions of a particular era such as the 1940s or 1960s or 1970s. If you can’t find a genuine period-piece we could make you a new ring made in that style.

If you don’t have a particular style in mind, start narrowing the field.

Eliminate the types you like least, and gradually focus in on what appeals to you the most.

Designer engagement rings

Jewellery designers tend to have their own specific style that they like to work in.

Often, a designer’s “signature style” immediately recognisable to those "in the know".

Where mass-produced rings tend to be rather “vanilla”, so that they will appeal to the greatest number of people, a designer engagement ring can be much more “niche”.

One-of-a-kind engagement rings from Aurum Jewellers

The bespoke engagement rings we produce for our clients vary enormously in style, ranging from contemporary to classic. The rings in our stock often provide inspiration for our customers.

If you are looking for an unusual engagement ring take a look at these pages Flick engagement ring and Infinity engagement ring.

These contemporary engagement ring styles appeal particularly those people wanting a something different to what is generally available. Each one is designed and made to the exact requirements of the customer, so no two are ever the same. If you prefer something more traditional, we can design a Unique engagement ring that is classic in style.

Our Flick engagement ring is our signature style. Each one is individually designed and handmade for a particular client. What makes a Flick engagement ring different is that it is not symmetrical, having one flat side so that it will next to a straight wedding ring. This causes the diamond to be pushed down the finger and one shoulder flicks down to meet it. – Hence the name! Some people prefer a chunky engagement ring and some a really delicate one. – The Flick concept can be adapted to suit your own personal taste. To see examples visit Flick Engagement Rings

Choosing the diamond for your engagement ring

If you are going for a solitaire engagement ring (that’s a ring with just one diamond) choosing the stone is a big part of the design process. Where the diamond weighs more than 0.35ct we use GIA certificated stones.

No two diamonds are exactly the same so when selecting your diamond you won’t be comparing like with like.

Certificates from independent gem grading organisations like the GIA are useful when deciding which is the best stone for you.

We can supply GIA certificated diamonds of any size and quality.

However, we suggest you don’t base your choice wholly on the certificate.

Buy with your eyes! Often a diamond that is not quite as good on paper as another, just has something about it that makes it stand out.

Once your diamond is set in your ring you’ll probably never look at the certificate again, so it’s how the stone looks to you that is most important.

We can show you a selection of certified diamonds that fit your criteria, so you can pick the one that appeals most to you

Choosing the best metal for your ring

Whether you prefer yellow gold or a white metal your ring will be on your finger for the rest of your life. The metal you choose needs to be durable in order to stay in shape and hold your diamond securely.

Platinum engagement rings

If you prefer white metal platinum is undoubtedly the best choice. Platinum is tough and hard-wearing, making it highly suitable for setting diamonds. As it is naturally white it does not need plating and will not change colour.

White gold engagement rings are popular but many people don’t realise that they are rhodium plated to make them look whiter than they really are. If you buy a white gold ring you should be aware that the white colour you see is a very thin coating. This is rhodium that has been electroplated onto the white gold, and it will wear off. Some people who find their engagement ring is changing colour think that it is tarnishing. In fact, the plating is wearing away and the true colour of the white gold is showing through. White gold was originally developed as a cheaper alternative to platinum.

Palladium is another alternative metal to platinum. It is part of the platinum group of metals and shares some characteristics with platinum itself. Palladium is tougher than white gold and it is naturally white so does not need rhodium plating. However, it is not as tough as platinum and is not as suitable for setting diamonds.

If you prefer yellow or rose gold it is still a good idea to have the stone setting in platinum. This is for two reasons. Platinum is tougher and better for holding stones, plus it will not reflect yellow into your diamond.

Getting the right finger size

We advise against using tape-measures or paper ring sizes downloaded from the internet. These are not accurate at all.

The most reliable way to find get the right ring size is to go into a jeweller’s and have the finger measured properly using metal ring sizes. If you are planning to surprise your partner you will need to find her size without giving the game away.

A ring should slide on easily and come off with just a little tug. There does need to be some resistance, usually on your knuckle, so that the ring cannot fall off. Aim for a fit that is comfortably snug but not tight. Bear in mind that your fingers change size according to the temperature. They expand in hot weather and shrink when it’s cold. For this reason it is best to measure your finger when the temperature is neither very hot nor very cold.

If we are going to make your ring we prefer to do the measuring ourselves. Ring sizing sounds straightforward but there is more to it than you might think. It is more art than science. Years of experience have shown that we need to take into account various factors including the width and the profile of the band, how fleshy or bony the finger is and how big the knuckle is relative to the part where the ring will sit.

If you can’t find out the size it is not the end of the world. – We can always adjust the finger-size after you have proposed.

Engagement ring designers

When you choose Aurum to create your engagement ring you can trust that you’re in safe hands. Since we started back in 1985 our highly-skilled jewellery designers and goldsmiths we have created bespoke engagement rings for thousands of clients. Countless couples have marked their engagement with a bespoke engagement ring designed and made by Aurum. We could do the same for you.

We design and individually hand-craft each ring in our on-site workshop. Our talented designer-craftsmen hand-make unique engagement rings in platinum, gold and palladium with diamonds and precious stones of all kinds. We specialise in GIA certificated diamonds.

When you give or receive an engagement ring, you’re announcing to the world that you’ve found your other half.

make sure you do it in style with a bespoke engagement ring.

If you are looking for the perfect engagement ring the craftsmen at Aurum designer-jewellers can produce it for you.

With a wealth of experience in creating bespoke engagement rings for clients across the UK and Worldwide, our skilled jewellers would be delighted to discuss your requirements.

To discuss ideas for a bespoke engagement ring speak to Aurum jewellers today!

If you like the idea of proposing to your partner with a custom-made engagement ring but you just don’t know how to go about it, give us a call. We’ve been making bespoke engagement rings since 1985 so we are experts in coming up with the right design for a particular person.

You know your partner better than anyone else, so we need you to give us as much detail as you can about their style, taste and interests. We’ll ask you lots of questions in order to find out what makes them tick. As we move forward with the design process you can have as much creative input as you wish. By the end of the consultation we will have arrived at a design that is perfect for her.

Aurum designer-jewellers has been designing and making bespoke wedding rings for more than 30 years. We offer a free design consultation to discuss your requirements. There is absolutely no obligation.

The first step is to give us a call….