The way people shop for engagement rings has changed significantly in recent years. More couples are approaching the process together, with Gen Z and younger millennials wanting to be involved in choosing a ring they will wear for the rest of their lives.
Rather than being completely surprised with a ring they may not have chosen themselves, we find that people now want to collaborate with their partner throughout the process. From attending consultations together to trying on different styles and comparing designs, engagement ring shopping has become a shared experience.
Pinterest boards, saved Instagram posts, TikTok videos, and curated jewellery inspiration now play a major role in shaping this shift. Instead of guessing, many clients arrive with screenshots, reference images, and detailed ideas that reflect conversations they’ve already had together.
At the same time, the sheer amount of choice available online has changed how people approach the process. Clients are more informed than ever, often researching styles, diamond cuts, settings, and precious metals long before they step into a showroom. By the time they arrive, many already understand the differences between shapes, setting styles, and stone sizes, which allows consultations to feel more focused from the beginning.
The rise of lab-grown diamonds has also opened up new possibilities. Many couples can now explore larger diamonds, alternative cuts, or more intricate settings at a more accessible price point. This shift has created greater flexibility within a budget, allowing clients to prioritise the details that matter most while still achieving a meaningful piece.
Because of this more informed and collaborative approach, many couples find it helpful to follow a clear process before booking a consultation. Below, we’ve outlined a guide to help you navigate each stage with clarity.
Step One: Find Your Inspiration
The first step is to gather inspiration. Look at Pinterest, Instagram, jewellery accounts, celebrity engagement rings, and saved images to get a feel for what naturally stands out to you.
You do not need to know exactly what you want straight away. Sometimes the best starting point is collecting a mix of rings and identifying what you like from each one. You may love the diamond shape from one ring, the band from another, and the setting style from a completely different design.
At Meaden, we specialise in custom engagement rings, which means your inspiration can be used as a starting point to create something personal and considered.
This is also the time to think practically. Ask yourself:
Will this style suit my everyday lifestyle?
Is the band too thin for long-term wear?
How are the diamonds set?
Will the ring still feel like me in 20 years?
Is this a style I truly love, or is it a trend I may move on from?
It is easy to be drawn to what is trending, but an engagement ring should feel personal and lasting.
Step Two: Consider the Wedding Band Early
When designing an engagement ring, it is helpful to think about the wedding band at the same time.
Your engagement ring and wedding band will usually be worn together, so it is important to consider how they will sit next to each other. Some engagement rings allow a straight wedding band to sit flush, while others may need a curved or custom-shaped band to fit neatly around the setting.
Things to consider include:
Do you want a plain wedding band or one with diamonds?
Will the wedding band change the overall look of the engagement ring?
Is the engagement ring set high or low?
Will the rings sit flush together?
What thickness do you want for each band?
Thinking about this early helps create a more cohesive final set and avoids surprises later when choosing the wedding band.
Step Three: Set Your Budget
Having a clear budget before beginning the process is one of the most helpful things you can do.
A budget does not limit your options. Instead, it gives us a clear starting point so we can guide you toward the best design, stone, and metal choices for what you are comfortable spending.
You may fall in love with a ring outside your original price range, but there are often ways to adapt the design. Diamond quality, size, metal choice, and whether you choose a natural or lab-grown diamond can all influence the final cost.
We will always work within your budget while creating a ring that feels special and beautifully made.
Step Four: Understand the 4 Cs
The 4 Cs are an important part of choosing a diamond:
Cut
Colour
Clarity
Carat
Each factor influences the overall look, quality, and price of a diamond.
Carat refers to weight, but size alone does not determine beauty. Cut has a major impact on sparkle, while colour and clarity influence the overall appearance of the stone.
Understanding the 4 Cs helps you make a more informed decision and allows us to source diamonds that suit both your design and budget.
Step Five: Explore Centre Stone Options
Another key part of the design process is selecting your centre stone. Options include natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, sapphires, and moissanite.
Each stone offers something different. Diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, are known for their brilliance and durability. Sapphires offer colour and individuality, bringing a distinctive character to a design. Moissanite is valued for its brightness and more accessible price point.
There is no right or wrong choice. It comes down to the look you love, how you want your ring to feel, and what aligns with your values and budget.
Step Six: Choose the Right Metal
At Meaden, we often work with 18k gold because of its beauty, quality, and ability to wear well over time. While 9k and 14k gold contain more alloy metals, making them harder, harder does not always mean better for fine jewellery. These alloys can be more brittle and, under pressure, may be more prone to stress or snapping compared to higher-gold-content options.
18k gold has a higher gold content, giving it a richer colour and a softer quality that allows it to flex slightly rather than fracture. This is one of the reasons it is often recommended for everyday wear, where comfort and durability both matter.
Platinum is another option, known for its natural white tone and durability. Unlike white gold, it does not require rhodium plating and will not fade over time. It is denser and heavier than gold, giving it a substantial feel. Over time, platinum develops a soft patina rather than wearing away, which many clients appreciate. It is particularly well suited to secure settings and intricate designs.
This is also where colour becomes an important consideration. Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum each create a different aesthetic and can change the overall feel of the final ring.
Step Seven: Book a Consultation
Once you have a sense of your style, budget, and preferences, the next step is to book a consultation.
A consultation allows you to see diamonds in person, compare proportions, try on styles, and ask questions. Seeing stones in natural light often gives a much clearer understanding than viewing them online. At Meaden, natural light is central to our process, allowing clients to view diamonds clearly and accurately.
During your consultation, our team will guide you through our recommendations based on your ideas, preferences, and budget. From there, we begin translating your vision into design concepts, which can include detailed renders and resin models for your approval.
If you already have a clear idea of what you are looking for, we can refine the design further by showing you suitable stones for comparison and reference. We have a curated selection of diamonds available in-house, and we can also source specific stones to ensure you see exactly what is right for your design before moving forward.
A More Personal Way to Choose
The engagement ring process has become more collaborative, thoughtful, and personal than ever before. Rather than simply purchasing a ring, couples are investing in a piece that reflects their relationship, lifestyle, and future together.
Whether you are choosing together or one partner is leading the process, the most important thing is creating a ring that feels considered and made to last.
At Meaden, we are here to guide you through each step, from first inspiration through to the final piece. Book a consultation with our team today.