Are you getting ready to propose to your partner? As you know, a marriage proposal is not an everyday event. It is a unique moment between you and your intended, and you will want everything to go perfectly. You will want a setting that perfectly represents your love, and of course, the perfect engagement ring. No idea where to start? We know how overwhelming planning a proposal can be, so follow the five tips in our engagement ring buying guide to discover what engagement ring to buy.

 

 Discover our wide engagement ring collection here

What is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring?

In this diamond engagement ring buying guide, let us first outline the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring. Although both rings symbolise the eternal bond between two soulmates, there are a few differences between them in terms of both the purchasing process and their outward appearances.

The partner intending to propose tends to buy the engagement ring by themselves, whereas wedding rings are usually bought together. According to tradition, engagement rings usually have a sparkling diamond, whereas wedding rings tend to be a single band without any gemstones. However, you can, of course, choose whatever ring best suits the two of you, both as individuals and as a couple.

A kiss on the hand is nice but a diamond bracelet is forever

What engagement ring to buy as a ‘safe choice’?

If you are trying to decide which engagement ring to buy, most advice will be about solitaire rings that draw all the attention to a single diamond. However, this engagement ring buying guide would like to tell you that you can also opt for the beauty and symbolism of an engagement ring with two or three diamonds.


Fancy an engagement ring that makes a statement?

Discover our High Jewellery collection.

Tips to buy an engagement ring with the right diamond

In this engagement ring buying guide, we are delighted to give you tips on how to choose the right diamond for the perfect engagement ring. Many men choose the classic solitaire engagement ring with a round diamond and plenty of sparkle – a timeless and elegant choice to charm every type of woman. We will discuss how many carats the diamond should have, but the global average is between 1.00 and 1.09 carats.
Choose from a range of engagement rings like these all on one hand with BAUNAT’s expert engagement ring buying guide.
The higher the carat weight, the higher the price of the engagement ring. The quality of the diamond is expressed by the 4Cs, of which clarity and colour are extremely important. Go for a diamond that scores at least VS2 or SI1 on the clarity scale and G or H on the colour scale. All that is left to decide is whether the round brilliant cut is the right choice for you or whether something else would suit you better.

Discover our full collection of engagement rings

Tips to buy an engagement ring: Think about the diamond cut

The sparkle of the diamond is largely determinednby the cut. If you are looking for guidance on how to buy a diamond engagement ring, it is especially important to seek extra advice about the cut. The round brilliant has the most sparkle as it is cut to have 57 facets that all reflect off each other. The square princess cut is no less beautiful than the brilliant cut, although the price of a polished princess diamond is generally lower. The price of old cut diamonds with fewer facets is also considerably lower, although they do lack some fire. But we have noticed that these cuts have increased in popularity since the vintage revival. Vintage is a trend that brings back into fashion old pieces of clothing and jewellery.

Which trends are we aware of?

Vintage is not the only trend to have revived the old cut. Romantic and nostalgic souls are increasingly going for red gold, a precious metal that was popular during the Victorian era. To turn an engagement ring into a truly vintage engagement ring, different precious stones are often chosen instead of diamonds. These might include a splendid red ruby, blue sapphire, or green emerald.
Choose a gorgeous solitaire diamond ring to match your eternity ring with BAUNAT’s engagement ring buying guide.
Eternity rings are another trend. Here, the ring is coveredby in small diamonds or other precious stones. The ultimate symbol of love! It is very important to know her exact ring measurement when buying an eternity ring as it cannot be made larger or smaller due to the stones going all the way around the band.

Discover eternity rings from BAUNAT

How do you add colour to her engagement ring?

We have a few tips to buy a colourful engagement ring. Instead of a colourless diamond, you could choose a coloured gemstone as the central stone in the ring. Diamonds can also be naturally coloured. Naturally coloured diamonds are even rarer and therefore more expensive than colourless ones. Another option is to choose yellow or red gold. But did you know that it is also possible to combine two colours of precious metal? These engagement rings are described as ‘bicolour’ or ‘two tone’ in the collection.


This engagement ring buying guide would recommend combining yellow and white gold if you prefer to keep things plain and simple. If you are looking for something more eye-catching, then try combining white and red gold. A multicoloured ring might be a little more expensive, but you will be sure to have an absolutely unique engagement ring.
The higher the carat weight, the higher the price of the engagement ring.

How much should an engagement ring cost?

We have already discussed more expensive and affordable options in detail in this engagement ring buying guide, but what is the effective cost centre for an engagement ring? Tradition dictates that you should spend an average of two to three months’ wages on her engagement ring. In addition, the overall price might be determined by each individual part of the ring. So set a realistic budget and ask for advice during the choosing process.
Diamond jewellery experts from BAUNAT will help you to choose which engagement ring to buy when you make an appointment at one of our showrooms
Book an appointment at a showroom where jewellery and diamond experts can give you personalised tips based on your preferences and budget before you buy the engagement ring. You can also get tips on how to make the diamond engagement ring appear larger without going over budget.

Book an appointment here

Choose which engagement ring to wear like this man.

An engagement ring for men?

When thinking about which engagement ring to buy, what do you think about a ‘mengagement ring’ or an engagement ring for men? In the past, it was very normal for both men and women to wear an engagement ring. A lovely tradition waiting to be revived!
Get engagement ring buying advice from BAUNAT so that you can find the perfect engagement ring to suit your jewellery collection, like this woman who has coordinated her engagement ring to her tennis bracelet.

What alternatives are there to engagement rings?

Although the engagement ring has been inextricably linked with marriage proposals for centuries, you can also go for an alternative. Which diamond jewellery can be chosen as an alternative to an engagement ring? Anything is possible! The American President JFK proposed to his wife Jackie in 1953 with an engagement bracelet! Chic and unexpected!

Discover the tennis bracelet

This man is asking his father-in-law for engagement ring buying advice.

How should I ask her father for her hand?

According to a centuries-old tradition, the man first had to ask his future father-in-law for her hand. The father would then ask specific questions to ensure that his daughter’s future husband could provide for her. The discussion was mostly about money. After the father’s blessing, both sets of parents had to meet to discuss the conditions of the marriage.


According to this engagement ring buying guide, this happens much less frequently and is less important today, but it still has a certain charm. Many couples already live together before they get married, meaning that the change is a lot less distinct. Many still ask for permission for romantic reasons. You can also ask for tips on making the proposal extra special and advice on buying the engagement ring.
True love stories have no ending.
Signing the marriage certificate is a joyous occasion. Find out what engagement ring to buy to make the day perfect.

What should you consider when organising a proposal?

In some countries, it is compulsory to arrange a notice of marriage. This means that the engaged couple has to inform the church or the registry office that they intend to marry. This is to check that all legal and religious requirements are met for a wedding to occur. One such requirement is that you are not still married to anyone else.


In Belgium, you need to register that you intend to marry at least 14 days and up to six months beforehand for civil marriages. You need to visit the civil registry where you live and where your wedding ceremony will take place. You have to bring your identity cards, both your birth certificates, any marriage contract and an excerpt from the death or divorce certificate if you were previously married.
Some people turn their notice of marriage into an event almost as significant as the actual wedding ceremony.

Are you ready to decide?

Do you want to be guided by our expert advice? Are you still looking for tips on buying an engagement ring? It is time to discover our wide-ranging collection of engagement rings! Choose our engagement rings for handmade quality at a special price.


Not quite sure? Then consider a few classic choices. The most traditional and safe option is the round brilliant single diamond. But a diamond ring with several stones or coloured gemstones will also make her jaw drop.

Discover the engagement rings at BAUNAT

Shop online to discover which engagement ring to buy.

Choose from the collection or go for a custom piece of jewellery

As we have explained in this engagement ring buying guide, there is a wide range of rings and alternative pieces of jewellery for your engagement, and you can customise them as you wish in terms of setting, precious stone, precious metal and cut. View the available engagement rings online and think about what type of engagement ring you are looking for according to your budget. Be well-prepared as an engagement ring is not something that you buy every day.

Handy information about engagement rings

Now you know how to find the perfect engagement ring. But how much are you going to spend? Where does the tradition of giving an engagement ring come from? Can you also buy a ring without a stone? Read these blogs for more engagement ring buying advice:




How much should her perfect engagement ring cost?

Frequently asked Questions

What different styles of diamond engagement ring settings does BAUNAT offer?

For engagement rings, different types of settings are possible. You can find BAUNAT’s most used ones below:
 
    1. The solitaire prong setting has one single diamond held in place by prongs, so it catches the most light.
    2. The pavé setting positions many diamonds in a row so closely that hardly any metal is visible, resulting in a brilliant shine.
    3. Channel setting is a method where diamonds are suspended between two rails of metal, called channels.
    4. The bezel setting is a traditional, labour-intensive technique where the metal surrounds the diamond and forms a frame around the stone.

    1. The Prong setting

    The solitaire prong setting has one single diamond that acts as the centrepiece of the ring. Claws position the centre diamond so it catches the most light. BAUNAT diamond engagement rings either have four or six claws. A setting with four claws makes the diamond appear more square-like while one with six claws makes it appear more round.

    The name ‘prong setting’ refers to the so-called ‘claws’. The prong setting is most commonly used for engagement rings worldwide. This setting is also suitable for almost all shapes of diamonds.

    The claws can be very thin or wider and can be finished in a round, square, or pointed shape. This depends on the design of the jewel and the style of each goldsmith.

    Order this white gold prong setting engagement ring today.

    The advantages of the prong setting:

    - The diamond catches the most light
    - The prongs are small, therefore a larger part of the diamond is visible
    - The diamond in the ring is easy to clean
    - Claws in white gold or platinum are barely visible on the white diamond 

     

    2. The pavé setting

    The term 'pavé setting' comes from the French language and translates as ‘paved’. The individual small diamonds in a pavé diamond ring resemble tiny paving stones, hence the name. In an engagement ring with a pavé setting, small diamonds are placed next to each other and fixed with small prongs that look like beads. These claws are worked out directly from the gathering point of the metal. This way, hardly any metal is visible.

    The advantages of pavé setting:

    - The many small prongs make the diamonds sparkle, although only small diamonds are used
    - The price of a ring with many smaller stones is considerably lower than a ring set with one big diamond

     

    3. The Channel setting

    Channel setting is a method where diamonds are suspended between two rails of metal, called channels. The diamond is put in place, and the metal on top is pushed down, tightening the diamond.

    This way, we create a continuous line of diamonds.

    Channel settings, together with pave settings, are commonly used for diamond alliance rings and wedding bands. At BAUNAT, most of our designs with channel settings have princess-cut diamonds, but we can also use round or baguette diamonds (tailor-made).

    Discover this channel set round diamond engagement ring.

    The advantages of the channel setting

    - Because the diamonds are placed next to each other, it gives the impression of continuous brilliance
    - The surface is very smooth
    - These rings can be combined with other ring designs easily

     

    4. The Bezel setting

    The bezel setting is a traditional, very labour-intensive goldsmith technique. The metal surrounds the diamond and forms a frame around the stone. There is another precious metal strip (frame), which supports the diamond in the socket. The bezel engagement ring setting is particularly well suited for round cut (brilliant) or oval diamonds.

    The advantages of the bezel setting

    - Because of the border of the precious metal, the diamond is protected against damage
    - The bezel is open at the bottom, creating a higher radiance and more fire
    - Because of the metal surrounding the diamond, it will appear larger than it actually is
    - Because of the fact that there are no prongs, this setting will not get stuck behind any clothing

    Choose your favorite setting with your BAUNAT ring.

    These are the most common setting methods. Of course, BAUNAT can also offer other types of settings in her tailor-made jewellery. Please contact info@baunat.com in case you are interested in a tailor-made jewel with a different diamond setting.

    Related information:

    1. What collections are available?

    2. What to consider when choosing the perfect engagement ring?

    Can I create a tailor-made jewel?

    • How can I design a customised piece of jewellery myself?
    • How can I personalise an existing design from the BAUNAT collection?

    We offer a wide range of exclusive diamond jewellery, from dazzling engagement rings to elegant bracelets and cool watches for men. You can choose between designs ranging from modern and trendy to traditional and elegant. If you don't quite find your taste among our offerings, you can still opt for customisation. Our craftsmen provide quality and affordable customised jewellery.

     

    How can I design a customised piece of jewellery entirely by myself?

    If you are creative or have a clear design in mind, you can come to us and work with our designers to create a customised piece of jewellery. So you can have a very personal engagement ring made that will surely have a lot of emotional value when you ask her the question. Or design a custom-made diamond locket for a special or festive occasion.

    You can discuss this with our experts in one of our showrooms or send us your own (rough) sketch of your jewel. Or send us an image of the exclusive piece of jewellery on which you would like to base your design. In addition, we would like to receive the following information in order to prepare an offer for your customised piece of jewellery:

    • An image or rough sketch of your design
    • For a ring: the ring size
    • Material: 18Kt white gold, 18Kt yellow gold, 18Kt red gold, 950 platinum
    • The number, size(s) and quality of the diamond(s)
    • Estimate of your budget

    How the creation process of your tailor-made jewellery takes place:

    1. From your idea to our best price and quotation

    After you have sent us the necessary information, we will provide you with an offer for your custom-made jewellery. Because we buy our gemstones directly at the source and mainly work with online sales, we can guarantee the best price-quality. We also have a strict zero-tolerance on diamonds from conflict areas.

    2. See your exclusive jewellery in advance thanks to 3D visualisation

    After you have given us your approval on the offer and your payment has reached us, we start our sketching process. After one working week, you will receive an e-mail from us with the digital visualisation of your design. Using CAD software, we create a 3D model so that you can immediately imagine what your beautiful piece of jewellery will look like in reality.

    3. Jewellery made by hand by craftsmen in Antwerp

    After you have approved the 3D drawings, the real craftsmanship starts: our craftsmen make your exclusive piece of jewellery by hand using traditional methods. The precise craftsmanship ensures that your jewel can be personalised down to the smallest detail: from a unique diamond setting to engraving a name or symbolic word. After about three weeks, your beautiful piece of jewellery will be finished.

    4. Enjoy your unique and precious custom-made piece of jewellery

    Your exclusive piece of jewellery is completely unique and of top quality thanks to our expertise. Just like the jewellery in our collections, your made-to-measure piece of jewellery will be sent free of charge and insured. You will receive your jewellery in a high-quality BAUNAT packaging box.

    Ook juwelen op maat worden verzekerd en gratis geleverd in BAUNAT-verpakkingsdozen.

    How can I personalise an existing design from the BAUNAT collection?

    We can also personalise the gemstone of your choice for you. You can contact us if you own loose diamonds and would like to incorporate them into a piece of jewellery. Or contact us if you have seen a beautiful design in our collection, but prefer a different gemstone.

    This way, you can choose a higher quality and/or a larger diamond than the one in the jewel of your choice. Or let your exclusive piece of jewellery stand out even more with a coloured gemstone, such as a rubysapphire or emerald. We would like to receive the following information from you in order to be able to make an offer for your custom-made piece of jewellery:

    • The specific design you have seen on the website (article code)
    • Size of the diamond/precious stone
    • Quality of the diamond/precious stone
    • Other adjustments you wish to make
    • Estimation of your budget

    If you have your eye on a different cut, we will have to make some adjustments to the chaton or setting of the stone.

    If you prefer to leave the creative thought process to us, our jewellers and BAUNAT experts will be happy to sit down with you and offer advice.

    Would you like to learn more about our exclusive custom-made jewellery?

    Request your personalized offer right away.

    Learn more about the advantages of tailor-made jewellery.

    See our extensive collection of exclusive jewellery.

    Can you engrave my ring?

    BAUNAT can engrave a name, date or short message on most of its jewellery. Please contact our diamond jewellery advisor on dja@baunat.com or dial +32 3 201 24 90 if you are interested.

    Related information:

    What is a hallmark?

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