Engagement Rings
A lifetime piece, hand-selected from our Stirling parlour. From classic solitaires to vintage-inspired halos, every ring is set in our workshop on Murray Place.
An honest, in-house guide to choosing an engagement ring at our Stirling boutique — written by the people who actually sit across the counter from couples every week. Style, diamond grading, sensible UK budgeting and what to expect from a bespoke commission, with no upselling.
Style: solitaire, halo or trilogy
Solitaires (single centre stone) remain the single most popular choice — typically a four- or six-claw setting in platinum. Halos surround the centre stone with smaller diamonds for visual impact and look about half a carat larger than they really are. Trilogies use three stones (past-present-future) and suit clients wanting more sparkle than a solitaire without the modern look of a halo.
Choosing the diamond
For a forever piece in the £2,000-£6,000 range, we usually recommend an F-G colour, VS2-SI1 clarity, Excellent cut round brilliant. Cut is the single most important grade — a well-cut SI1 outshines a poorly-cut VVS1 every time. We always view the actual stone under a loupe before recommending it, never just the certificate.
Metal: platinum vs 18ct white gold vs palladium
Platinum is the heaviest, most durable choice and stays naturally white forever — but costs roughly 20-30% more than 18ct white gold. 18ct white gold needs re-rhodium plating every 18-24 months to stay bright white. Palladium is a lighter, hypoallergenic alternative that costs less than platinum and doesn't need re-plating; well worth considering.
Sizing & fit
We measure ring size in store with a Wheatsheaf British ring sizer for free, no appointment needed. If you're buying as a surprise, borrow one of her existing rings (worn on the third finger of the left hand) and bring it in — we can size from it without giving the secret away.
| Style | Look | Best for | Typical price (1ct) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solitaire | Single centre diamond, classic | Classic taste, daily wear | £3,500-£8,000 |
| Halo | Centre stone surrounded by smaller diamonds | Maximum visual size, sparkle | £3,200-£7,500 |
| Trilogy | Three stones in a row | Symbolism, more sparkle than solitaire | £4,000-£9,000 |
Frequently asked
What is the average cost of an engagement ring in the UK?+
The UK national average sits between £1,800 and £4,500. Most of our Stirling clients spend somewhere between £2,000 and £6,000 on the ring itself. Loose-diamond commissions over £10,000 are also common.
How long does it take to make a bespoke engagement ring?+
Allow six to eight weeks from first consultation to collection, working from our Stirling workshop. We can sometimes turn around in four weeks if the diamond is in stock and the design is straightforward.
Can I trade in an old ring?+
Yes — we offer fair part-exchange against any new ring made or sold by us. Bring the old piece in and we'll value it on the spot. Trade-in value is set against the gold and stones; sentimental value, unfortunately, isn't currency.
Do you sell lab-grown diamond engagement rings?+
Yes. Lab-grown stones are chemically identical to natural diamonds and cost roughly 60-80% less for the same spec. They make sense for a forever-keep ring; for a long-term store of value, natural is still the better buy.
Is interest-free finance available?+
Yes — 0% APR over 12 months through Omni Capital, on engagement rings priced at £250 and above, subject to status. Apply in store or online for an instant decision.