Our Practical Guide to Getting Engaged
If you’re planning the perfect proposal, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step. From choosing the perfect ring to planning a memorable proposal and navigating the moments afterward, we’ve gathered expert tips and insider knowledge to help you feel confident and inspired.
1. Everything You Should Know Before Choosing The Ring
An engagement ring is a piece they’ll wear every day, so choosing the right one means balancing beauty, quality, and personal meaning. Whether you're dreaming up something completely bespoke or selecting a pre-designed piece, understanding the elements that make up a ring will help you make a confident, meaningful choice.
Let’s start with the heart of the ring: The Centre Stone.
This is the star of the ring, the focal point that sets the tone for the entire design. Traditionally, this is a diamond, but gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and even moissanite have grown in popularity for their colour, symbolism, or ethical appeal.
If you're going the diamond route, it helps to understand how diamonds are graded and why some sparkle more than others. That’s where the 4Cs come in.
Understanding the 4Cs of Diamonds
Before you start shopping, it’s important to know the basics of diamond quality, commonly referred to as the 4Cs:
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Cut: The cut determines how brilliantly your diamond reflects light. A great cut brings out sparkle and fire, it’s the most important factor for beauty.
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Colour: Diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tint). Most people prefer near-colourless (G-H) for an elegant look.
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Clarity: This refers to the number and visibility of internal imperfections (inclusions). Most inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye, especially in the VS (Very Slightly Included) and SI (Slightly Included) grades.
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Carat: This is the diamond’s weight, which correlates to size but not necessarily to how beautiful or sparkly it is.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: Making the Right Choice for You
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to choose a natural or lab-grown diamond:
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Natural Diamonds: Formed deep within the earth over billions of years, natural diamonds carry a legacy and rarity that many find deeply meaningful. They’re certified by labs like GIA, ensuring authenticity and quality. For some, this timeless origin adds emotional value that can’t be replicated.
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Lab-Grown Diamonds: These diamonds are created in labs using advanced technology to replicate the natural process. They share the same chemical, optical, and physical properties as mined diamonds. Lab-grown options tend to be 20-40% more affordable, which means you can get a larger or higher-quality stone for your budget. They’re also more environmentally friendly and guaranteed conflict-free, certified by labs like IGI.
Choosing between natural and lab-grown diamonds comes down to your values, priorities, and budget. Both offer stunning beauty and durability.
The Beauty of Coloured Gemstones: Unique Alternatives to Diamonds
If you want to break tradition and stand out, coloured gemstones are a bold and beautiful choice for engagement rings. Their vibrant hues can be rich with personal meaning and symbolism:
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Sapphires: From classic deep blues to pinks, yellows, and greens, sapphires symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and sincerity.
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Emeralds: With their lush green colour, emeralds represent growth, fertility, and new beginnings, perfect for a fresh chapter.
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Morganite: Soft pink and romantic, morganite evokes tenderness, compassion, and love.
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Spinel and Tourmaline: These less common gems come in vibrant colours and offer durability for everyday wear.
Gemstones often come at a lower price point than diamonds and allow for customisation that tells your story through colour and meaning.
Metal Matters
The metal you choose impacts both the ring’s aesthetic and durability:
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Yellow Gold: Warm, classic, and perfect for vintage-inspired designs.
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White Gold: Sleek and modern, with a bright, neutral finish.
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Rose Gold: Romantic and on-trend, with a soft pink hue.
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Platinum: Durable, naturally white, and hypoallergenic — ideal for those with sensitive skin.
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Two-Tone Metal Designs: Two-tone metal designs offer visual contrast, such as pairing a white gold setting (to enhance diamond brilliance) with a yellow or rose gold band for warmth and individuality.
If you're unsure, peek at their other jewellery, most people stick to one metal tone.
Ring Setting Styles
The setting is the design that holds and showcases your centre stone. It changes the look — and feel — of the ring:
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Solitaire: Timeless and minimal, perfect for letting the diamond shine.
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Halo: Surrounds the centre stone with smaller diamonds for extra sparkle.
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Three-Stone: Meaningful and balanced, symbolising past, present, and future.
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Hidden Details: Think secret diamonds, bespoke gallery work, or meaningful engraving only they’ll know about.
Our Tips: Customising Your Ring
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Hidden Details: Add secret diamonds inside the band or an engraving of a special date or message.
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Mix Metals: Combine rose, white, or yellow gold for a unique look that reflects both of your styles.
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Choose Settings Wisely: Consider durability and lifestyle, for example, bezel settings offer great protection, while prong settings highlight sparkle.
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Add Personal Touches: Incorporate birthstones, meaningful symbols, or heirloom elements.
Want something truly personal? Our bespoke design process lets you customise every element of your ring, from metal to message.
2. Ring Size Made Easy: How to Get It Just Right
Getting the ring size right is one of the trickiest parts of buying an engagement ring, especially if you want it to be a surprise. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
How to Find Their Ring Size Without Asking Directly
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Borrow a Ring: If your partner wears rings, borrow one from the correct finger and take it to a jeweller for measurement.
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Ask Friends or Family: Someone close to your partner might know their size or be able to find out discreetly.
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Trace or Photograph: Carefully trace the inner circle of a ring onto paper, or take a photo next to a ruler to help estimate the size.
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Use a Ring Sizer Tool: Printable ring sizers and inexpensive plastic ring measuring sets are available online.
Important Ring Size Tips
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Remember that finger sizes can fluctuate with temperature, activity, and time of day. The best size fits comfortably at the end of the day when fingers are largest.
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If unsure, size up slightly. It’s easier and less expensive to resize a ring smaller than to enlarge it.
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Many jewellers offer free resizing after purchase, confirm this before buying.
3. Planning the Proposal: Creating a Moment to Remember
The proposal is the magical moment that will live in your memories forever. While the details matter, the heart of it lies in intention and personal connection.
Proposal Ideas That Feel Personal
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A Walk in Nature: Beaches, gardens, or forests provide romantic, peaceful backdrops.
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A Meaningful Location: The place you first met, your favourite restaurant, or a city you both love.
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Adventure: Propose during a hike, a hot air balloon ride, or a concert you both enjoy.
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At-Home Intimacy: Sometimes the quiet comfort of home, with a favourite meal and candlelight, can be the most meaningful setting.
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A Luxury Experience: Book an exclusive restaurant, a private tasting at a wine farm, or a weekend stay at a boutique hotel, perfect for turning the proposal into an unforgettable escape.
Need Help Planning the Perfect Proposal?
We’re not just here for the ring, we’re here for the moment, too. Whether you need help brainstorming ideas, finding the right words, or creating an unforgettable setting, we’ve got you. Through our trusted hospitality and events partners, we can arrange everything from photographers to flowers and champagne to settings. We’d love to help you plan it all.
What to Say: Tips for Your Proposal Speech
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Write down your feelings beforehand, it helps when the nerves kick in.
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Speak from the heart about what you love most, why you want to spend your life together, and your hopes for the future.
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Practice a few times to feel confident, but keep it natural and genuine.
Should You Ask for Permission?
Tradition or modern? Some couples choose to involve family, especially if it’s important to their partner or their culture. Others prefer a private, just-the-two-of-you moment. There’s no right or wrong answer, do what feels best for your relationship.
4. What to Do After the “Yes”
Celebrate Your Way
Whether that’s a big engagement party or a quiet moment together, make time to savor it. Consider a few days of private celebration before sharing the news widely, the early days are precious.
Protect Your Ring: Insurance Essentials
Your engagement ring is a valuable, meaningful piece of jewellery. Protect it with insurance that covers loss, theft, or damage. Always keep your valuation certificate, this is what insurers require to properly cover your ring.
Aftercare & Longevity
Your ring is designed to last a lifetime and with a little care, it will. We recommend a complimentary check-up every 12–18 months to ensure your prongs remain secure and your diamond is protected. Gentle cleaning at home and avoiding harsh chemicals or impact will help maintain its brilliance. For any questions or a professional polish, we’re always here to assist.
Our Bespoke Process & Virtual Consultations
At The One Diamond Atelier, we specialise in creating bespoke engagement rings that tell your story. Whether you're based in Cape Town, London, or anywhere in the world, our process is built around flexibility, personalisation, and exceptional craftsmanship. Start with a complimentary virtual consultation where we’ll get to know your ideas, answer your questions, and guide you through diamond and design options. From initial sketches to 3D renderings and final creation, we’re with you every step, making the process seamless, inspiring, and entirely yours.
Let's begin designing the ring of a lifetime.
Our Final Thoughts
There’s no one right way to get engaged. It’s a celebration of your unique bond, and your choices should reflect your love story, values, and dreams. Focus on intention over extravagance and meaning over trend. And when you’re ready, The One Diamond Atelier is here to help craft an engagement ring and proposal experience as extraordinary as your love.
