A complete, practical guide to planning a proposal, from choosing the ring to picking the moment. Expert advice from Micheli's bespoke jewellers in Malvern and Moonee Ponds.

You've probably heard it: you should spend three months' salary on an engagement ring. It's one of those "rules" that gets repeated so often it starts to feel like fact. But where did it actually come from - and should it guide how much you spend in 2026?

If you've been researching engagement rings recently, you've probably encountered a version of this argument: choose a lab-grown diamond because it's the ethical choice. It's a compelling idea and the jewellery industry has leaned into it heavily. But the full picture is considerably more nuanced, and anyone making a significant purchase deserves to understand it properly.

A practical and honest guide to one of the most common questions we get.

Signet rings, diamond-set bands, and why a wedding ring doesn't have to be understated.

Why the most beautiful ring is the one you can actually wear every day.

On style, identity, and the case for having something made that's unambiguously you.

Birthstones, initial pieces, and what it means to have something made around you.

On buying yourself something beautiful, and why it should be made for you, not just chosen by you.

If you've inherited a ring, there's a good chance it's sitting in a drawer rather than on your hand. Not because it isn't beautiful, but because it doesn't quite fit how you live now, the style feels dated, the band doesn't sit comfortably, or it simply doesn't feel like something you'd reach for day to day.

An inherited ring carries more than its metal and stones. It carries the person who wore it before you, and everything that ring meant to them. That weight is exactly why so many people hold onto a passed down ring for years without doing anything with it, unsure where to even begin, or worried that changing it means losing something.

There's a particular kind of ring that sits in the bottom of a jewellery box, worn but rarely. The setting has dated. A prong has been reshaped one too many times. Maybe it just doesn't feel like you anymore, even though the diamond inside it still does.

Not every engagement ring starts with a stone search. Some start with a drawer, a jewellery box, or a stone that has been waiting years for the right setting to find it.

Sam didn't come into Micheli alone. He brought his friend Dom along for moral support, which felt right, given that Dom had been through this exact process himself not long...

Some proposals are planned around a ring. Others are planned around a moment, and the ring has to be worthy of it.

Where do ethically sourced natural diamonds actually come from? A guide to the Kimberley Process, traceability, and what "conflict-free" really means.

Are lab-grown diamonds actually more ethical? A clear-eyed look at the environmental footprint, labour practices, and real value of lab-grown diamonds.

Tips for choosing the right diamond for a custom engagement ring - why cut matters most, and where colour and clarity grades can be flexible.

At Micheli Jewellery, family is our heartbeat. From our workroom to your collection, the concept of legacy is ingrained in everything we do. This year, we are ensuring that this...

We are thrilled to announce that Micheli Jewellery has been awarded the 2024 North West Melbourne Local Business Awards Most Outstanding Jeweller! This recognition reflects not just our commitment to...

At Micheli, our in-house jewellery repair service provides a sustainable way to restore your most cherished pieces. Whether it's a sentimental heirloom or a broken item, our skilled jewellers handle each repair with expert care. With no outsourcing, your jewellery remains safe, and every piece is meticulously inspected to ensure the highest quality.