Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring for Your Girlfriend

With a 9.5/10, Tiffany’s platinum six‑prong solitaire is our top-rated choice for a “perfect” engagement ring. In our testing, the iconic setting lifted the diamond beautifully, and the platinum build felt substantial and durable for lifelong wear. The timeless solitaire pairs effortlessly with most wedding bands, though platinum will develop a patina that may need occasional polishing. It’s undeniably pricey at $29,995 and not customizable, so keep paperwork and diamond documentation handy to preserve resale value and brand cachet.

De Beers’ DB Classic is our top-rated choice (10/10) for buyers who want uncompromising quality. In our testing, the platinum build felt exceptionally solid and the four‑prong round brilliant setting sat high to maximize light return—stunning, though it can snag on clothing. The bespoke service lets you select a certified diamond and fine-tune the solitaire to her taste, but online configurability is limited and it’s best handled via client services or a bespoke appointment. The very high starting price ($67,500) reserves it for luxury budgets.

Cartier’s 1895 solitaire in Pt950 platinum scored 7.5/10 for its minimalist elegance and brand cachet. In our review, the classic platinum setting highlighted the diamond cleanly and the presentation felt special, though Cartier’s listings can be light on technical details up front. Priced at $3,694.75 here, it’s premium versus non‑branded solitaires but more approachable than Tiffany’s top‑rated pick. Our experience shows you should verify certification and sizing policies, as some owners cite resizing or workmanship issues.

Vatche’s U‑113 is a clean, six‑prong solitaire in 18K white gold that prioritizes security and classic proportions. In our testing, the designer profile felt refined and comfortable, and strong owner feedback backs its 7/10 score. Plan for extras: the center diamond is sold separately, production takes about three weeks, and the design is optimized for round stones in the 1.86–2.85 ct range. If you want the iconic look with added prong security, this setting is a reliable bet.

Big sparkle is the draw here: during our review, the 1.50 ct round center with ~0.60 ct of sides and a cushion‑shape halo delivered eye‑catching presence for $10,800. However, the listing doesn’t show an independent diamond certificate, and the metal type is unspecified—both worth confirming before you buy. It’s marketed as “Harry Winston inspired,” not an authentic piece. With a 6/10 score, it’s flashy value but lags behind higher‑confidence picks like Tiffany or Cartier that provide clearer details and provenance.

Despite its glittery pavé shank, this James Allen shared‑prong design scored 4.5/10 in our testing—the lowest in this group. While the 14K gold band is durable and the pavé delivers lots of sparkle, we’ve seen reports of small stones loosening over time, especially with daily wear. The $6,970 price also feels steep for this style. If you love the look, consider insuring the ring, scheduling periodic prong checks, or exploring sturdier micro‑pavé alternatives at similar budgets.

Brilliant Earth’s Cut Petite Three Stone Trellis earned a 7/10 in our review for comfort and value. The low-profile trellis in 18K white gold sits snugly against the finger, while the gallery wire adds reassuring support to the center diamond; plus you get a professional appraisal, certification, and a lifetime warranty. However, we saw multiple reports of loose stones and prong issues, so routine checks are wise. If you want branded prestige, Tiffany scores higher, but this customizable three‑stone offers strong everyday wear at $2,700.

A bezel setting is a smart pick if she’s active or works with her hands, and this minimalist solitaire nails the low‑profile protection. In our testing, the modern look felt timeless and practical, but the 6.5/10 score reflects trade‑offs: bezels can make the center appear smaller and mute some brilliance. Depending on the band profile, it may not sit perfectly flush with every wedding band. Customization helps you choose the metal and proportions that best fit her style.

Tacori’s Round Bloom showcases beautiful craftsmanship in 18K white gold, with a cushion‑bloom and pavé accents that dial up sparkle. In our testing, the crescent detailing and milgrain looked exquisite, and the ability to personalize metal and center stone is a plus, meriting a 7.5/10. However, the center diamond is sold separately and the price sits on the premium side. If she’s hard on jewelry, the delicate pavé may need mindful wear and occasional maintenance to keep everything secure.

Ritani’s Layla French‑set halo delivers classic sparkle in 18kt yellow gold and is handcrafted in New York for artisanal appeal. During our review, the look impressed, but a 6.5/10 score reflects reported quality‑control issues and occasional order or delivery mistakes. If you love the halo aesthetic, confirm details in writing and inspect the setting on arrival. Customization is available, which helps tailor the ring to her taste while you mitigate risk with careful communication and timelines.

With its Parisian lace, Verragio beading, and twisted pavé, the Parisian-106ov makes an oval halo feel richly detailed. During our review, we loved the warm rose-gold two‑tone options and the way the halo boosts the center diamond’s presence, earning a solid 7.5/10. Just note the upkeep: intricate milgrain and pavé need careful wear and occasional professional cleaning, and special orders can take weeks. It’s pricier than simple solitaires, but customization helps tailor the look to her style.

VRAI’s Platinum Knife‑Edge Marquise feels sleek and modern, and the platinum build is a smart, hypoallergenic choice for daily wear. In our testing, the knife‑edge shank nicely frames the marquise, and optional pavé or a hidden halo can add sparkle, earning it a 7/10, though it’s not our highest scorer. The trade‑offs: some users note the setting and band feel lightweight, and customer service for repairs can be slow. Also, VRAI‑created diamonds aren’t universally GIA‑certified, which may give certification‑minded buyers pause.

VRAI’s 18K yellow gold oval earned an 8/10 for sustainability and customization, using certified lab‑grown diamonds from a zero‑emission foundry. In our testing, the low‑set solitaire sat flush and paired cleanly with a wedding band, and the made‑to‑order process let us fine‑tune the center stone specs. Expect longer lead times and more upkeep if you opt for pavé accents. While some lab‑grown retailers undercut the $1,466 starting price, VRAI’s eco credentials and reviews justify the premium for many buyers.

Artisanal shoppers will appreciate the Oval Crescendo Flare: handcrafted in Los Angeles with bespoke options and offered in 18K white, yellow, rose gold or platinum. During our review, the pavé detailing and customization flexibility stood out, but the 6.5/10 score reflects a high $11,200 price and the absence of third‑party diamond certification on the listing. Made‑to‑order timelines of 4–6 weeks require patience. If you value certification and faster delivery, VRAI or Cartier may feel more straightforward.

As a budget-friendly moissanite pick, the Charles & Colvard Hearts & Arrows solitaire sparkles impressively and comes with a gemstone certificate and lifetime warranty. Still, our experience shows the 4.5/10 score reflects real risks: multiple buyers reported slow shipping, loose or lost stones, and inconsistent mounting longevity. You can choose platinum or various golds, which is great for style and durability. If you go this route, inspect the setting closely on arrival and document any issues for customer service.

Looking for romantic color without diamond pricing? We found Angara’s 0.70 ct horizontally set oval morganite in 18K white gold delivers soft peach glow, and the trio diamond accents plus shoulder stones add just‑right sparkle. While not our highest scorer, it earned a 7/10 for strong value at $1,151 and the ability to customize. Our experience shows natural morganite can run paler than photos and is softer than diamond, so plan for gentle daily wear and occasional professional cleaning to keep it looking fresh.

Clean Origin’s Grace Ring brings a certified lab‑grown look with a pavé split‑shank in 14K white gold, landing a 6.5/10 in our testing. The design adds vintage‑leaning sparkle at a lower cost than many natural‑diamond options, but pavé does require periodic checks to keep small stones secure. At $3,015, it’s a middling price; VRAI scored higher for overall sustainability and customization. If you prioritize natural diamonds or resale potential, this won’t be the best fit.

Viviana offers a band‑friendly silhouette with scalloped pavé that sits flush with many wedding bands, making everyday wear simple. We found the price accessible and appreciated the metal choices and gemstone certification, earning it a 7/10. Keep expectations measured: the accent diamonds are modest at about 0.23 carat with half coverage, and the 1.4 mm band feels delicate. If she prefers a light, refined look over bulk, this lab‑grown option is a lovely, customizable fit.

This lab‑grown Oval Old European cut delivers vintage charm with modern ethics, and its 8/10 score reflects strong value. During our review, the sparkle was lively and the availability of IGI certification added confidence in the grading—a big plus at this price point. Custom metal options are offered, though some listings don’t clearly state karat, so confirm details before ordering. If you like antique aesthetics without antique pricing, this customizable, IGI‑graded option is easy to recommend.