How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring: The Ultimate 2025 Guide by Ulysses

Selecting the perfect engagement ring is a deeply personal and exciting journey. As trends evolve and options expand, finding the right ring in 2025 can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. This engagement ring buying guide for 2025 will walk you through every step, from understanding ring styles to choosing metals and gemstones, ensuring you find a ring that symbolizes your love story.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, here’s everything you need to know about how to choose an engagement ring that’s as unique as your partner.

Before diving into styles and gemstones, establish a budget that works for you. In 2025, engagement ring prices vary widely based on materials, craftsmanship, and gem quality. A general guideline is to spend what feels comfortable, whether that’s $2,000 or $20,000. Keep in mind that custom designs or rare gemstones may increase costs, while lab-grown diamonds can offer a budget-friendly yet stunning alternative. Knowing your budget helps narrow down options and ensures you’re shopping within your means.

Ring styles set the tone for the overall look, and 2025 brings a mix of timeless classics and modern trends. Here are some popular styles to consider:

Solitaire: A single gemstone on a simple band remains a timeless choice, emphasizing elegance and the stone’s beauty. Perfect for those who love understated luxury.

Halo: A center stone surrounded by smaller gems adds sparkle and makes the main stone appear larger. This style is ideal for those seeking a glamorous look.

Three-Stone: Featuring three stones to represent your past, present, and future, this style is rich in symbolism and suits romantic, sentimental buyers.

Magic Diamonds: Magic diamonds are a wonderful choice if you want to have the effect of a large diamond with a valued price. In magic diamond rings smaller diamonds are combined creating the effect of a large diamond. This way, you have a spectacular ring with a decreased price.

You may find magic diamond rings in Ulysses Solitaire collection.

The metal you choose for the band affects both the ring’s appearance and durability. Here are the top options for 2025:

Gold: Available in yellow, white, and rose varieties, gold remains a classic. In 2025, 14K and 18K gold are popular for their balance of durability and purity. Rose gold, with its warm, romantic hue, continues to trend.

Palladium: A lesser-known but excellent option, palladium is lightweight, durable, and naturally white, making it a cost-effective alternative to platinum.

Mixed Metals: Combining metals, like a white gold band with a rose gold setting, is a 2025 trend that adds a modern twist.

Consider your partner’s skin tone and existing jewelry preferences—warmer tones often suit yellow or rose gold, while cooler tones pair well with white gold or platinum.

The gemstone is often the centerpiece of an engagement ring, and while diamonds are the traditional choice, 2025 offers a variety of options to suit every taste.

Diamonds

Diamonds remain the most popular choice due to their brilliance and durability (scoring a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale). When choosing a diamond, focus on the 4Cs:

Cut: Determines the diamond’s sparkle. Opt for excellent or very good cuts for maximum brilliance.

Clarity: Look for VS1 or VS2 clarity for a balance of quality and value—flaws won’t be visible to the naked eye.

Color: Choose a near-colorless grade (G-H) unless you’re opting for a fancy colored diamond, which is trending in 2025.

Carat: Size matters, but prioritize cut and clarity over carat weight for a more brilliant stone.

Lab-grown diamonds are also a major trend in 2025, offering the same beauty as natural diamonds at a lower price point, while being a more sustainable choice.

For a unique ring, consider colored gemstones, which are increasingly popular:

Sapphires: Known for their deep blue hue, sapphires are durable (9 on the Mohs scale) and symbolize loyalty. Pink and teal sapphires are trending in 2025.

Ruby: With their rich red color, rubies add a bold statement but are softer, so they require more care.

Match the gemstone to your partner’s personality—diamonds for classic elegance, sapphires for a regal touch, or morganite for a softer, romantic vibe.

Prong: Lifts the stone for maximum light exposure, ideal for showcasing a diamond’s brilliance.

Bezel: Encircles the stone with metal for a secure, modern look, great for active lifestyles.

Pavé: Small diamonds set into the band add extra sparkle, perfect for a luxurious touch.

You can also add personal touches, like engraving a meaningful date or message inside the band, to make the ring truly one-of-a-kind.

When buying an engagement ring in 2025, choose a reputable jeweller with transparent practices. Look for certifications like GIA or IGI for diamonds, which guarantee quality.

At Ulysses, we pride ourselves on offering ethically sourced, high-quality fine jewellery, with a curated selection of engagement rings to suit every style and budget.

Explore our collection online, where you can customize your ring or choose from our ready-to-ship designs, all from the comfort of home.