Finding the perfect engagement ring is never easy, so Lilia Nash try to make the process as simple and enjoyable as possible - whether you're planning a surprise proposal or you're choosing the perfect engagement ring together.

Lilia Nash engagement rings are handmade to order using recycled gold or platinum, and are set with ethical gemstones including conflict-free fair trade Canadian diamonds and ethical and fair trade sapphires. You can either choose from my existing designs, create a customised ring design or opt for a completely bespoke service.

HOW TO FIND OUT YOUR PARTNER'S RING SIZE

One of the most difficult parts of buying an engagement ring is finding out the correct size. You can visit my boutique in Calstock, Cornwall in England or use my ring sizer loan service to get an exact size for your engagement ring.

If you want the proposal to be a surprise, you'll have to do some detective work

to find out your partner's ring size. European ring sizes are measured in mm's, so measuring your partner's finger while they're sleeping can be a good way to get a basic measurement. If the size is a little too big or small, I offer a resizing service.

The ring finger is usually the 2nd most outer finger on the left hand (between the pinkie and middle finger), but in some countries it's traditional to wear an engagement ring on the right hand.

It's difficult to get the perfect size without using a ring sizer, so if you're unsure as to which size you need - contact me and I'll help you find the right size.

If you do get the size wrong, Lilia is able to resize most solitaire ring designs between 1-3 sizes (up or down), sometimes more, depending on the design. Unfortunately, she can't resize rings with gemstones flush set or pave set into the actual band, as resizing may displace the stones.

CHOOSING AN ENGAGEMENT RING

When it comes to choosing a ring, one of the most important choices is the type

of precious metal the ring is made of. Most people have a preference for gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum, and it's easy to find out which is your partner's favourite.

Sometimes taking a look in their jewellery box will provide all of the clues you

need. If your partner has a lot of one type of metal in their collection and they also regularly wear it, you can be certain they love that particular precious metal.

Most engagement rings are made with 18ct gold that's yellow in colour, but in recent years white gold and pink gold have become increasingly popular choices. Platinum is seen as the height of luxury and is especially hard wearing, so it's a great choice for a ring that's going to be worn every day.

Sterling silver is a fairly soft metal and the friction caused over years of wear causes the silver to slowly deteriorate with time, often resulting in the gemstone setting coming loose and at risk of being lost. For this reason I recommend engagement rings are made in white gold or platinum if your partner prefers a silver lustre to their jewellery.

DOES IT HAVE TO BE A DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING?

Diamond engagement rings have been seen as the go-to design for a long time, but increasingly people are leaning toward more unique choices.

One of our most popular gemstones for engagement rings is sapphires. They come in virtually any colour, from the deepest blues to greeny teals, yellow, purple, blush pink or even white. Our best-selling sapphire and diamond engagement rings feature fair trade stones set in any gold or platinum.

Moissanite is an increasingly popular stone choice. It looks highly similar to diamonds but has more brilliance and a higher refraction index, meaning a well cut stone will have just as much if not more sparkle than a diamond. Moissanite is also less expensive than a diamond, so you can get a larger, much more brilliant stone at a great price.

Diamond, ruby, sapphire and moissanite are incredibly tough and durable

stones, making them a great choice for engagement rings. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, a diamond tops the list at 10, followed closely by moissanite (9.25), with sapphire and ruby being a 9.

We've made countless bespoke engagement rings featuring other unique precious and semi-precious gemstones such as amethysts, emeralds, garnets and aquamarine. All of our engagement ring designs can be made with an alternative gemstone in the setting - just contact me to explain what you like and how you'd like to change it, and we'll let you know what's possible.