A twisted band engagement ring has two strands of metal wound round each other like rope. Most are 1.8 to 2.3 mm wide and suit round, oval and pear stones.

A minimalist engagement ring is slim and low, with a band of 1.5 to 2 mm and one modest diamond. Thinner than 1.5 mm, the band bends and wears sooner.

A nature-inspired ring uses leaf, flower, vine or wave motifs. Detail under the stone wears best; raised leaves on a 1.70 mm band soften sooner with wear.

A toi et moi ring sets two main stones side by side, one for each partner. Ours pairs a 1 ct and a 0.75 ct lab-grown pear diamond in white gold.

Traditionally the proposer pays, though many couples now split the cost or buy together. No reliable UK figure exists, so let the 2 of you set the budget.

One is the usual answer, because a second ring dilutes the first. Some couples do give 2, marking different stages, and no tradition forbids it.

Yes. A square or cushion-shaped mount holds a round stone happily, and we do it often when resetting an inherited ring. Expect 4 corners to be built up.

Say what the ring means before you hand it over, in 2 or 3 plain sentences. Naming the promise matters more than the wording, and engraving can carry it.

Five is the usual count: 4 around the body and 1 V-shaped claw over the point. The point is the thinnest part of the stone and chips first if left bare.

Asking directly works better than hinting. Say what you want the ring to mean, name a budget you both accept, and agree on 1 finger before anyone buys.