Planning to propose over Christmas, New Year or Valentine's Day? Start before the season gets busy. You need five things: her style, her ring size, a budget, a stone and a date.
Planning to propose over Christmas, New Year or Valentine's Day? Start before the season gets busy. You need five things: her style, her ring size, a budget, a stone and a date.
1. Learn her style
Look at the jewellery she wears every day: yellow, white or rose gold, simple or detailed, clear stones or colour. If you're unsure, ask her sister, best friend or mum. Save any rings she's admired to show your jeweller.
2. Find her ring size
Borrow a ring she wears on her left ring finger and have it measured, or press it into soap or trace inside it. Fingers swell in heat, so if you're unsure, go slightly bigger. Most rings can be resized, but full eternity bands are harder. Our ring size converter helps with sizes between countries.
The Classic Jewellers: Gemma Engagement Ring
3. Set your budget
Decide on a number you're comfortable with before you shop. There's no required amount. You can browse by price: under $3,000, under $5,000, under or over $9,000.
4. Choose the stone and style
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Natural diamond: the traditional choice, usually the highest price.
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Lab-grown diamond: the same chemical as a natural diamond, and typically less expensive, so you may afford a larger stone.
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Colourless diamond: the classic white diamond, for a partner who loves a clean, bright look.
The Classic Jewellers: Holly Engagement Ring
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Fancy colour diamond: a diamond in a colour such as pink, blue, green or yellow, for a partner who wants something different.
The Classic Jewellers: Rosabelle Pink Diamond Engagement Ring
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Moissanite: a different gem that is sparkly and durable, though not as hard as a diamond, at a lower cost.
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Coloured gemstone: sapphire, emerald and others, for something less traditional.
The Classic Jewellers: 1.30ct Oval Australian Sapphire Bi-colour Moss Green & Teal
- Choose the shape she'll love. The shape is the first thing people notice, so pick the one that suits her taste. Round is the classic. Oval and pear look elegant and can look larger for the same carat weight. Cushion and emerald shapes feel vintage and refined, while princess is square and modern. Look at the shapes in jewellery she already wears and the rings she's saved or admired, then bring those examples to your jeweller.
- Match the metal to what she already wears, and choose a lower setting if she works with her hands.
The Classic Jewellers: Mirren Engagement Ring
The Classic Jewellers: Dalaney Engagement Ring
5. Plan your timing
A ready-to-propose ring can be yours quickly, which makes it the safest choice for a Christmas proposal. Browse our ready-to-propose rings online or in store. A custom ring takes longer to design and make, so start early. If you're aiming for Valentine's Day, you may still have time for a custom design if you start soon. Ask our team for the current timeline.
Not sure what she'd choose? Propose with a Promise Proposal Ring on a 30-day loan, then let her design the final ring with our team. The loan fee is credited toward the final ring. Read how it works.
Quick answers
Should I choose it together? It depends on her. Some people love the surprise. Ask about exchange and resizing before you buy.
Is a lab-grown diamond real? Yes. It's a real diamond, grown in a lab rather than formed on the earth.
Can I see rings in person? Yes. Visit our flagship store at 94 Gawler Place, Adelaide, or book an appointment and we'll help with style, size, budget and timing.
