Everything you need to know to choose the perfect ring — from diamond shape and setting style to metal type and budget. Your complete guide from the specialists at Lavish.
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful purchases you'll ever make. Our specialists have guided thousands of couples through the process — here's exactly how to approach it.
Decide on a comfortable budget before you begin browsing. There's no universal rule — focus on what feels right for you. Our team can guide you to the best diamond and setting for any budget.
Observe the jewellery they currently wear. Classic and understated, or bold and modern? Vintage-inspired or contemporary? Their existing pieces are the best clue to their taste.
The diamond shape defines the overall look of the ring. Round brilliant is the most popular — but oval, pear, cushion and emerald are increasingly sought-after for their unique character.
The setting holds the diamond and shapes the personality of the ring. Solitaire, halo, pavé, three-stone — each creates a completely different aesthetic and level of sparkle.
White gold and platinum are the most popular choices for engagement rings — they enhance the brilliance of diamonds. Rose gold adds a romantic warmth. Yellow gold is timeless and classic.
Visit us at our Bondi Beach boutique. Bring your ideas, references and budget — our specialists will help you bring your vision to life, whether you choose an existing design or go fully bespoke.
The shape of the diamond is the first decision most people make — and it sets the entire tone of the ring. Each shape has its own personality and visual character.
The most popular shape by far. 58 precisely cut facets maximise light return for unmatched brilliance. Universally flattering and timeless.
An elongated shape that makes the finger appear longer and slender. Near-round brilliance with a distinctive, modern silhouette. Very popular right now.
Rounded corners and large facets create a soft, pillow-like appearance with a romantic vintage feel. Excellent brilliance and fire.
Step-cut facets create a hall-of-mirrors effect rather than sparkle. Demands a high-clarity diamond. Deeply sophisticated and architectural.
A teardrop silhouette combining the best of round and marquise. Deeply flattering on the finger and makes a striking, distinctive choice.
A square shape with pointed corners and exceptional brilliance. The second most popular shape — modern, clean and exceptionally brilliant.
A deeply personal and romantic choice. The most symbolic of all diamond shapes — a bold declaration of love with genuine sparkle.
Combines the elegance of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round. Trimmed corners make it durable. One of the most versatile fancy shapes.
The setting determines how the diamond is held in place and dramatically shapes the overall aesthetic of the ring. Here are the most popular styles we craft at Lavish.
A single diamond elevated on a simple band. The most classic and enduring engagement ring style — all attention is focused on the centre stone. Elegantly simple and never out of style.
A ring of smaller diamonds encircles the centre stone, creating the appearance of a larger diamond with maximum sparkle. A glamorous choice that catches light from every angle.
A centre diamond flanked by two side stones — representing the past, present and future of your relationship. Deeply meaningful and beautifully elegant.
Small diamonds set along the band, held by tiny prongs or beads — creating a continuous shimmer of light. Can be combined with any centre stone setting for extra brilliance.
A rim of metal surrounds and protects the diamond — the most secure setting available. Clean, contemporary and low-profile. Perfect for active lifestyles and a sleek, architectural aesthetic.
Milgrain detailing, filigree work, floral motifs and antique-inspired designs — completely bespoke to your story. Designed and handcrafted at our Bondi Beach studio.
Every budget can yield a beautiful ring. The key is knowing where to prioritise. Our specialists help you get the most from your investment — whether you're working with $3,000 or $30,000.
| Budget Range | Diamond Size (approx.) | Recommended Focus | Setting Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 – $6,000 | 0.30 – 0.60ct | Prioritise cut quality — maximises sparkle at any size | Solitaire, simple pavé |
| $6,000 – $12,000 | 0.60 – 1.00ct | Balance cut, colour (G–H) and clarity (VS2–SI1) | Solitaire, halo, three-stone |
| $12,000 – $20,000 | 1.00 – 1.50ct | Excellent cut, D–G colour, VS1–VS2 clarity | All styles available |
| $20,000+ | 1.50ct+ | Top colour (D–F), Flawless–VVS, ideal cut — full luxury | Fully bespoke, any setting |
Cut quality has the greatest impact on a diamond's brilliance — more than size, colour or clarity. A slightly smaller, excellently cut diamond will always outshine a larger diamond with a poor cut. At Lavish, we never compromise on cut.
After years of creating engagement rings for Sydney couples, our team has distilled everything they've learned into these essential tips.
A well-cut diamond catches light in a way that no other quality can replicate. We recommend Excellent or Ideal cut grades exclusively for engagement rings.
Oval, pear and elongated shapes make shorter fingers appear longer. Round and princess cuts are universally flattering. Our specialists will guide you to the most flattering choice.
Active lifestyles call for lower, more secure settings like bezel or cathedral. Avoid high prong settings if your partner works with their hands frequently — they can snag.
If you're between two diamond sizes, it's almost always worth stretching to the larger stone. The visual impact of a diamond is disproportionate to its weight difference.
Warm skin tones (olive, deep) pair beautifully with yellow or rose gold. Cool skin tones (fair, pink) are complemented by white gold or platinum. When in doubt, platinum is universally flattering.
Bespoke and custom rings typically take 4–6 weeks from approval of the CAD design. If you have a proposal date in mind, book your consultation at least 8 weeks in advance to avoid any stress.
Visit our Bondi Beach boutique and work one-on-one with our engagement ring specialists. From diamond selection to final polish — we're with you every step of the way.