Engagement

An engagement ring is a white, rose or yellow gold ring featuring a diamond or other precious gemstone, that is usually given on proposal of marriage.

There are a number of popular diamond shapes, but the diamond shape you choose will ultimately come down to your personal style. Pear, brilliant (or round), square, oval, emerald and cushion cut diamonds are all popular choices. When selecting the diamond shape for your engagement ring, it’s important to choose a shape you love, rather than what is most popular.

The cost of your engagement ring will vary based on a number of factors, including the variety of gold you choose as well as the cut, carat and clarity of your diamond. At Michael Hill our collection of stunning engagement rings offers a selection for all budgets and tastes.

Selecting the carat, colour and clarity of your diamond will come down to your budget and personal style. You may choose a lower carat diamond that has a purer colour and clarity, or be willing to select a more imperfect diamond that is larger in carat size. For help navigating this important decision, book your free virtual appointment with one of our expert advisors.

Engagement rings for men are an increasingly popular choice, and our range of mens engagement rings offer something unique for the special man in your life.

To find the perfect engagement ring size for your partner, you will need to measure their finger. You can do this by finding a ring they already wear and measuring it, enlisting a friend to find their size, or simply asking them if you don’t mind spoiling the surprise. You can then use our online ring sizer tool to determine which size engagement ring to purchase.

While visually there are many similarities between a promise ring and an engagement ring, the intent is quite different. Engagement rings are given to signify your intent to marry and the beginning of the wedding planning process, while promise rings are given as a promise of a committed, long-term relationship that may or may not include marriage one day.

Traditionally the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the ring finger, as this was believed to be connected directly to the heart. In modern times it is often still worn on this finger along with the wedding band, but can be worn on whichever finger feels right to you.

If you and your partner have discussed marriage and are ready to take the next step in your relationship, there’s no right or wrong time to give an engagement ring. You might choose a special date or anniversary to give the engagement ring, or decide to select an engagement ring together at your nearest Michael Hill store. Give an engagement ring in a way that is meaningful to both you and your partner, and will be remembered fondly for years to come.

An engagement ring does not have to feature diamonds, and a coloured stone option is a beautiful and sophisticated choice. Ruby, amethyst and sapphire engagement rings are particularly popular, and allow the wearer to express their unique style.

Selecting the correct ring size is an important part of purchasing your engagement ring, and can be done either in store or online with our ring sizer tool. If your finger size changes and your ring no longer fits, most rings can be resized in store depending on the style and setting of the stones.

At Michael Hill our diamond engagement rings come with a lifetime diamond warranty, which you will receive along with a certificate of authenticity when purchasing your diamond jewellery. For coloured gemstone engagement rings, you can purchase a professional care plan from your nearest Michael Hill store within 30 days of purchase, which will cover cleaning, resizing, stone tightening and more.

All diamond engagement rings purchased from Michael Hill come with a Certificate of Authenticity that guarantees your diamond is a natural diamond featuring each of the characteristics outlined in the certificate, as well as guaranteeing the metal content is the stated purity.

While Michael Hill diamonds are designed to last forever, proper care will keep your diamond sparkling in between professional cleanings. Avoid wearing your diamond while cleaning or dealing with chemicals, and store it carefully in its box when you’re not wearing it. Clean your diamond regularly at home in a solution of mild soap and warm water to keep it shining bright.

When it comes to diamonds, the carat simply refers to weight, with 1 carat translating to ⅕ of a gram. A higher carat or heavier diamond can be more expensive than a lower carat diamond, but only if it is equal in cut, clarity and colour.

When selecting a diamond for your engagement ring, you must consider what is known as the “Four C’s” - the cut, colour, clarity and carat of the diamond. These refer to the shape, quality and weight of the diamond, and what you select will vary depending on your personal taste and values. At Michael Hill we offer an extensive selection of diamonds to cater for all budgets and styles.