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An EBJ guide

understanding engagement rings

BEGIN YOUR Journey bespoke engagement rings

everything you need to choose the perfect engagement ring

Choosing an engagement ring involves more than finding a design you love. The centre stone, setting, metal and proportions all influence how a ring looks, feels and fits into everyday life.

This engagement ring guide explains the details that matter, helping you understand your options and choose a ring with confidence.

2.01ct Round Lab Grown Diamond (Colour D, Clarity VVS1, Cut ID, IGI Certified)

anatomy of an engagement ring

The different parts of an engagement ring 

From the centre stone and claws to the shoulders, gallery and band, each part of an engagement ring contributes to its appearance and structure. Understanding these details helps you compare designs, describe what you love and make informed choices when creating your own ring.

Centre Stone

The main diamond or gemstone, which often defines the ring’s overall appearance.

claws

Small metal tips that hold a stone in place. They can be rounded or shaped into fine talon points.

collet / head

The structure that holds the stone securely. Its design affects how much of the stone is visible and how high it sits above the finger.

gallery

The area beneath the centre stone. An open gallery can reveal the underside of the stone and introduce details that are visible from the side.

shoulders

The sections of the band on either side of the setting. These may be plain, tapered or set with diamonds.

band or shank

The part that wraps around the finger. Its width, thickness and profile influence the ring’s proportions and feel.

a central decision

choosing your diamond shape

Diamond shape describes the outline of the stone. It is different from cut quality, which concerns how the diamond has been proportioned and faceted.

Round 

The most timeless of diamond cuts, celebrated for its exceptional brilliance and fire. A classic choice that never goes out of style.

Oval

An elegant, elongated cut that combines beautiful brilliance with graceful proportions, creating the illusion of a larger diamond.

princess

A contemporary square cut with sharp, defined corners and exceptional sparkle. Perfect for those seeking modern elegance.

cushion

Softly rounded corners and romantic proportions give this cut its distinctive charm, blending vintage character with beautiful brilliance.

Asscher

A sophisticated square cut featuring cropped corners and mesmerising step-cut facets, admired for its Art Deco elegance.

emerald

Defined by clean lines and elongated step-cut facets, the emerald cut offers understated sophistication and a distinctive hall-of-mirrors effect.

radiant

Combining the elegant silhouette of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a modern faceted diamond, creating exceptional sparkle.

pear

A graceful teardrop silhouette combining soft curves with a delicate point. An elegant choice that beautifully elongates the finger.

marquise

A striking elongated cut with two pointed ends, designed to maximise visual size while creating an elegant, slender appearance.

heart

A distinctive symbol of love, featuring a beautifully balanced silhouette and brilliant faceting. A romantic and personal choice.

Trilliant

A striking triangular cut with bold geometric lines and vibrant brilliance, offering a distinctive alternative to traditional diamond shapes.

other shapes

From hexagonal and kite cuts to rare geometric designs, we can source distinctive diamond shapes for a truly individual creation.

A close-up shot of a cushion-cut diamond halo ring on a person's finger, set against a warm, blurred wooden background.

make the ring yours

Engagement ring settings explained 

The setting shapes the character of the ring and deserves as much consideration as the centre stone.

solitaire

Timeless in its simplicity, the solitaire places a single diamond centre stage, allowing its natural beauty and brilliance to shine.

shoulder set

Delicate diamonds set along the shoulders add an extra touch of brilliance, beautifully complementing the centre stone.

halo

A sparkling frame of smaller diamonds surrounds the centre stone, enhancing its brilliance and creating a striking, luxurious appearance.

trilogy

Three beautifully balanced stones symbolise the past, present and future, creating a meaningful design with timeless elegance.

toi-et-moi

Two distinctive gemstones brought together in one elegant design, symbolising the union of two individuals and their unique love story.

other styles

An engagement ring is entirely yours to define. From traditional diamond designs to understated plain bands or distinctive signet rings, there are no rules.

A yellow gold ring featuring a large radiant-cut diamond center stone and a halo of small diamonds, set on a polished gold band against a clean white background.
2.51ct Marquise Lab Grown Diamond (Colour D, Clarity VVS2, IGI Certified)

diamonds and gemstones

natural vs lab-grown

Natural and lab-grown stones offer different routes to choosing your centre stone. Natural stones form within the earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment.

When exploring either option, consider the individual stone’s appearance, specifications and grading report, alongside your preferences and budget.

 PRECIOUS METALS 

A Metal as Individual as Your Ring 

From the timeless elegance of platinum to the warmth of yellow and rose gold, your choice of precious metal defines the character of your engagement ring. Explore the beauty, qualities and individuality of each metal to find your perfect match.

platinum

Naturally white, hypoallergenic and exceptionally durable. Platinum retains its colour without plating, although its softer surface develops a natural patina over time. Platinum is a slightly darker colour when compared to white gold.

yellow gold

A timeless choice with a naturally warm colour that requires no plating. 9k offers a softer tone and durability, 14k balances strength and gold content, while 18k provides a richer colour and higher purity but is generally softer.

rose gold

Distinctive pink tones created by blending gold with copper. 9k offers durability and a more coppery tone, 14k provides a balance of colour and strength, while 18k has a richer gold content. Copper may irritate sensitive skin.

white gold

Elegant and durable, with a refined silvery appearance. 9k is a softer tone, 14k balances strength and purity, while 18k offers a higher gold content and excellent workability. Traditional white gold often requires rhodium plating, although palladium-rich alloys can be left unplated.

Lab-grown

Natural

Use the left and right arrow keys to navigate between before and after photos.
Ethically Sourced Diamonds

Ethically Sourced Diamonds

Natural & lab-grown diamonds available

Handmade in Essex

Handmade in Essex

Expert craftsmanship in every detail

Designed Around You

Designed Around You

Bespoke designs tailored to your story

Built to Last a Lifetime

Built to Last a Lifetime

Quality you can trust, for generations

Explore Our Collections

Discover our curated selection of fine jewellery
Solitaire

A classic symbol of love.

Close-up of a woman's hand wearing a diamond ring with a neutral background
Shoulder Set

Let your story sparkle.

Trilogy

Forever and always.

A close-up shot of a cushion-cut diamond halo ring on a person's finger, set against a warm, blurred wooden background.
Halo

Uniquely craftted for you.

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Absolutely. At Essex Bespoke Jewellery, every bespoke engagement ring is designed around your individual preferences. From selecting the perfect diamond or gemstone to choosing the metal, setting and finishing details, we work closely with you to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Our engagement rings are handcrafted by our skilled jewellers in Essex, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design techniques.
We offer private engagement ring consultations at our Chelmsford showroom in Essex, providing a relaxed and personal environment to explore your ideas. We also offer home consultations and video appointments for clients across Essex, London, Kent and throughout the UK. Every consultation is tailored to your requirements, allowing us to discuss designs, diamonds, gemstones and budgets.
Of course. You don't need any previous knowledge of diamonds or jewellery design to create a beautiful bespoke engagement ring. Adam and Arran will guide you through the entire process, explaining diamond shapes, natural and lab-grown diamonds, precious metals and different setting styles. Our aim is to make designing your engagement ring an enjoyable and straightforward experience.
Yes. Our bespoke engagement rings are handcrafted in Essex using a combination of traditional jewellery-making techniques and modern technology. Unlike mass-produced jewellery, each commission receives individual attention throughout the manufacturing process, from the initial design through to stone setting, polishing and final finishing.
Yes. We offer a carefully selected range of natural and lab-grown diamonds in various shapes, sizes and qualities. Whether you're looking for a classic round brilliant diamond, an elegant oval, an emerald cut or something more unusual, we'll help you compare suitable stones and select one that complements your design and budget.
Our bespoke engagement ring service begins with a personal consultation to understand your ideas, preferences and budget. Once the design and quotation have been agreed, we take a deposit to begin your commission. Your ring is then designed and handcrafted, before undergoing stone setting, finishing, hallmarking and final quality checks. We keep you informed throughout the process until your completed engagement ring is ready for collection or insured delivery.
We understand that choosing the correct ring size can be difficult, particularly when planning a surprise proposal. That's why we offer a complimentary first resize on eligible engagement rings, where the design allows. We also provide professional cleaning and polishing services to help keep your engagement ring looking beautiful for years to come.