The-Lester-and-Brown-Guide-to-Engagement-Ring-Metals-Shapes-Styles Lester & Brown

The Lester and Brown Guide to Engagement Ring Metals, Shapes & Styles

An engagement ring is more than just a beautiful piece of jewellery—it’s a powerful symbol of love, commitment, and the beginning of a lifelong journey together. At Lester & Brown, in the heart of Poynton, Cheshire, we know that finding the perfect ring is both an exciting adventure and a deeply personal decision. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of platinum, the warmth of yellow gold , the modern feel of white gold , or the romantic hue of rose gold , we offer a stunning selection to suit every style. And whether you prefer natural or lab-grown diamond rings , we’ve got you covered.

The Charm of Diamond Engagement Rings

Nothing rivals the enduring appeal of diamond engagement rings. At Lester & Brown, we treasure diamonds for their radiant sparkle, exceptional durability, and classic elegance—qualities that make them the ultimate symbol of everlasting love. Selecting the perfect diamond is a romantic endeavour, and we’re here to guide you, whether you’re browsing our collections in-store or online. The key lies in understanding the four Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, which together determine a diamond’s quality and value.


Cut

The cut is the craft behind a diamond’s brilliance. A well-cut stone captures light and reflects it in a captivating display, delivering the stunning effect every couple desires for their engagement.


Colour

Diamonds range from pure colourless (D-F, the rarest and most prized) to subtle yellow or brown hues (Z). For those seeking beauty on a budget, near-colourless stones (G-J) offer superb value without losing their allure.


Clarity

This assesses a diamond’s natural imperfections, known as inclusions or blemishes. Flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare, but many have tiny flaws invisible to the naked eye, ranging from VVS (very, very slightly included) to SI (slightly included). We advise avoiding I clarity stones, where imperfections are visible without magnification.


Carat Weight

Carat measures a diamond’s size. While larger stones often carry a higher price, the interplay of all four Cs shapes its true worth.


Our Dedication to Lab Grown Diamonds

"A ring isn’t just worn—it tells the story of a love that lasts a lifetime".

Platinum Gold Engagement Rings

Platinum engagement rings are renowned for their robust sophistication. This precious metal boasts a natural white sheen that resists tarnishing or fading, ensuring your ring remains as luminous as your love through years of wear. Platinum’s durability makes it ideal for daily use, and its hypoallergenic nature suits even sensitive skin. At Lester & Brown, we craft platinum rings with meticulous care, securing stones like round or emerald diamonds to blend practicality with timeless refinement.

White Gold Engagement Rings

For those seeking luxury at a gentler price, white gold engagement rings offer a stylish and adaptable option. Made by alloying pure gold with white metals like palladium or silver, then finished with rhodium for a brilliant sheen, white gold exudes a crisp, modern charm. Available in 18k or 14k at Lester & Brown, these rings may need occasional replating to maintain their lustre, but with proper care, they remain a dazzling choice for styles like trilogy or halo.

Explore Our Diamond Shapes

The shape of your diamond sets the tone for your ring’s personality. At Lester & Brown, we offer a handpicked range of lab-grown diamond shapes, each with its own distinct appeal:


Round

The most sought-after shape, round diamonds maximise brilliance with their symmetrical facets, offering a classic sparkle that remains eternally stylish.


Oval

Graceful and elongated, the oval shape blends round brilliance with a slender profile, creating a modern yet timeless elegance that flatters the finger.


Pear

A teardrop design with a rounded base and pointed tip, pear cuts bring a romantic, versatile glow, elongating the hand with soft sophistication.


Emerald

With its rectangular step-cut facets, this shape radiates vintage charm, showcasing the diamond’s clarity in a sleek, minimalist frame.


Princess

A square cut with crisp edges, princess diamonds deliver fiery brilliance, adding a bold, contemporary flair to any ring.


Cushion

Featuring rounded corners and a pillow-like softness, cushion cuts combine vintage romance with intense sparkle, evoking old-world allure.

Explore Our Styles

Our engagement ring styles at Lester & Brown are crafted to celebrate individuality. Here’s what each style offers:


Solitaire

A single diamond takes centre stage, embodying pure simplicity and timeless elegance, letting the stone’s beauty shine unadorned.


Diamond Set Shoulders

Tiny diamonds grace the band, enhancing the centre stone with added sparkle and a touch of luxurious detail.


Hidden Halo

A secret circle of small diamonds lies beneath the main stone, offering subtle brilliance that reveals itself with every turn.


Trilogy

Three stones, often symbolising past, present, and future, weave a meaningful tale, balancing symmetry with striking design.


Halo

A ring of smaller diamonds encircles the centre stone, boosting its size and radiance for a glamorous, captivating look.

Designing Your Dream Ring With Lester & Brown

At Lester & Brown, our bespoke service transforms your engagement ring into a unique masterpiece. From our Poynton, Cheshire studio, our skilled artisans bring decades of expertise to every custom piece. Imagine a cushion diamond in rose gold or a pear shaped trilogy in platinum—we’ll work closely with you to bring your vision to life. Personalise it with birthstones, engravings inspired by cherished moments, or a design tied to your story. Our passion for bespoke jewellery ensures your ring is as one-of-a-kind as your love. Explore our gallery to see how we've brought love stories to life through bespoke design.

Your Ring, Your Love

Choosing an engagement ring is a milestone filled with emotion. Whether you’re drawn to the brilliance of a diamond ring, the symbolism of an eternity ring, the strength of platinum, or the versatility of white gold, Lester & Brown has the perfect piece for you. Crafted in our Poynton workshop, our rings span yellow gold, rose gold, and beyond, with our signature bespoke service to make it truly yours. Take your time—finding a ring that reflects your partner’s essence and your shared bond is what makes it special.

Long Term Protection

Gain peace of mind with specialised jewellery insurance against loss or damage. Our protection includes a lifetime warranty, complimentary resizing, and free insured shipping—ensuring your piece is covered, fits perfectly, and arrives safely at no extra cost. For more information, click here .

Some of Our Most Popular Engagement Rings
Platinum Lab Diamond Engagement Rings
White Lab Diamond Engagement Rings

1. What types of metals are available for engagement rings at Lester & Brown?

We offer a variety of precious metals to suit every taste, including platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Each metal has its own unique appeal, from the durability and natural white sheen of platinum to the romantic hue of rose gold.

2. What is the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds?

Natural diamonds form over millions of years under the Earth’s surface, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment. Both possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties, but lab-grown diamonds often offer greater affordability and sustainability.

3. How do I choose the perfect diamond?

Diamonds are evaluated using the four Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight. The cut affects brilliance, colour ranges from colourless to light yellow or brown, clarity measures imperfections, and carat reflects size. The combination of these factors determines the diamond’s overall beauty and value.

4. Which diamond shapes are most popular at Lester & Brown?

We offer a curated selection including round, oval, pear, emerald, princess, and cushion cuts. Each shape has its own personality—round diamonds maximize brilliance, while pear and oval shapes provide elegance and elongation.

5. What engagement ring styles do you offer?

Our styles include solitaire, diamond set shoulders, hidden halo, trilogy, and halo rings. From timeless simplicity to luxurious detail, each style highlights the diamond in a unique way.

6. Can I design a custom engagement ring?

Absolutely! Our bespoke service allows you to create a one-of-a-kind ring. You can choose the metal, diamond shape, setting style, and even add personal touches like birthstones or engravings.

7. How do I care for white gold or platinum rings?

Platinum is highly durable and maintains its sheen naturally, requiring minimal maintenance. White gold is alloyed with other metals and often plated with rhodium for a bright finish; it may need occasional replating to preserve its lustre.

8. Are lab-grown diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have the same hardness and durability as natural diamonds, making them perfect for everyday wear and long-lasting brilliance.Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have the same hardness and durability as natural diamonds, making them perfect for everyday wear and long-lasting brilliance.

9. Do you offer insurance or protection for engagement rings?

Yes. Lester & Brown provides jewellery insurance, a lifetime warranty, complimentary resizing, and free insured shipping, ensuring your ring is protected, fits perfectly, and arrives safely.

10. How long does it take to receive a bespoke engagement ring?

Custom rings are crafted with care in our Poynton workshop. While timelines vary depending on design complexity, we recommend discussing your requirements early to ensure your bespoke ring is ready for your special moment.

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