Should You Propose with a Ring? What Modern Couples Are Choosing in 2025

Tradition says: ring first, proposal second.

But times are changing — fast. More couples in 2025 are skipping the traditional approach and embracing a proposal that feels more personal, more meaningful, and, in some cases, more practical.

So… do you have to propose with a ring?

Not anymore.

At Diamond Lab, we work with hundreds of couples every year, and we’ve seen the full spectrum — from surprise proposals with a ready-to-go custom ring to couples designing their engagement ring after they’ve said “yes.” Let’s break down the trends and help you decide what’s right for your moment.

Why Some People Skip the Ring at the Proposal

Here are some of the most common reasons couples delay choosing the ring:

• They want to design the ring together.
  Many people feel more comfortable involving their partner in the design process — especially when choosing something as personal as a lifelong piece of jewellery. From picking the stone and cut to the setting and metal, it’s a big decision, and some want to share it.

• They’re unsure of ring size or style.
  Guessing the wrong size can ruin the moment — or worse, choosing a style your partner doesn’t love. Waiting avoids the guesswork and ensures a perfect fit in every way.

• They’re prioritising the proposal moment.
  For some, the focus is on the question, not the object. It’s the words, the place, and the shared emotion that matter most. The ring can come later.

• They want to align with values.
  Ethical sourcing, sustainability, and quality take time to research — and lab-grown diamonds or moissanite might not be a snap decision. Waiting means they can make an informed, conscious choice.

So… What Do You Propose With?

Here are the most common options:

1. A Temporary or Placeholder Ring

An affordable band or symbolic ring used just for the proposal. These can be:

• A moissanite or cubic zirconia ring

• A simple band from a local jeweller

• A custom placeholder with sentimental engraving

The goal? Capture the moment now, design the final ring together later.

2. Nothing — Just the Question

Yes, you can absolutely propose without a ring at all. More couples are making this choice, especially when:

• The proposal is spontaneous

• They’re traveling and want to choose the ring back home

• They want to pick the ring together — without pressure

This option puts all the focus on the emotion, not the material.

3. A Custom-Created Ring (With Some Sneaky Help)

Some still want to present the ring — but with insider knowledge. This might include:

• Asking a best friend or sibling for design tips

• Using Pinterest boards for reference

• Secretly booking a Virtual Consultation with Diamond Lab to co-design a ring based on known preferences

We’ve even had proposers co-create a design that’s 90% finished, leaving a few details open so the recipient can finalise them after.

What Happens After the “Yes”?

The ring comes next — and this is where the magic begins.
Here’s what couples typically do post-proposal:

• Book a design session together
  (We recommend our Custom Jewellery Design process)

• Explore options side-by-side
  Think: lab diamond vs moissanite, cushion vs oval, solitaire vs three-stone

• Celebrate with a meaningful, joint decision
  Many couples say designing their ring together brought them closer — it became part of the love story

Modern Proposal Etiquette: What to Keep in Mind

• Be honest about your partner’s expectations.
  If they’ve dreamed of a surprise ring, you might want to honour that — even if you make a backup plan for resizing or upgrades later.

• Make it special, regardless of the ring.
  Whether you propose with a placeholder or nothing at all, the way you propose matters most. Set the mood, choose a meaningful setting, speak from the heart.

• Communicate.
  If you're already talking about marriage, discuss how you both envision the proposal. Many couples today are comfortable being open and intentional about the process.

Our Take at Diamond Lab

We believe the best proposals are authentic.
Whether you arrive with a custom-designed lab diamond ring in your pocket or just a heartfelt question and a kiss, the most important thing is that it’s you.

If you're ready to design something together after the proposal, we're here.
If you want to create a ring ahead of time, we're here.

We're not just here to sell jewellery.
We’re here to help you create unforgettable moments.

FAQs

Q: Is it weird to propose without a ring?
A: Not at all. In fact, more couples than ever are choosing to wait and design the ring together — especially when they value personalisation or want to avoid sizing mistakes.

Q: What if I want it to be a surprise and get the perfect ring?
A: Consider involving a close friend, using style clues (like Pinterest), or booking a secret consult with us. You can also get a placeholder ring and swap it later.

Q: How soon after the proposal should we pick a ring?
A: There's no rush, but most couples book their consultation within a few weeks of saying yes.

Q: Can we make a completely custom ring from scratch?
A: Absolutely. Our Custom Jewellery Design team works with you to design the ring you’ve always dreamed of.