Ring Leaders: A Candid Conversation with Flik & Laura

Last week, TikTok jewellery critic Flik Shaw joined our founder Laura Vann, for a no-holds-barred discussion on all things rings. Hosted at the iconic Fortnum & Mason, the evening featured expert styling advice, champagne, and Flik’s signature unfiltered ring reviews.

From engagement ring trends to common mistakes when choosing a wedding band, guests had the chance to try on stunning pieces and gain expert ring advice from two of the industry’s leading voices.

If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry—we’ve rounded up the top takeaways from this must-see Q&A in an exclusive recap!

Quick Fire Questions:

1. Yellow gold or platinum – ‘Platinum’

2. Gemstone or diamond – ‘Gemstone’

3. Bezel set or claw set – ‘Claw set’ 

4. 1ct or 2 – ‘2’

5. Fitted or straight wedding band – ‘I don’t think we need to answer that question… definitely straight!!’ 

6. Halo or solitaire – ‘Solitaire’ 

7. Surprise proposal or design it together – ‘hmm both.. I think you should be giving your partner fair warning of what you’d like, but then it should be a surprise.’ 

8. Lab diamond or natural – ‘either, I don’t care – whatever works for you!’

9. Emerald cut or oval – ‘Emerald cut… can I say it louder [takes mic] EMERALD CUT!’

Panel Questions:


WHAT DOES YOUR DREAM ENGAGEMENT RING LOOK LIKE?

Flik:  

"If I wasn’t wearing this [points to her elongated cushion-cut yellow sapphire], I’d go for an emerald cut full eternity ring. I love that timeless sparkle. I also adore Art-Deco style target rings with coloured stones on the outside – maybe emeralds, or even a ruby! We don’t see enough rubies these days."

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR NIGHTMARE ENGAGEMENT RING?

Flik: 

"Okay, I always joke about ovals [IYKYK], but seriously, my nightmare would be a poorly made ring. One that isn’t practical as an engagement ring or durable enough to stand the test of time – that’s a no for me. You’re hoping to be married forever, so your ring should be built to last just as long."

HOW DID YOU BECOME AN AUTHORITY ON ENGAGEMENT RINGS?

Flik:

"I honestly don’t know! [Audience member: ‘Because you're honest!’] Yes – thank you! That’s probably what it is! I think I’m very stringent when it comes to practicality, and that’s key with engagement rings. Aesthetics matter, but not more than wearability. Your ring has to work for real life, that’s number one over everything else.”

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN CHOOSING AN ENGAGEMENT RING

Flik: 

“Not thinking about the wedding band! Especially if you choose a low-set engagement ring – that’s wild to me! You’ve got to think about what you want from day one. Ask yourself: do you want a fitted wedding band or one that sits flush? I think that’s one of the things people forget about and then panic later!”

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE PERFECT DIAMOND OR GEMSTONE?

Flik: 

“Think about your hand shape, finger length, things like that – it can really help guide the cut you choose. If you want an oval and it suits your hand, you should get an oval – elongated cuts suit longer hands, but always go with what suits you. Don’t just follow trends – this is where you don’t want your partner going into a shop and asking ‘what’s most popular’, I think you need to have some kind of creative decision before that. Also, don’t be swayed by the ‘most valuable’ gemstone colour – go with the one that you love and that suits your style.”

LAB-GROWN VS. NATURAL DIAMONDS: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

Flik: 

“I really don’t mind either. Lab diamonds are considered ‘mass produced’ now, but they’re still diamonds. If it fits your budget and you love it, go for it! No one’s going to know, unless they’re an expert with a microscope…but no ones going to be checking that at the pub. You could also consider a pre-loved ring if you want a natural diamond at a more affordable price point.”

HOW DO YOU FIND THE PERFECT WEDDING BAND TO MATCH YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING?

Flik: 

“Hmm, really think about it — don’t just focus on your engagement ring, think about how the whole stack will look together. If you haven’t done that… soz. I’m joking, it’s totally fine! But seriously, ask yourself: do you want a fitted wedding band that curves around the ring, or would you rather have a straight band with a little gap?”

Laura: “Would you go for a fitted band?”

Flik: 

“No, I personally wouldn’t but I don’t judge people who do! I just want something a bit more intentional and I think my issue with fitted wedding bands is when it goes sharply round the ring, but if its like a gentle scoop or wishbone – I’m ok with it!’ 

WHAT ARE THE HOTTEST ENGAGEMENT RING TRENDS RIGHT NOW?

Flik: 

"Coloured stones are making a comeback! We want more colour, more vibrancy. Trends are always cycling – we’re in a gold era now, but platinum’s going to return. The thick gold wedding bands from the 80s we’re once ‘dated’, now they’re back in fashion. Trends change - it’s always going to be like that, choose what you love!”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON VINTAGE AND PRE-LOVED JEWELLERY?

Flik: 

"If it’s been properly restored, vintage jewellery can be beautiful and great value. You’ll find unique pieces you can’t get today. But working in a jeweller’s, I saw some strange stuff – like selling lockets with random hair in them?! Madness! Still, vintage jewellery can be incredible especially when you find a hidden gem.”

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR ANYONE BEGINNING THEIR JEWELLERY JOURNEY?

Flik: 

"Start with timeless staples – think diamond studs, a go-to necklace, maybe an eternity band. These pieces work with everything and will never go out of style. Diamond studs are especially versatile when you don’t know what to wear with a statement necklace. And an eternity ring? That’s a future heirloom."

Want to create your dream ring? Book a bespoke consultation with our team HERE.