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The 2026 Engagement Ring FAQ: Everything You’re Actually Wondering

Where are your appointments held?

The showroom is in Hatton Garden, London's famous jewellery quarter, by appointment. I also provide private appointments in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and surrounding areas in Kent. Please contact me to arrange.

Can you help me with ring sizing?

Measuring the ring size for a surprise proposal can be tricky, but there are a few clever ways to do it without giving away the surprise. Here are some methods you can try:

Borrow a ring: If your partner already wears a ring on their ring finger (on the left hand), you can borrow one for sizing. Just make sure to choose a ring they wear on the correct hand and finger (left ring finger, if you're going for the classic engagement ring placement).

Ask a friend or family member: If you're not sure about the size, consider asking someone close to your partner - like a sibling, parent, or close friend - who might know their ring size. Just make sure they can keep the secret!

Measure their finger while they sleep: Gently wrap a piece of string or paper around their ring finger while they’re asleep. Then, measure the length of the string or paper and bring that to us to size.

How long does it take to design and make a bespoke engagement ring?

On average, designing and creating a bespoke engagement ring typically takes around 3 to 4 weeks, including sourcing our diamonds from the best sustainable suppliers around the world.

That said, we've been able to complete some rings in as little as 2 weeks for very special occasions.

If you're looking to create a full bridal suite with multiple pieces and stones, for example, a custom engagement ring with wedding bands, we advise an average of 2-3 months to ensure everything is crafted to perfection.

How much should I actually spend on an engagement ring in 2026?

The "three months' salary" rule is officially a thing of the past. In 2026, couples are setting budgets based on their personal financial goals rather than outdated social pressure.

Whether your budget is £1,000 or £10,000, the focus has shifted toward getting the best value and ethical impact for your money. Lab-grown diamonds have made it possible to get a high end look for a fraction of the traditional cost, so you can spend what feels right for your life.

What is the most popular engagement ring trend for 2026?

Personalisation and "Quiet Luxury" are the biggest trends for 2026.

We are seeing a massive move toward yellow gold, elongated shapes like ovals and emerald cuts, and hidden details like "hidden halos" or secret birthstones.

Couples are moving away from "off the shelf" looks and opting for custom designs that feel unique to their specific relationship.

Which diamond shape looks the biggest on my hand?

The Oval, Pear, and Emerald cuts typically look the largest for their carat weight.

These elongated shapes cover more surface area on your finger than a standard round diamond of the same weight.

If you want to maximise your "spread" and get a stone that looks significantly bigger than it is, choosing an oval or a pear shape is the smartest move you can make.

What is a lab grown diamond?

A lab grown diamond is a diamond that is created in a laboratory, rather than mined from the earth.They are also known as synthetic or man-made diamonds.

Made from High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), this process mimics the natural formation of diamonds deep underground.

Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. They have the same hardness, brilliance, and fire. 

Graded using the same 4Cs as natural diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.  They are more affordable than natural diamonds and considered a more sustainable option than mined diamonds.

If you're unsure which option would be right for your proposal, get in touch and I'd be happy to help.

Can I resize a ring with a pavé band?

Resizing a ring with a pavé band is possible, but it is much more complex than resizing a plain metal band. Because the band is set with tiny diamonds, significant resizing can cause the small stones to loosen or pop out.

If you are choosing a pavé style, it is really important to get as close to the correct size as possible from the start to avoid compromising the integrity of the setting later on.

Can a diamond tester tell if a diamond is lab-grown?

No, a standard diamond tester cannot tell the difference between a lab-grown and a mined diamond. Since both stones are made of pure carbon and have the exact same thermal and electrical conductivity, they will both test as a "diamond" every single time. To distinguish between the two, you would need specialized laboratory equipment that only professional gemological labs typically own.

Do lab-grown diamonds lose their sparkle or turn cloudy?

Lab-grown diamonds do not turn cloudy, change colour, or lose their brilliance over time.

Because they are physically identical to mined diamonds, they are a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

This means they are incredibly durable and will stay crystal clear for a lifetime.

If your ring ever looks a bit dull, it is usually just a buildup of oils or lotions, which a simple cleaning will fix instantly.

Are lab grown diamonds a better choice for the environment?

Yes, lab grown diamonds are generally considered the more sustainable and ethical choice.

They require significantly less earth displacement and energy than traditional mining operations.

Choosing a lab-grown stone also gives you 100% certainty regarding the origin of your diamond, ensuring your ring is completely conflict-free and aligned with modern environmental values.

Is a bezel setting better than prongs for an active lifestyle?

A bezel setting is the best option if you have an active lifestyle or a hands-on job. While prongs are classic, they can snag on clothes or get knocked out of place.

A bezel setting wraps the diamond in a thin rim of metal, which protects the edges of the stone from chipping and keeps it extremely secure. It is the ultimate low-maintenance choice for 2026.

Find us

Our location

Anais Rose is situated in the heart of London's jewellery quarter in Hatton Garden. Visit us at 5 Hatton Garden, 1st Floor, London, EC1 8AA. By appointment only.

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