How to Choose a Gemstone For your Engagement Ring

If you’re starting to think about engagement rings, whether for yourself or a loved one, choosing which gemstone you want to feature front and centre of your ring is one of the most important decisions you will make! Let’s explore how you can confidently  decide on your centre stone gem choice with confidence, and make sure you’re left with a ring that you’ll love for decades to come.

Gemstones are loved for their bright sparkle and array of vibrant colours, so it can feel a little overwhelming when presented with all the options. At Jessica Flinn, we’re BIG fans of colour and love working with stones such as teal sapphires and tourmalines, as well as colour changing alexandrites and colourful moissanites. However, we also love the classic beauty of a simple white diamond, so we understand the confliction of choosing between the two!

It’s always a good idea to consider the jewellery that you or your partner already have and love to wear regularly. For example, if you’re someone who loves to express themselves through bright colours and alternative style then you could opt for a brightly coloured tourmaline ring. Tourmalines come in a variety of colours, from teals and greens to vivid pinks and reds, so you're spoilt for choice!

Sapphires are also a great choice if you want a ring with some oomph! They are traditionally known for their rich, deep blue colour, but they also come in a wide variety of colours and shades which shouldn’t be overlooked. From romantic pinks and reds to earthy teals and greens, sapphires are a perfect choice if you’re looking for classic luxury with a modern twist.

However, if you’re someone who loves the more simple and classic things in life then a white diamond could be the perfect stone for your engagement ring. Diamonds are loved for their timeless appeal and bright, white brilliance. They’re also a very versatile stone as they often appear colourless or white in colour, meaning if you want a ring that will go with every outfit then a white diamond is perfect! 

If you’re sold on a diamond but don’t think white is the way to go, there are many coloured diamond rings that could be a great alternative, known as fancy coloured diamonds, these stones are among some of the most coveted in the world. Take a look at our guide on coloured diamonds to learn more.

Now, if you’ve decided that bright colours aren’t for you and white diamonds just don’t have the vivacity you’re looking for then a salt and pepper diamond engagement ring could be the one for you. Salt and pepper diamonds are known for their moody, celestial inclusions and are loved for their individuality. They come in a range of shades, from milky whites to almost black, as well as bright oranges or light shades of yellow. Take a look at our range of salt and pepper diamond rings for some more inspiration.

Deciding on a gemstone cut is another important decision when it comes to selecting an engagement ring. You want to make sure your ring matches your style or your partner's style to ensure it'll be loved for a lifetime. While the round brilliant cut remains the most popular choice for engagement rings, we're seeing a growing interest in shapes like the oval, radiant, and emerald cuts. However, your engagement ring should reflect your personal style, not just trends. If you're drawn to unique shapes like the kite, coffin, or hexagon cut, trust your instincts and choose the gemstone that resonates with you!

Take a look at our guide on different gemstone cuts and learn more about which one might be right for you.

While it’s great to have a colour in mind, choosing a gemstone isn’t just about what colour looks the best. You also need to take into account your lifestyle and what you need from your engagement ring. We only work with the hardest gemstones which are suitable for everyday wear, which means we don’t create rings with stones such as opals and pearls as they have a tendency to scratch, chip or break with everyday wear. 

Many jobs are completely suitable environments for wearing an engagement ring every day. However there are jobs which require more physical or manual work such as nursing, working in construction or as a fitness instructor which would not be suitable for wearing your engagement ring as the stone or metal could become scratched and scuffed, as well as gemstones becoming loose. For someone who works in the NHS we have a range of rings that are perfect for wearing during your working hours, these rings don’t have any gemstones and are all made out of hypoallergenic metals such as platinum and pure gold. 

Choosing a gemstone might depend on what line of work you or your partner are in, and could result in you choosing a ring that doesn’t have a gemstone in at all! While our collection of gem-less rings are labelled under wedding rings, there are no set rules about what kind of ring you want to use as your engagement ring, it’s all about what works best for you and what your preferences are.

If you have your heart set on a big gemstone but don’t quite have the budget for the carat size you desire, there are different gemstone cuts which can actually make the stone appear bigger! For example, a radiant cut gemstone can appear larger than a round cut gemstone of the same carat weight due to its elongated shape and sparkly facets.

It’s also absolutely fine to want an engagement ring with a small centre stone, a big and bold ring isn’t for everyone. That’s why we designed our Dainty Deco collection which is inspired by the beauty of delicate engagement rings. Every single ring in this collection features a petite gemstone that is set on a delicately designed band. 

However, if you know that a larger gemstone is the one for you then we have plenty of those too! We love a bold engagement ring just as much as we love a subtle one, so whether you prefer a bold statement piece or something more understated, we're here to help you in finding the perfect engagement ring that truly stands out.

Choosing the right gemstone can feel like a bit of a big feat, from selecting the perfect colour to making sure it's right for your everyday life, we understand just how difficult it can feel. That’s why we’ve compiled a selection of guides to make your ring buying experience as smooth and easy as possible. Head to our Jewellery School to learn more about engagement and wedding rings.