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Engagement Ring Buying Guide for Men

By Aris & Arman Arzumanian — Arman’s Fine Jewellery, Sydney (Updated October 2025)

Buying an engagement ring? Here’s how to get it right.

Buying an engagement ring is one of life’s biggest milestones and it deserves to be done right. The experts at Armans Fine Jewellery, Arman, Aris and Levon, have spent decades helping people find and design their dream engagement rings.

In this 2025 Engagement Ring Buying Guide, we’ll walk you through every step from setting your budget to choosing the perfect stone, setting, and style, so you can shop with confidence.

Why Are We the Engagement Ring Experts in Sydney?

When you’re reading advice online, credibility matters. Here’s what makes this guide different:

Experience & Expertise: Arman has over 30 years of experience crafting bespoke engagement rings. The whole team works directly with couples every day to turn their ideas into reality.

Experience & Expertise: Authoritative Advice: Everything here is based on real-world experience and 2025 jewellery trends from real Australian couples.

Trust & Transparency: We’ll tell you what to look for — not just what to buy. Our goal is to educate, not push.

Step 1 – Decide on Your Budget

Forget the outdated “three months’ salary” rule — it’s 2025, not 1985. Your budget should reflect your comfort zone and your priorities. Some clients spend $15,000, others $80,000. What matters most is getting the best possible quality and value within your range.

A good rule of thumb:

Keep 10% aside for resizing, engraving, or insurance. Focus on cut and craftsmanship over size. A well-cut diamond will always look better than a larger, poorly cut one.

Lab grown diamonds now offer 30–40% better value, giving you more sparkle for your spend.
Diamond Engagement Ring Collection
Diamond, Lab-Grown, or Gemstone?

Step 2 – Choose the Stone

In 2025, you have more options than ever:

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds and are now mainstream, with transparent sourcing and excellent pricing.

Natural diamonds remain timeless and are still preferred by those who want rarity and tradition.

Coloured gemstones especially sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are increasingly popular for unique, personal designs.

Explore Coloured Gemstone Rings

The 4Cs (and What Really Matters)

Everyone talks about cut, colour, clarity, and carat. But here’s the insider truth:

  • Cut = sparkle. Always prioritise it.
  • Colour & clarity = balance; you don’t need perfection for beauty.
  • Carat = size; nice, but not everything.

Pro Tip: If you’re torn between size and quality, go smaller with higher cut quality. It’ll catch the light (and her eye) every time.

The Full Guide to the 4Cs

Sapphire Engagement Rings
Coloured Gemstone Rings
The Full Guide to Coloured Gemstone

Step 3 – Pick the Setting and Metal

Your setting defines the style and story of your ring. Here’s what’s trending in 2025:

Solitaire – timeless and always elegant.

Hidden halos & bezel settings– modern, minimal, and protective.

East–West orientations – contemporary twists for elongated cuts, like our East West Golden Horizon Semi-Bezel Engagement Ring.

Mixed metals – yellow and white gold combinations are making a comeback.

Chunkier bands & vintage inspiration – for bold, sculptural looks, like our Acacia Bezel Asscher Diamond Engagement Ring.

Your metal choice should match your partner’s everyday style — what they wear already is a great clue. Platinum is durable and premium, yellow gold is warm and classic and rose gold is romantic and flattering.

Step 4 – Certification & Guarantee

Certification is your quality assurance. Look for grading from trusted labs like GIA or IGI, which confirm a diamond’s authenticity and characteristics. Every Arman’s Fine Jewellery engagement ring comes with:

A full certification (lab-grown or natural)

Lifetime cleaning and maintenance

Local Sydney craftsmanship guarantee

Step 5 – Add the Personal Touch

This is where your ring becomes one-of-a-kind. Some of the ways clients personalise their rings in 2025 include:

Engraving a message, date, or coordinates inside the band.

Hiding a birthstone or diamond underneath the setting.

Repurposing heirloom stones into new designs.

Adding subtle asymmetry or two-tone details for symbolism.

Book a Custom Jewellery Consultation with our experts.

Book a Custom Jewellery Consultation

Step 6 – Plan the Proposal

You’ve got the ring, now make the moment count.

Double-check the sizing and finish before the big day.

Book a photographer to capture the moment.

Keep it simple and sincere, it’s about connection, not choreography.

Engagement Ring Trends for 2025

Every year brings new ideas, but these 2025 trends are shaping how couples shop in Sydney and beyond:

  • Lab-grown diamonds are officially mainstream.
  • East–West settings and elongated cuts (oval, radiant, marquise) are dominating.
  • Thicker bands and architectural shapes are in.
  • Hidden halos and personal engraving are everywhere.
  • Ethical sourcing and sustainability are now expected, not optional.

Arman sums it up best: “Trends come and go. But craftsmanship, quality, and meaning, those never go out of style.”

FAQs

How much should I spend on an engagement ring in 2025?

Whatever feels right for your situation. Focus on quality and meaning over arbitrary percentages.

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is origin.

How long does a custom ring take?

All of our rings are handmade to order and will take 4–6 weeks on average, depending on complexity and sourcing.

Can I redesign a family ring or use heirloom stones?

Absolutely. We love transforming sentimental pieces into something modern and personal.

How much should I spend on an engagement ring in 2025?

Whatever feels right for your situation. Focus on quality and meaning over arbitrary percentages.

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is origin.

How long does a custom ring take?

All of our rings are handmade to order and will take 4–6 weeks on average, depending on complexity and sourcing.

Can I redesign a family ring or use heirloom stones?

Absolutely. We love transforming sentimental pieces into something modern and personal.

Final Thoughts

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, and the right jeweller, it’s an enjoyable, meaningful experience.

Whether you’re choosing a classic diamond solitaire or designing something completely bespoke, the key is confidence, care, and craft.

Visit us in-store or book a consultation online to start your journey. At Arman’s Fine Jewellery, we’ll help you create a ring that tells your story, beautifully, and for life.