Guide to How to Buy an Engagement Ring in 2026
By David Law, Hatton Garden master jeweller — 40 years designing engagement rings
I have written this How to Buy an Engagement Ring in 2026 Buyer’s Guide to help you make confident, informed choices. You’ll learn what changed in diamond and precious-metal pricing, which 2026 design trends matter, and how to find or create a ring that tells your story.
💍 What Should You Know Before You Start?
The engagement ring market moves fast. Decide what matters most to you, then stick to it. Follow this guide and ignore flashy websites and pushy salespeople.
1) How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring?
Ignore the “two or three months’ salary” rule—marketers invented it. Spend what feels right for you and your relationship, not what a salesperson or website tells you.
2) How Do I Find the Correct Finger Size?
If you plan a surprise, use this simple trick. Borrow a ring your partner wears, slide it onto your finger, mark where it stops, then ask a jeweller to measure that point. Printable sizers are available, but a real ring provides the most accurate result.
3) Which Precious Metal Works Best?
Gold offers timeless appeal; platinum delivers purity and strength. Gold prices reached record highs in 2025 and are expected to continue rising. Platinum now often gives better value and excellent durability—savvy buyers ask about both. Many retailers still price based on old assumptions, so question any premium price if platinum is your preferred choice..
4) Are Diamonds Still a Girl’s Best Friend?
Perhaps—but not as De Beers intended. Lab-grown diamonds have reshaped the diamond engagement ring market, driving down the prices of natural diamonds by nearly 40%. Most retailers have failed to pass on these price reductions to their customers. With Lab-grown diamonds, ignore claims like “we grow our own lab diamonds”—that brings you no benefit. Request instead a comparison of CVD and HPHT-grown diamonds side by side. HPHT usually looks cleaner and costs a little more; a good jeweller will explain why.
5) What Diamond Cut Should I Choose?
If you lack a hint, choose a brilliant cut—elegant and timeless. Whatever the shape, insist on ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’ for Cut, Polish, and Symmetry. These grades drive the sparkle.
(Learn more in my Diamond Guide.)
6) Should I Consider a Coloured Gemstone?
Coloured stones keep rising in popularity. Although Lab-grown coloured gems exist, most lack the richness of natural gems. Sapphires lead the way in terms of durability and colour choices, followed by rubies and emeralds. However, emeralds are not ideal for an engagement ring, so it is always advisable to seek expert guidance before choosing a gem. (Read more in my Gemstone Guide.)
7) Can I Use a Family Heirloom?
Yes—a few choices feel more meaningful. Remodelling connects generations and can reduce costs while supporting sustainability. Ask an expert to appraise the piece before any work is done.
8) Should I Buy Natural or Lab-Grown?
Compare both in person and ask for full certification. Each counts as a real diamond, but you only spot subtle differences in sparkle and price when you see them together. Skip faceless “diamond lists.” Work with a jeweller who curates stones for your budget and vision.
💎 Engagement Ring Trends for 2026
As 2025 turns to 2026, design shifts toward meaning, sustainability, and individuality.
Gen Z favours lab-grown diamonds for their ethical and value considerations.
Coloured gemstones trend strongly—especially the more unusual ones like alexandrite and aquamarine.
Three-stone designs are making a comeback, often featuring asymmetry or natural-inspired details.
Double halos overtake single halos for extra sparkle.
Personal storytelling grows—birthstones, hidden initials, motifs from where you met.
Bespoke design makes these ideas easy to explore. 3D visuals and wax models let you perfect every detail before crafting.
💡 Where Should I Buy My Engagement Ring?
Branded Jewellers
Expect to pay for the name. Many brands don’t offer lab-grown diamonds, and while their rings are unique to them, they are still mass-produced. If you love the heritage and packaging, choose it—but be aware of what you’re paying for.
High-Street Jewellers
You’ll often see natural and lab-grown side by side. In areas like Hatton Garden, list prices leave room to haggle—the familiar “Are you buying today?” routine. Compare calmly and never rush.
Online Retailers
Marketing claims often mislead: “up to 50% off,” “largest GIA collection,” and so on. Most rings come pre-set and mass-produced with limited custom-made personalisation, like choosing a pre-made setting and a diamond. Transparency varies, and one-to-one guidance is rarely available—precisely when advice on lab-grown versus natural matters is most needed.
Made For You
“Made for you” bespoke engagement rings start from a blank canvas, your ideas and story.
With today’s 3D tools, bespoke often costs no more—and sometimes less—than ready-made, while delivering unmatched originality.
💬 Final Thoughts
Buying an engagement ring in 2026 doesn’t need to feel daunting. Ask thoughtful questions, explore real options, and choose what feels authentic to you — or read my Complete Guide to Choosing a Bespoke Engagement Ring for deeper insight into creating a ring that’s truly one of a kind.
Whether you choose a lab-grown or natural diamond, a coloured gemstone, or reimagine a family heirloom, whether you spend £1,000 or £15,000 — it’s the story behind the ring that gives it its real value.
Book a complimentary consultation to explore how a bespoke design can capture your story.
David Law NAJ Member Integrity • Craftsmanship • Trust
