Engagement Rings

The Art of Commitment: A Tradition of Love

The tradition of giving a ring to signify a pledge of marriage is a practice that dates back to Ancient Rome, where rings made of iron or gold were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. The Romans believed this finger contained the ‘Vena Amoris’ or ‘Vein of Love’, which ran directly to the heart. The diamond engagement ring as we know it gained popularity in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned the first diamond engagement ring for Mary of Burgundy. Since then, the engagement ring has evolved into a global icon of romance.

However, in the modern era, the significance remains unchanged. It is an heirloom in the making, a piece intended to be worn every day for a lifetime. At Monty’s Jewellery, we treat this history with the respect it deserves. We believe that such a significant symbol should not be churned out on a factory line but crafted with passion and precision. Our approach brings the focus back to artistry and durability, ensuring that the ring you choose is as enduring as the promise it represents. By choosing a ring from Monty’s, you are becoming part of a story that blends ancient tradition with the tangible skill of our Devon-based craftsmen.

Handcrafted in Devon: The Monty’s Workshop Difference

What truly sets Monty’s Jewellery apart is our workshop. We are not just a showroom; we are a manufacturing jeweller. Situated in the heart of our store, our workshop is the soul of our business. Here, our skilled goldsmiths and diamond setters work at the bench, filing, soldering, and setting stones with a level of attention to detail that mass production simply cannot match. When you buy from us, you are buying directly from the makers.

This on-site capability gives us total control over quality. We inspect every setting under magnification, ensure every shank is solid and durable, and hand-finish every surface to a mirror shine. It also allows us to offer exceptional value, cutting out the middlemen and passing the quality directly to you. Whether it is a classic six-claw solitaire that requires precise symmetry or a vintage-inspired halo ring with intricate millgrain edging, the hands that crafted it are local, experienced, and dedicated to perfection. We invite our customers to understand the provenance of their ring, offering a transparency that is rare in the modern jewellery market.

Bespoke Design: Create Your Unique Symbol of Love

Sometimes, the ring you have pictured in your mind doesn’t exist in a display cabinet. That is where our bespoke design service comes in. Because we have our own workshop, we have the freedom to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings tailored specifically to your vision. The process is collaborative and exciting. You might want to combine elements from different rings, repurpose gold from a family heirloom, or source a specific rare gemstone.

Our team can guide you through the process, from initial sketches we can create unique shaped wedding bands to fit perfectly against difficult engagement ring shapes, or engrave secret dates and initials inside the band. With Monty’s Bespoke service, your engagement ring will be a true original, as unique as your relationship.

Styles and Stones: From Classic Diamonds to Colourful Gems

While the round brilliant cut diamond remains the quintessential choice for engagement rings due to its unparalleled sparkle, the options at Monty’s are limitless. We offer a stunning array of cuts, including the elegant Oval, the vintage-style Cushion, the sophisticated Emerald cut, and the romantic Princess cut. We educate our customers on the ‘4 Cs’ Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat, helping you find the best diamond for your budget. Importantly, all our new diamonds are ethically sourced in accordance with the Kimberley Process, ensuring they are conflict-free.

But engagement rings need not be limited to diamonds. We are seeing a wonderful resurgence in coloured gemstones. Sapphires, with their excellent hardness, are a practical and beautiful choice, available in deep blues, teals, and pinks. Rubies offer a passionate red hue, while emeralds provide a lush, garden green. We also specialise in trilogy rings, featuring three stones representing the past, present, and future, as well as cluster rings that offer maximum impact. Whatever your aesthetic, our workshop ensures the stone is secure and the metalwork complements the gem’s natural beauty.

The Perfect Fit: Expert Resizing and Aftercare

One of the biggest anxieties when buying an engagement ring, especially for a surprise proposal, is getting the size right. At Monty’s, we remove that stress entirely. Because we have our own workshop and jewellers on-site, resizing is a routine and expert procedure for us, not a hassle that requires sending the ring away for weeks. If the ring you choose is too loose or too tight, our team can size it up or down with precision.

Metals that Endure: Platinum and Gold

The choice of metal is critical for an engagement ring’s longevity. Platinum is our top recommendation for engagement rings; it is naturally white, hypoallergenic, and incredibly dense, making it the most secure metal for holding precious diamonds. It does not fade or tarnish, developing a lovely patina over time.

We also craft extensively in gold. 18-carat gold is the standard for fine jewellery, offering a rich colour and excellent durability. White gold offers a similar look to platinum at a different price point, while yellow gold is seeing a major comeback for its warmth and traditional feel. Rose gold is a romantic, modern choice that looks stunning with both diamonds and coloured gems like morganite. Our workshop can advise you on the best metal for your lifestyle, if you work with your hands or are very active, we can steer you towards the most robust settings and alloys to ensure your ring stands the test of time.

Start Your Journey with Monty’s

Asking someone to marry you is one of life’s most memorable moments. The ring you choose should reflect the love and thought you have put into that moment. At Monty’s Jewellery, we are honoured to play a part in your story. By combining the convenience of online browsing with the expertise of our real-world workshop in Devon, we offer the best of both worlds. You get the assurance of handcrafted quality, the flexibility of bespoke design, and the security of expert resizing and aftercare. Explore our collection of engagement rings today, or contact us to discuss creating a bespoke piece. Let us help you find the ring that will secure the “Yes.”