Engagement Rings

Which engagement ring is right for you? Style, setting and stone

The right ring complements the jewelry your partner already wears. Look at her earrings, necklaces and rings: does she prefer yellow gold or white gold, delicate or statement pieces, clean shapes or soft lines? This will determine the metal, design and size of the stone. This is how you can find the perfect engagement ring that suits your partner's style and taste.

Then there is everyday wear. If you work a lot with your hands, a low setting is better, so the centre stone does not catch on things. If you wear your jewelry mainly in the evening, you can choose a higher stone that catches more light. The higher it sits, the more brilliantly it can sparkle.

Classic engagement rings: solitaire, trilogy or double ring

A solitaire ring features a single stone and is considered timeless. Ours include, for example, the Embrace Oval Diamond Ring and the Pear Drop with a pear-shaped diamond. The Azure Trilogy Ring features three stones set side by side. On the East-West Marquise Ring, the stone lies across the ring band, while the Deco Double Ring combines two rows into a single piece of jewelry. The Éclaté Diamond Cluster Ring combines an oval diamond with princess- and emerald-cut stones, while the Deco Diamond Double Ring features a row of tiny pavé diamonds. The design determines the proportions: a narrow band makes a small stone look larger.

Secretly choosing the perfect engagement ring before the proposal

If you want the proposal to be a surprise, take note of the other rings your partner likes. To find the right size, briefly borrow a ring she wears on that finger. This is how Dávid's ring was created. Lili designed it from phrases her girlfriend had casually mentioned. She didn't know anything about it until the proposal.

Does an engagement ring have to have a diamond?

No, a diamond is not essential. It is a classic because it is the hardest gemstone and rarely gets scratched in everyday wear. A sapphire is almost as hard and is equally suitable as a gemstone for a ring worn every day.

Diamond engagement rings: cut, carat and brilliance

Four characteristics of diamond rings are internationally known as the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight; one metric carat is 0.2 grams. The cut determines the brilliance, or how lively the diamond appears in the light. Colour ranges from colourless to yellowish; internal inclusions determine clarity.

Our diamonds are usually colour G and VS or better. For stones weighing half a carat or more, you will receive a GIA certificate. We generally use diamonds and gold from fair-trade sources; we can provide proof upon request. We can also source lab-grown diamonds upon request, but we do not work with moissanite.

Sapphire, aquamarine or emerald as a centre stone?

Five rings in the collection feature coloured stones: the Nightsky, the grey oval ring, the Essential Woman with a blue stone, the Azure Trilogy Ring and the Deco Aquamarine Diamond Ring. You can find more pieces in our sapphire jewelry. We recommend an emerald for a ring that is worn daily, not the other way around: it is more brittle and can chip if struck.

Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum: which precious metal?

For a gold or platinum engagement ring, one thing is certain: both metals will last a lifetime. Our models are made from 585 gold in yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. At your request, we can also make each model in 18k gold (750 gold), and many in platinum.

585 gold is harder and more scratch-resistant than 750 gold, which is why Lili recommends it for jewelry worn every day. 750 gold has a higher gold content and a warmer colour. Both white gold and platinum have a bright appearance. Our bright gold is alloyed with palladium and is nickel-free; rhodium plating for a brighter shine is available upon request.

How much should an engagement ring cost?

It can cost as much as you want to spend. There is no fixed rule; the often-cited two to three months' salary is not a standard. The price depends mainly on the stone, its size and quality, and then on the metal and gold weight.

Rings in this collection cost between €1,200 and €4,250. The Deco Double Ring starts at €1,200, while the Organic Drop Ring with a 0.70 ct stone costs €4,250. Custom-made rings are also available from €1,200. During your consultation, Lili will tailor the stone and design to your budget. In the online shop, you can also pay in installments with Klarna.

Is the engagement ring worn on the left or right hand?

In Germany and Austria, it is usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Traditionally, the wedding ring is placed on the right hand at the wedding. Many women then wear the engagement ring on the right, next to the wedding ring, while others keep it on the left. Both are common; there is no rule.

Do both partners have an engagement ring?

Traditionally, only the woman wears an engagement ring to symbolise the promise. Today, many couples choose two rings so that both can visibly wear the engagement ring. We do not offer a separate men's ring for this occasion. However, our wedding rings are unisex, meaning they are made for both women and men, and some also work as a second ring for the partner. You can find them in the wedding rings collection.

Finding the right ring size

The ring size is the inner circumference in millimetres. The easiest way is to measure a ring that fits well. Our ring size guide shows you how. Upon request, we can post a one-time-use ring sizer to Germany and Austria. At our studio in Vienna, we measure the size directly on the finger.

Resizing: free once

If the size does not fit, we will resize it once free of charge by up to two sizes, provided the design allows it. This is only partially possible with rings that are fully set with stones.

Buy engagement rings online or have them custom-made

In-stock models will arrive within 1 to 5 business days within the EU. The rest are made to order after you place your order, which takes 4 to 5 weeks. Therefore, please allow at least six weeks before the proposal. Shipping is handled by DHL, is insured and includes a tracking number, and is free within the EU.

Engraving, certificate and returns

Each piece comes with a hallmark, our own certificate of authenticity and gift packaging. Engraving on the inside is available for an additional charge. For orders placed in the online shop, you have a 14-day right of return; engraved pieces and custom-made rings are excluded.

If you would like a completely unique ring, we will design it with you. After the initial consultation, you will receive a written quote, followed by a 3D design and, upon request, a plastic model to try on. We can incorporate gold and stones from inherited jewelry into the new piece. Each piece is handmade, in Budapest or by a goldsmith in Italy, depending on the model. Find out more on the custom-made page.

Combining the engagement ring and wedding rings: finding the right ring

Yes, the ring can later be worn together with the wedding ring, provided the shapes fit together. A high stone often requires the wedding ring to have a curved line so that both rings sit flush against each other. The shape of the engagement ring is crucial. A narrow ring that sits in front of the other is called a guard ring. We make the matching wedding ring for our own models. Choose the same metal for both so that they wear evenly.

Why LILI KOOS? Original design from a family of jewelers

Lili Koós comes from a Budapest-based family of jewelers and is the fourth generation. She combines traditional goldsmithing with 3D design. She qualified as a diamond expert and jewelry designer at the GIA in London; in 2017, she was named one of Hungary's "30 under 30" by Forbes. Because she inspects and selects the stones herself, you do not have to navigate certificates and quality grades alone. As a symbol of a shared future, a high-quality ring should last a lifetime. You will receive a one-year warranty, and we will refresh the surface free of charge for three years.

Would you like to view the models at your leisure or see a stone in person? Book an appointment in Vienna, Budapest or online, or buy your ring directly here in the online shop.

Frequently asked questions about engagement rings

Can the ring be resized later?

Yes. We will resize it once free of charge by up to two sizes, provided the design allows it.

Will I receive a diamond certificate?

Every ring comes with our certificate of authenticity. Diamonds weighing half a carat or more will also receive a GIA certificate.

Can I use the gold from an old ring?

Yes. We can incorporate gold and stones from your jewelry into the new ring, provided their condition allows it. Otherwise, we will weigh in old gold at the current rate; find out more under buying old gold.

Is the model also available in a different gold color?

Yes. Most models are available in all three gold colors; you can see the options on each product page.