We know that purchasing an engagement ring can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're planning a surprise proposal or shopping together as a couple, this guide is designed to walk you through every important detail. With over 20 years of experience in fine jewellery, the Markbridge Jewellers team is here to help you make a confident, informed decision—one that feels just as special as the moment itself.

Here’s our ultimate checklist to help you find the perfect ring:

1. Know Your Budget

Before you start browsing diamonds and settings, it’s important to set a budget that feels comfortable for you. There’s no hard rule on how much to spend—it’s entirely personal. At Markbridge Jewellers, we’ll work with your budget to create or find a beautiful, meaningful ring that represents your love.

2. Understand the 4 Cs of Diamonds

The 4 Cs—Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat—are the universal standard for grading diamonds.

• Cut impacts brilliance and sparkle.

• Colour refers to how white or colourless the diamond is.

• Clarity evaluates natural inclusions.

• Carat refers to weight, not size alone.

Understanding the balance of these qualities is key to choosing a diamond that suits your preferences and price point. Our team can walk you through what to prioritise and how to get the most value.

3. Choose the Right Setting

The setting affects both the style and security of the ring. Whether you love a classic solitaire, a romantic halo, or a sleek bezel, the setting should enhance the stone and reflect your partner’s personal taste. We’ll show you all the options and help you visualise how they’ll look on the hand.

4. Select the Metal Type

Your choice of metal can influence the overall aesthetic and durability of the ring.

• Yellow gold offers timeless warmth.

• White gold provides a modern, sleek look.

• Rose gold has a soft, romantic feel.

• Platinum is known for strength and a natural white hue.

Think about daily wear, lifestyle, and colour preferences when choosing.

5. Get the Correct Ring Size

It might sound simple, but getting the right ring size is essential—especially for a surprise proposal. If you’re unsure, we have clever ways to help you figure it out discreetly, or you can bring your partner in for sizing.

6. Consider Ethical and Sustainable Options

More couples are opting for ethical engagement rings. We offer conflict-free diamonds, lab-grown options, and repurposed materials to suit your values without compromising on beauty or quality.

7. Think About Insurance

An engagement ring is a significant investment—both financially and emotionally. We strongly recommend insuring your ring to protect it from loss, damage, or theft. Ask us how to get started with trusted jewellery insurers.

8. Request Certification for Your Stone

A diamond certificate is your assurance of authenticity and quality. We provide certification for all our natural and lab-grown diamonds, so you can buy with confidence, knowing exactly what you're getting.

9. Explore Customisation Options

Looking for something truly one-of-a-kind? We specialise in custom engagement rings, where you can choose every detail—from the stone and setting to the engraving. Work directly with Mark and our master jewellers to bring your vision to life.

10. Don’t Forget the Wedding Band

While your focus might be on the engagement ring, it’s worth thinking ahead to how the wedding band will pair with it. We can design complementary sets that sit beautifully together, whether matching metals or creating contrast.

11. Factor in Personal Style and Preferences

Above all, the ring should feel right for your partner. Do they prefer minimalist designs or vintage glamour? Are they active and need something low-profile, or do they love bold sparkle? We’re here to help you decode their style and suggest rings they’ll adore for a lifetime.

12. Ensure the Right Sizing and Fit

After you’ve chosen the perfect ring, we’ll make sure it fits like a dream. Our expert jewellers offer complimentary sizing and can make any adjustments required before or after the proposal.

13. Book an Appointment With Our Experts

Still not sure where to start? That’s exactly what we’re here for. Book a private one-on-one consultation with Mark or one of our experienced team members to explore options, ask questions, and try on designs in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Book a Consultation Today or contact us directly at 📞 0410 542 541 | 📧 mark@mbjewellery.com

At Markbridge Jewellers, we believe that buying an engagement ring should be just as joyful as the moment it represents. Whether you're ready to propose or still exploring your options, we’re here to help you every step of the way—with expertise, integrity, and care.

Visit us in-store, book a consultation, or explore our curated engagement ring collection online.

Let’s find the one that says forever.