Do You Buy an Engagement Ring Together? A Modern Guide for Australian Couples

Do You Buy an Engagement Ring Together?

Once upon a time, the engagement ring was all about surprise. A dramatic proposal, a perfectly sized ring, a heartfelt “yes” — all based on one partner making the big decision solo. But in 2025, things are evolving.

At Diamond Lab, we’ve seen a growing number of modern Australian couples choosing to buy their engagement ring together — and for good reason. With more personalisation, design options, and ethical choices than ever, the process can be just as romantic when it’s a shared journey.

So, should you pick the ring as a couple? Here’s everything you need to know.

Why More Couples Are Shopping Together

1. It’s a Huge Investment — Financially and Emotionally
An engagement ring isn’t just a piece of jewellery. It’s often a multi-thousand-dollar decision and something worn every day for life. Many couples now view it like buying a home or planning a wedding — a shared investment.

2. Style Preferences Are Personal
Not everyone dreams of the same style. Some love a classic round solitaire. Others want an East-West radiant cut, or a hidden halo pear shape. Shopping together ensures the final piece reflects her actual style — not just what you think she likes.

3. You Can Still Keep Some Surprise
Shopping together doesn’t mean ruining the proposal. Many couples browse rings, narrow down styles, or design a custom ring together — and then one partner handles the proposal timing and final touches.

Pros of Buying the Ring Together

• She gets exactly what she wants — no awkward resizing or returns.

• You stay within budget together, aligning expectations from the start.

• It becomes a shared memory — the start of your engagement journey.

• It removes guesswork if you’re unsure of her size, metal, or preferences.

• You can co-create a custom ring — blending both of your styles and ideas.

Still Want to Surprise Her? Try This.

If you're set on a surprise but still want her input:

• Ask her to make a Pinterest board of rings she loves.

• Talk to her friends or siblings — they might know her preferences.

• Use a temporary setting — propose with a stone and design it together after.

• Visit our showroom as a couple to browse, then come back alone to buy.

You can also explore our Design Your Own Ring process and do part of the design together — then finish it solo for a surprise reveal.

When to Shop Together

Couples typically start shopping 3–6 months before the proposal. This allows time for:

• Exploring options

• Trying on different cuts and settings

• Designing a custom ring if desired (lab diamond rings take around 40 days)

• Adjusting sizes or making tweaks

Want to keep it low-key? Book a Virtual Consultation with one of our designers and explore ideas from home.

Does Buying Together Take Away the Magic?

Not at all. In fact, for many couples, it adds meaning. You’re saying:
“We’re making this decision together, because it’s about our future.”

Designing a ring side-by-side can be deeply romantic — laughing over styles, dreaming about your proposal, and seeing the finished piece come to life together.

If you still crave the wow moment, keep when and how you propose a surprise — even if the ring isn’t.

Real Couple Story: Ella & Josh

“Josh proposed with a placeholder ring and took me to Diamond Lab the next day. We chose the stone and setting together. I loved being part of it — and now it’s our ring, not just his guess. The experience made the moment even more special.” — Ella, VIC

Final Thoughts

Buying an engagement ring together doesn’t mean giving up romance — it means building it together.
Whether you browse styles together, custom-design every detail, or just go ring shopping after the proposal, what matters most is that the experience feels like you.

FAQs

Q: Does buying the ring together ruin the proposal?
A: Not at all. Many couples design together but still keep the proposal moment a surprise.

Q: Should I buy the ring before asking her?
A: If she’s traditional, maybe. But more couples now shop together after saying yes.

Q: Can we still design something custom together?
A: Absolutely. Our custom design process lets you co-create a piece that reflects your shared style.

Q: What if we have different tastes?
A: Compromise is part of the fun. We’ll help you blend both visions into a unique ring.

Q: Do couples really do this now?
A: Yes — over 60% of our clients at Diamond Lab shop together or co-design rings.