4-Step Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring

Gray Reid Gallery’s guide to finding or designing the perfect bespoke engagement ring. 

Buying an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful purchases you'll ever make and one of life's most significant milestones. A symbol of love, commitment, and a shared future. 

We’ve been honoured to walk alongside hundreds of clients on their journey to creating and finding the perfect engagement ring. Whether you’re ready to propose, exploring your options, or beginning the journey with only a feeling in mind, we’re here to help and guide you through the process.

Informed by 25 years of passion, experience and expertise, here is our definitive 4-step guide to choosing the right ring.

Step 1: What Matters Most 

Before starting the process (prior to considering stones or settings), consider what you want the ring to represent. Think of this as an opportunity to reflect on what feels most important. Is it the style, symbolism, sentiment, or practical lifestyle considerations? 

When choosing an engagement ring, not only should it be both durable and beautiful, but also reflect the individual style and personality of the wearer. That means asking questions like:

• Do you prefer traditional or contemporary designs?

• Are you drawn to vintage or minimalist styles?

• Will you wear the ring every day, and what does your lifestyle require in terms of durability?

• Are there cultural or family traditions to consider?
  
  

Some clients come to us with inspiration images and perhaps a stone in mind. While others arrive with a vague idea or sense of what they want. Either way, we begin with a conversation, not a catalogue.

Our goal is to create or source a piece that is deeply personal, one that you connect with and is a piece that reflects you and your partner’s individuality and the story you’re creating together.

Step 2: What to Consider When Exploring Stones & Materials.

Once you have a sense of the overall aesthetic and story, it’s time to consider materials - most notably, the stone. The stone more often serves as the centrepoint of the ring. It draws the eye and anchors the entire design. The cut, colour, and setting can dramatically influence the mood and meaning, reflecting personal symbolism or the aesthetic intent.

Gray Reid Gallery offers sourcing for: 

• Natural diamonds; including antique and vintage cuts

• Coloured gemstones; such as sapphires, emeralds, and spinels (antique & vintage).

• Lab-grown diamonds (with full transparency around their environmental impact).

• Conflict-free and ethically sourced stones.

• Recycled gold and platinum (or other precious metals)
  
  

Making informed decisions is centred on learning and of asking the right questions during the process. Asking the question of “What are you really buying?” is a critical reminder to understand the value, origin, and integrity of the materials involved.

While lab-grown diamonds are often presented as the ethical choice, it's important to note that “factory-made” doesn’t always equal sustainable. Their production can be highly energy intensive. We encourage clients to ask:

• How was this stone produced?

• Where was it sourced?

• Is this metal recycled or newly mined?

• What are the ethical and environmental implications of how the stone was procured or produced? 

We take great pride in providing transparency in this process and the supply chain. Every piece we create is an invitation to be thoughtful - not just about the look of the ring, but about its legacy and impact.

Step 3: Choose Your Path - Bespoke or Curated

Gray Reid Gallery offers two distinct paths to finding the perfect engagement ring: a curated collection of ready-to-wear designs or a completely bespoke experience, handcrafted to your specifications. 

For those who are drawn to antique, vintage or contemporary pieces and are seeking a piece with immediate availability, our curated collection features a refined selection.

Each piece has been chosen for its unique character, high level of craftsmanship, and lasting beauty. From Edwardian charm to sleek modern silhouettes, our collection offers something meaningful for every style and story.

We also have the ability to source exceptional pieces from specific eras or styles ensuring you find a ring that speaks to your aesthetic and historical sensibilities.

Alternatively, for those dreaming of a one-of-a-kind ring that reflects their own love story, our bespoke design service invites you into the creative process. Working alongside our designers, gemologists and master jewellers to bring your vision to life - from selecting the perfect gemstone to crafting each detail by hand. 

Whether you have a clear idea or just an emotion you wish to express, we guide you through every step, ensuring your finished ring is as individual as the person who will wear it.

Whichever path you choose, our commitment remains the same: to create or source a piece of jewellery that will be treasured for generations.

Bespoke Design

If you're seeking something completely unique, our bespoke design service offers a deeply collaborative experience. You'll work directly with one of our master jewellers, from initial concept through to final creation. The process includes:

• Initial design meeting

• Sourcing or repurposing stones
  

• Material selection
  

• In-progress check-ins
  

• Final fittings and finishes
  
  

Typically, bespoke rings take around 6-8 weeks to complete. For more intricate commissions or special gemstones, we may advise allowing more time.

Curated Collection

We also offer a carefully curated collection of ready-to-wear engagement rings (antique, vintage and contemporary). 

These pieces are a collection of pieces designed and made in-house (which can be customised with your choice of stone or metal) and those sourced.

Whether bespoke or ready-made, every ring is finished to the highest standard, hallmarked by our commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and care.

Step 4: The Final Presentation: Fitting, Valuation, and Beyond

Once your ring is complete, we ensure every last detail is considered:

• Resizing (before or after the proposal, if needed).

• Valuations for insurance: A valuation provides an accurate, legally recognised record of your item's worth, which is essential for insurance, estate planning, or resale.

• Final polish and presentation in our signature packaging.

• Future life and aftercare: While our pieces are made to the highest standards and built to last, it’s important to remember that jewellery is durable, not indestructible. Everyday wear, exposure to hard surfaces, or even vigorous activity can eventually take a toll. Aftercare and maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your ring. We offer complimentary cleaning and check-ups.

Beyond engagement, we offer designing matching wedding bands, other wedding jewellery (earrings, stickpins, cufflinks etc), creating gifts for the wedding day, or remodelling family pieces into something new. Many of our clients return to Gray Reid Gallery for anniversaries and other milestones, making the relationship as lasting as the piece itself. 

The Importance of Communication

Throughout the journey, clear and consistent communication is key. You will be updated at every stage from consultation, stone sourcing, design progress, and completion. We endeavour to keep you engaged and involved in every step of the process. 

Having a strong connection and trust with a jeweller you're working with, matters as much as knowing what you're buying. This is where working with an independent jeweller truly stands apart from buying off the shelf: you’re not just a customer, you are a part of a creative partnership.

Ethical Jewellery Is Informed Jewellery

Ethics in jewellery goes beyond ‘responsibly made’, it honours the people, materials, and traditions behind it. We believe ethical jewellery begins with asking questions; about sourcing, craftsmanship, longevity and intention.

Many clients choose to repurpose heirloom stones, which is not only a sustainable choice but one that carries immense personal meaning. By using inherited stones we minimise the environmental impact, as well bring forward memories and history in new pieces - Whether that be a memory of a moment in time, honouring a loved one or your heritage. We also use recycled metals where possible, and support local talent by working with Melbourne-based jewellers and specialists trained in traditional fine jewellery techniques.

As proud members of the Gold and Silversmiths Guild of Australia, we uphold the highest standards of practice and authenticity in every piece we create.

Begin the journey.

An engagement ring is not just a piece of jewellery - it’s a wearable, tangible, symbol of a promise. We understand that the most meaningful rings are not only beautiful and well made, but thoughtfully designed.

Our role is to educate and guide you through the process. Whether you come to us with a design in mind or a feeling, we’re here to master that into something lasting.

Visit our Collins Street gallery or book a consultation to begin the journey of finding the perfect engagement ring.