- Engagement Rings
-
-
Browse by type
Browse by Cut
By Metal
Browse by Gemstone
-
-
- Custom
- Diamonds
- Wedding Rings
- Fine Jewellery
- Services
- Learn
- About Us
- Contact
Buying an engagement ring is one of life’s most exciting milestones, and for many first-time buyers, it can also feel overwhelming. From engagement ring styles to diamond shapes, diamond colours, clarities and colour of metals, there’s a lot to consider before making your decision.
At Diamondport, we believe buying an engagement ring should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before choosing the perfect ring.
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much should I spend on an engagement ring?”
The truth is, there’s no set rule. The old idea of spending three months’ salary is outdated. Instead, choose a budget that feels comfortable for your financial situation and future plans.
At Diamondport, the average investment for an engagement ring featuring a lab-grown diamond is approximately $8,000, while engagement rings set with natural diamonds average around $13,000.
Remember, an engagement ring is an investment in craftsmanship, quality, and sentiment. Establishing a budget early on will help narrow down your options without compromising on what matters most.
The main difference is their origin. Natural diamonds formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. Both are made of pure carbon and share the same physical, chemical and optical properties.
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, not diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They have the same hardness, brilliance, fire and durability as natural diamonds and are graded using the same standards for cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
For many buyers, lab-grown diamonds offer exceptional value because they allow you to purchase a larger or higher-quality diamond for the same budget. Whether they are worth buying depends on your priorities, including budget, rarity, long-term value and personal preference.
To the naked eye, no. Even experienced jewellers cannot reliably distinguish a lab-grown diamond from a natural diamond without specialised gemological equipment. Both diamonds look identical and possess the same physical characteristics.
Neither option is objectively better, it depends on what matters most to you. Lab-grown diamonds offer exceptional size and quality for the price, while natural diamonds appeal to those who value rarity, geological history and long-term desirability. The best choice is the one that aligns with your budget and personal values.
Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds and will last a lifetime with proper care. They rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them suitable for everyday wear and ideal for engagement rings.
Many consumers view lab-grown diamonds as a more ethical choice because they are created without mining. However, both lab-grown and natural diamonds can be responsibly sourced. At Diamondport, we use diamonds from reputable natural diamond suppliers, who follow strict environmental, labour and traceability standards.
For more information on diamonds read our article: Lab Grown-vs-Natural-Diamonds
The 4Cs of diamonds are the internationally recognised standards used to evaluate a diamond’s quality and value. Developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the 4Cs consist of Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight. Together, these characteristics determine a diamond’s appearance, rarity and price.
The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry, and polish. Elements that determine how light interacts with the stone. Whether lab-created or mined, a well-cut diamond displays superior brilliance and fire. Both types of diamonds can achieve excellent cut grades, as this aspect is determined by the diamond cutter’s skill rather than the diamond’s origin.
Diamond colour is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Lab-grown and natural diamonds are evaluated using the same colour scale, and both can achieve the most desirable colourless grades.
Clarity grades assess the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. Lab-grown and natural diamonds receive clarity grades ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). While natural diamonds form with inclusions due to their underground formation process, lab-grown diamonds may also contain tiny amounts of imperfections from their growth process.
Carat refers simply to the diamond’s weight. One carat equals 0.2 grams. Lab-grown and natural diamonds are measured using the same carat system, allowing for precise size comparison.
Of all the 4Cs, cut has the greatest impact on a diamond’s beauty and sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light more effectively, creating the brilliance, fire and scintillation that diamonds are famous for. Even a large diamond with excellent colour and clarity can appear dull if it is poorly cut, which is why many jewellers recommend prioritising cut above the other characteristics. At Diamondport, all of our diamonds we source are excellent cut.
Each of the 4Cs contributes to a diamond’s value. Generally, larger carat weights, higher colour grades and higher clarity grades command higher prices. However, the relationship is not always linear, and small differences in grading can result in significant price increases. Cut quality can also have a substantial effect on price, particularly for diamonds that achieve Excellent or Ideal cut grades.
There are 10 popular diamond shapes commonly used in engagement rings and fine jewellery. Each shape has its own unique appearance, personality and characteristics, allowing you to choose a diamond that reflects your style and preferences
While these are the most common diamond shapes, at Diamondport our most popular shape are oval, Round and Radiant. The best diamond shape ultimately depends on your personal style, budget and what features matter most to you, whether that’s maximum sparkle, a larger appearance or a timeless aesthetic.
There is no single “best” diamond shape. If you love classic elegance, a round brilliant may be ideal. If you’re looking to maximise size, oval or marquise shapes are popular choices. For a modern look, princess and radiant cuts remain favourites, while emerald and Asscher cuts appeal to those who appreciate vintage-inspired sophistication.
An engagement ring setting is the way a diamond or gemstone is secured and displayed within a ring. The setting plays a major role in the ring’s overall appearance, sparkle, durability and style. With so many options available, choosing the right setting is just as important as selecting the diamond itself.
The solitaire setting is the most classic and timeless engagement ring style. It features a single centre diamond with no additional stones, allowing the diamond to take centre stage. Solitaires are versatile, elegant and never go out of fashion.
A hidden halo setting features a circle of small diamonds positioned beneath the centre stone rather than around it. This design adds extra sparkle from the side view while maintaining the clean, sophisticated appearance of a solitaire ring from above.
The halo setting surrounds the centre diamond with a ring of smaller diamonds. This popular style enhances sparkle and creates the illusion of a larger centre stone, making it an excellent choice for those wanting maximum brilliance.
In a pavé setting, small diamonds are set closely together along the band, creating a continuous sparkle effect. Pavé bands complement many engagement ring styles and add extra brilliance without overpowering the centre diamond.
The three-stone setting features a centre diamond flanked by two side stones. Often said to symbolise a couple’s past, present and future, this setting offers both visual impact and meaningful symbolism.
The bezel setting surrounds the diamond with a protective rim of precious metal. Known for its durability and modern aesthetic, a bezel setting offers excellent protection and is ideal for those with active lifestyles.
A two-stone setting, also known as a Toi et Moi setting, features two gemstones set side by side to symbolise two people coming together in love. Elegant and meaningful, this style offers a modern alternative to the traditional solitaire and can be customised with matching or contrasting diamond shapes.
The solitaire setting remains the most popular engagement ring setting due to its timeless appeal and ability to showcase the centre diamond. In recent years, hidden halo settings have also become increasingly popular thanks to their subtle sparkle and contemporary elegance. At Diamondport our most popular setting is a solitaire with a hidden halo.
Platinum is a naturally white precious metal renowned for its exceptional durability, strength and hypoallergenic properties. It develops a soft patina over time and is an excellent choice for those seeking a premium, low-maintenance ring.
White gold is one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. It is made by alloying yellow gold with white metals and is finished with a rhodium plating to create its bright white appearance. White gold offers a timeless look at a more affordable price than platinum. At Diamondport our white gold is made with 15% palladium and is completely nickel free.
Yellow gold is a classic and traditional choice that has remained popular for generations. Available in 9ct, 14ct and 18ct, it complements warmer skin tones and pairs beautifully with both natural and lab-grown diamonds. At Diamondport we make all of our rings with 18 carat gold.
Rose gold is created by combining pure gold with copper alloys, giving it its distinctive warm pink hue. Romantic and contemporary, it has become increasingly popular for its unique colour and vintage-inspired appeal.
The best metal for an engagement ring depends on your lifestyle, budget and personal style. At Diamondport, every engagement ring is crafted to become a future family heirloom. That’s why we exclusively use 18 carat gold, offering the perfect balance of beauty, durability and long-term wear. We also use 30% more gold than many standard ring manufacturers, creating a stronger, more substantial ring designed to withstand everyday wear and be treasured for generations to come.
Although they look similar, white gold and platinum are two very different precious metals. White gold is an alloy of pure gold and white metals, such as palladium, and is finished with a rhodium plating to enhance its bright white appearance. Over time, this plating naturally wears and may need to be reapplied to maintain its finish.
At Diamondport, we exclusively use 18-carat white gold, which offers an excellent balance of strength, durability and malleability. Unlike platinum, gold is more malleable, meaning that under extreme force it is more likely to bend rather than crack. This makes it an excellent choice for an engagement ring designed to be worn every day and enjoyed for generations.
Platinum is a naturally white precious metal that does not require rhodium plating and develops a soft patina over time instead of losing its colour. It is denser and heavier than gold, contributing to its premium feel and higher price. While platinum is exceptionally durable, it is less malleable than gold, meaning that under significant impact it is more likely to crack or fracture rather than bend.
A bespoke engagement ring allows you to create a piece that is truly one of a kind. Rather than choosing a mass-produced design, you have complete control over the diamond, setting, metal and overall style, resulting in a ring that reflects you or your partner’s personality and your unique love story. It’s also an opportunity to create a future family heirloom, crafted to be treasured for generations. At Diamondport, our bespoke process takes you through every step of the journey, from initial ideas and hand sketches to CAD designs and final production in our Brisbane workshop.
Not necessarily. Many people assume a bespoke engagement ring costs more than a ready-made design, but that’s not always the case. A custom ring is designed around your budget, allowing you to choose the diamond, metal and setting that best suit your priorities. At Diamondport, we work with you to create a beautiful, handcrafted ring without compromising on quality or value.
The time required to create a bespoke engagement ring can vary depending on the complexity of the design. In most cases, the process takes approximately 6–8 weeks from the initial consultation to completion. This allows time for the ring to be carefully crafted, finished and quality checked to ensure it meets the highest standards.
Yes. If you’ve seen a design you love, it can often be customised to better suit your preferences. You may wish to change the diamond shape, setting style, metal colour, band width or add personalised details to create a design that feels uniquely yours. Customising an existing design is a great way to achieve a personalised engagement ring while drawing inspiration from a style you already love. At Diamondport we encourage you to make personal suggestions so that we can ensure you have the perfect ring for you.
The average women’s engagement ring size in Australia is typically M to N, M being one of the most common sizes. However, every person is different, and finger size can vary depending on height, body type and even the time of day. If you’re unsure, it’s often better to choose a standard size that can be adjusted later.
The easiest way to find your partner’s ring size is to borrow a ring they already wear on their ring finger and have it measured by a jeweller. If that’s not possible, you can ask a close friend or family member for help, or discreetly compare their finger size to your own. If you’re still unsure, don’t worry, it’s quite common to estimate a size, as most engagement rings can be resized after the proposal.
Yes, most engagement rings can be resized. Depending on the design, a jeweller can usually increase or decrease the ring by one to two sizes while maintaining its strength and appearance. Some designs, such as full eternity bands or certain tension settings, may have more limited resizing options, so it’s always best to discuss this with your jeweller before purchasing. At Diamondport, all of our rings can be resized if they are make from any gold metal and platinum.
Jewellers use professional ring sizers, which are a series of accurately measured metal rings in different sizes. The customer tries on different sizes until the jeweller finds the best fit, taking into account factors such as finger shape, ring width and comfort. If an existing ring is available, jewellers can also measure it using a specialised ring mandrel or sizing tool to determine the correct size. At Diamondport we take pride in making sure we always measure the correct size, however, if your ring isn’t the perfect fit after the proposal, we’ll resize it free of charge.
Choosing the right jeweller is about more than finding a beautiful ring, it’s about finding someone you can trust. Look for a jeweller with extensive experience, a strong reputation, transparent pricing and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. At Diamondport, we will take the time to understand your needs, educate you on your options and help you make an informed decision without pressure. If you’re considering a bespoke engagement ring, Diamondport offers personalised design consultations and can guide you through the entire process from concept to completion.
A trustworthy jeweller is transparent about the quality of their diamonds, materials and craftsmanship. They should clearly explain the differences between diamond grades, provide certification for both natural and lab-grown diamonds, and answer your questions with honesty and expertise. Reading customer reviews, viewing previous work and choosing a jeweller who stands behind their jewellery with comprehensive warranties and ongoing aftercare can also provide valuable peace of mind.
At Diamondport, this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in quality over quantity, taking the time to educate our clients, offer honest advice and craft engagement rings that are designed to last a lifetime. Rather than focusing on making a sale, our goal is to help you make a confident, informed decision and create a ring that will become a treasured family heirloom for generations to come.
Whether you’re just starting your search or already have a dream design in mind, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Book a consultation at our Brisbane showroom and discover how we can help you create an engagement ring that will be cherished for generations to come.
