Searching for the perfect engagement ring is no doubt a difficult task. After all, you don’t want your partner to be disappointed when you propose because she doesn’t like the style of ring you have chosen for her. This is why we have put together this guide on different engagement ring band styles.

In short: The five core engagement ring band styles are plain (court or D-shape, ~60% of UK sales), pavé (small diamonds along the shank), channel (diamonds inset between rails), twist (two strands crossing), and split-shank (band parts at the head). Plain bands resize easily and last decades; pavé bands typically need re-tipping every 8-12 years. 18kt yellow, white, rose gold, and platinum suit all five styles.

When selecting an engagement ring, be careful that you don’t simply consider the diamond and forget about the band. The band is just as important. Not only do you need to make sure it is the right size, but you also have to make certain that the style is right for your partner and that it complements the diamond or gemstone you have chosen for the feature stone.

One of the first things you need to do is determine what type of metal you are going to choose. Should you go for platinum, sterling silver, yellow gold, or rose gold? Yellow gold and platinum tend to be the most popular. Nevertheless, you should take a look at the jewellery your partner tends to wear on a day-to-day basis, as you want to ensure that it is going to match what they wear.

You then need to decide on the setting you are going to have. You can use the tabs on the left hand side to discover more about your options in regards to this. And, finally, another thing you may want to consider is having the inside of the band engraved. This is something that is popular for wedding rings, but it is also a beautiful thought for an engagement ring too if you have the space, of course.