Choosing an engagement ring sounds romantic in theory, but in reality, it can be quite stressful if you don’t know what your significant other really wants. While some people have been saving ring inspiration for years and can tell you exactly what they want down to the millimetre, others may have have never thought about it, don’t wear jewellery regularly, or actively reject traditional engagement ring styles altogether.

If you’re planning a surprise proposal and have no idea where to start, don’t panic. There are ways to narrow down your options without ruining the surprise.

Start With Their Existing Jewellery

The easiest place to begin is with what they already wear. Do they gravitate towards silver, white gold or platinum? Do they prefer yellow gold? Are their accessories minimal and understated, or bold and expressive? Someone who wears chunky rings, layered necklaces and statement pieces may be drawn to very different styles than someone whose jewellery collection consists of a single delicate chain.

Looking at what they already choose for themselves often tells you far more than engagement ring trends ever could.

Forget What You’re “Supposed” to Buy

The traditional diamond solitaire remains popular, but plenty of people want something completely different. Sapphires, salt and pepper diamonds, coloured gemstones, vintage rings, east-west settings and alternative cuts have all become increasingly popular in recent years. Some people want a ring that feels timeless. Others want something that reflects their personality, style or interests.

The goal isn’t to buy the ring you’re supposed to buy. It’s to find something that feels like them.

Become a Social Media Detective

If your partner spends time on Pinterest, Instagram or TikTok, there’s a good chance they’ve unknowingly left clues.

Saved posts, wedding mood boards and jewellery content can reveal recurring themes. You might notice a preference for vintage-inspired designs, minimalist settings or coloured gemstones. Just don’t get so carried away with your investigation that you accidentally like a three-year-old post!

Ask Their Friends

Best friends, siblings and close family members can be valuable sources of information. Many people casually discuss engagement rings long before they’re actually engaged. Someone in their inner circle may already know exactly what styles they love or dislike. You may even discover they’ve already created a wishlist somewhere.

Think About Their Lifestyle

An engagement ring is something many people wear every day, so practicality matters. If your partner works with their hands, spends a lot of time outdoors or prefers low-maintenance accessories, a delicate high-set ring might not be the best fit. Lower profile settings and more protective designs can often be more comfortable for everyday wear. The most beautiful ring is the one they’ll genuinely enjoy wearing.

Visit a Jeweller in Person

Even if you eventually buy elsewhere, seeing rings in person can be incredibly helpful. Photos rarely tell the whole story. Different stone shapes look surprisingly different once they’re on a hand, and metals can appear completely different in natural light.

By visiting jewellery stores in Perth, you can have help from the pros to compare styles, understand your options and gain confidence before making a decision.

There is a lot of pressure surrounding engagement rings. Social media has convinced many people that there is one perfect ring waiting to be discovered. In reality, the most meaningful engagement rings are often the ones chosen with genuine thought and care.

Pay attention to what your partner loves. Consider how they live, what they wear and what makes them feel like themselves. Those details matter far more than whether a stone is currently trending online.