1. Know the 4Cs

The 4Cs are the universal standard for assessing a diamond’s quality. A diamond's cut determines its brilliance, while the clarity reveals its purity. Colour influences rarity, and carat represents both weight and presence. Paul Bram’s engagement rings for women and men strike the perfect balance of these elements, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship that’s worth the investment.

2. Pick a Style That Fits Everyday Wear

An engagement ring is worn every day, so it should be both practical and timeless. Delicate designs like pavé engagement rings may require more care, while a secure setting like bezel engagement rings offers durability for an active lifestyle. Ultimately, the style should fit your partner’s personality and seamlessly fit into their daily routine.

3. Choose the Metal and Setting

The metal and setting create the foundation of your engagement ring. The ring’s metal defines its character and durability, while the setting creates the overall look and determines how the diamond is secured in place. For a deeper dive into these elements, read our Engagement Ring Guide to help you pick the right piece.

4. Choose Between Natural Diamonds vs. Coloured Gemstones

While diamonds are the classic choice for engagement rings, coloured gemstones have been increasingly popular thanks to their vibrant aesthetic and distinctive symbolism. Rubies exude intense passion and devotion, sapphires represent loyalty and trust, and emeralds symbolise loyalty and growth. Our curated collection of precious coloured gemstone engagement rings offers a bold alternative to diamonds, perfect for women who want an eye-catching ring that truly stands out.

5. Get the Size Right

If you’re planning a surprise proposal, there are subtle ways to find out your partner’s size. Ask a close friend, borrow a ring they already wear, or bring it directly to our jewellers for accurate measurement. To make it simple, we’ve created a helpful Ring Size Guide with tips and tools to ensure you get it right the first time.

In Australia, the engagement season usually runs from November to February. If you’re planning the proposal during this period, plan to buy your ring at least three months before your desired date. This will allow for customisation and shipping, and avoid the rush of peak engagement periods. Ultimately, however, the best time depends on your personal timeline and the type of ring you’re looking for.

In Australia, one carat is considered the “classic” weight, although many choose diamonds ranging from 0.20 to 2 carats. Ultimately, what matters most is the balance between the carat weight and other elements such as cut and clarity. Consider your partner's tastes, budget, and the ring's overall style, as a smaller, higher-quality diamond can be more brilliant than a larger, lower-quality one.

Yes. Paul Bram offers the following resizing and aftercare services:

• One complimentary resize within 12 months from the purchase date.
• Lifetime complimentary showroom ultrasonic clean & inspection.
• One complimentary workshop clean and polish for engagement rings purchased from Paul Bram prior to the client’s wedding. After that, a fee of $80 per piece applies. 

Yes, you can purchase online and choose to pick up your order from our Melbourne CBD boutique for added convenience. However, for some pieces like custom engagement rings, we kindly request your presence in the boutique upon collection. This allows our expert consultants to personally present your piece, ensure the perfect fit, and provide care instructions for your new jewellery.

Our team will confirm your pickup eligibility and provide guidance on timing once your order is placed, ensuring your jewellery is ready and presented to perfection.

The cost of engagement rings varies depending on the size and quality of the diamond, the complexity of the design, and the choice of metal. At Paul Bram, our ready-made engagement rings for women and men start at $2,800, with more elaborate and intricate designs reaching upwards of $8,000. Bespoke engagement rings may exceed this range, as they are tailored with individually selected diamonds, unique settings, and personalised details.