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Are you planning on taking your relationship to the next level? Buying an engagement ring is one of life’s precious moments. Both exciting and nerve-wrecking, it can be difficult to choose the perfect ring. Using our expertise and experience we have outlined some top tips to consider when choosing your ring.
1. How Much Should You Spend
Before diving into your search, it’s important to set a budget that feels right for you. Engagement ring prices can vary significantly depending on the metal, diamond size, cut, and brand. Knowing what you’re comfortable spending will help narrow your options and make the process far less overwhelming.
You may have heard the old “two months’ salary” guideline — but in 2025, most couples today focus on finding a ring that feels meaningful and aligns with their financial priorities, rather than sticking to a set formula.
2. Choose Your Metal
When deciding on a metal for the engagement ring, take note of the jewellery your partner already wears. Do they prefer silver tones or warmer gold hues?
- Yellow Gold is timeless and traditional — ideal if they love classic jewellery.
- White Gold gives a sleek, modern look and highlights diamonds beautifully, though it may need occasional rhodium replating to maintain its shine.
- Rose Gold has a soft, romantic tone and is perfect for vintage-inspired styles.
- Platinum is the most durable and hypoallergenic metal, making it ideal for everyday wear. It’s heavier and typically more expensive, but offers lasting value
3. Know The 4 C’s
Understanding the 4 Cs — Cut, Clarity, Colour, and Carat — is key when choosing a diamond engagement ring. These four factors determine a diamond’s appearance, quality, and price. Finding the right balance between them can help you choose a beautiful ring that suits both your style and your budget.
Cut: Probably the most important C, is the Cut of the diamond. This refers to the number of facets, the angle and alignment. The cut determines the sparkle of the diamond. Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds tend to have the most sparkle of all cuts. Hence they are the most popular choice in Engagement Rings.
Clarity: Clarity measures how clean or clear the diamond appears under magnification. Most diamonds have tiny internal markings called inclusions, or external ones called blemishes. These are graded by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) using the following scale:
- (FL) Flawless: No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
- (IF) Internally Flawless: No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
- (VVS1 and VVS2)Very, Very Slightly Included: Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
- (VS1 and VS2) Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor
- (SI1 and SI2) Slightly Included: Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
- (I1, I2, and I3) Included: Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance
Colour: Diamonds are also graded on colour, starting from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown tint). The less colour a diamond has, the more rare and valuable it is. That said, the difference between a D and a G colour diamond is often impossible to see without comparing them side by side. For this reason, G–H diamonds are among the most popular choices — offering excellent value while still appearing bright and white.
White gold or platinum settings can help enhance the whiteness of a diamond, while yellow gold settings allow for a bit more warmth or flexibility in colour grade.
Carat: The Carat Weight (CT) measures the diamonds size. It is simply the weight of the stone. A carat equates to 200 milligrams. And each carat is made up of 100 ‘points’. You will often hear jewellers and sales associates describe the weight of a diamond below 1ct in terms of points. For example, a 0.25ct stone will be called a ‘twenty-five pointer’. However, anything above 1ct will be described in carats and decimals. Therefore a 1.3ct stone will be described as ‘one point three carats’
Since larger diamonds are so rare, carat weight has a significant impact on price. If you or your partner would love a larger stone but don’t have the budget to match, a Cluster type Engagement ring could be the best option for you. Offering a bigger show for a lower price, Clusters contain smaller diamonds set to form the traditional Diamond Shapes. These designs group smaller diamonds together to create the illusion of one larger stone, offering great sparkle and value.
Another great option for larger diamonds without the hefty price tag is Lab Grown Diamonds. Our Guide on Lab Grown Diamonds will tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision when shopping LG Diamond Engagement Rings.
It is also important to compromise when it comes to Diamond Engagement Ring shopping, as all the 4 Cs factor into the price. You might decide to go for a lower colour grade for a larger stone. Often we cannot tell the difference between a D and an F until they are side by side.
4. Choose a Diamond Shape
The shape of the diamond is one of the first things people notice — and it says a lot about personal style. From classic to modern, and elegant to bold, there’s a shape to suit every taste.
The Round Brilliant Cut remains the most popular choice for engagement rings in Ireland. Its symmetrical shape and expertly angled facets are designed to maximise sparkle, making it a timeless and elegant option. If you’re looking for something more contemporary, the Princess Cut is a great choice. Its clean lines and square silhouette offer a modern feel, while still delivering plenty of brilliance. For a vintage-inspired look, consider the Emerald Cut or Pear Shape. Emerald cuts feature a long, rectangular shape with step-cut facets that give off a subtle, mirror-like shine. Pear-shaped diamonds combine round and marquise elements, creating a teardrop effect that feels both romantic and unique.
5. Don’t Forget Your Metals
While diamonds are the traditional choice, gemstone engagement rings are becoming more popular for those who want something distinctive, meaningful, and full of colour.
One of the most iconic engagement rings in the world is the sapphire cluster ring originally worn by Princess Diana, and now by the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Its timeless elegance helped spark a renewed love for gemstone engagement rings — particularly sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
- Sapphires (available in blue and other hues) are known for their durability and deep, regal colour.
- Rubies symbolise passion and are often chosen for their vibrant red tones.
- Emeralds have a rich green hue and vintage appeal, perfect for those drawn to classic or art deco styles
6. Consider Your Wedding Ring
While many engagement rings look stunning on their own, it’s important to remember that a wedding ring will eventually be added. When choosing a style, consider how it will pair with a band, both visually and comfortably.
Some engagement rings, especially those with twisted bands or bold settings, can be more challenging to match. Others are designed with a matching wedding band in mind, creating a seamless bridal set. If you’re leaning toward a unique or vintage-inspired ring, it’s a good idea to ask whether a fitted band is available or customisable.
At Fallers Jewellers, we’re always happy to advise on engagement and wedding ring pairings, so you can feel confident that your engagement ring will look just as beautiful with a band beside it on your big day — and every day after.
7. Get Measured
Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal or shopping together, getting the ring size right is essential. A ring that’s too loose will spin or risk falling off, while one that’s too tight will be uncomfortable to wear — especially every day.
If you’re unsure of the correct size, there are discreet ways to measure using a ring they already wear, or you can visit us in-store for a free professional ring sizing. For proposals where secrecy is key, don’t worry — our team can help you choose a ring that’s close in size and offer resizing services after the proposal where possible.
For more tips, check out our Ring Size Guide to help you feel confident when it comes to getting the perfect fit.
8. Diamonds Are Forever
An engagement ring is a symbol of your love and it’s meant to last a lifetime. While trends come and go, the most important thing is to choose a ring that truly reflects your partner’s personality and your shared story.
Don’t feel pressured by what’s trending online or what others are wearing. The right ring is the one you’ll still love in 10, 20, or 50 years. Whether it’s a timeless solitaire, a vintage-style cluster, or a bold halo design, choose what feels right for you.
At Fallers Jewellers Galway, we’re here to guide you through this meaningful decision. Our website features a curated selection, but we have many more styles in-store. Book an appointment with one of our experienced team members to view our full diamond engagement ring collection and find the ring you’ll cherish forever.
At Fallers we offer a great range of jewellery including claddagh jewellery, celtic jewellery, birthstone jewellery, claddagh birthstone jewellery and much more. Browse our jewellery online or shop our jewellery in Ireland today.
