Are you planning to get engaged soon? Congratulations on this exciting step in your relationship! The tradition of proposing with a ring is important to many couples, but few people have much experience with selecting a ring style before this big event. In order to find a ring your partner will love, learn more about the different types of engagement rings. This will help you make an informed decision when you visit a jeweler.
Traditional
For timeless beauty, consider choosing a traditional engagement ring. This style typically features a solitaire diamond, meaning one dominant center stone is the main feature. Often, these rings feature a thin, plain metal band to allow the diamond to really take center stage. The gemstone is usually set higher up in a classic prong setting, allowing the diamond to catch more light to show off its brilliance.
While these rings often have a lovely simplicity to them, you can certainly add a bit more glamour by pairing the engagement ring with a wedding band featuring a row of diamond accents. Even when coupled with a sparkly wedding band, a traditional solitaire engagement ring will never go out of style.
Contemporary
If you want a more modern feel for your engagement ring, take a look at some of the most popular contemporary styles. For a glamorous look, choose a halo engagement ring. This style features a center stone surrounded by micropavé diamonds. This halo effect creates a bigger and bolder look compared to a classic solitaire ring. It's often paired with additional pavé diamonds set into the band. This look is definitely on-trend and perfect for a fashion-forward fiancée.
Another option for contemporary rings is something with a distinctive design. For example, a swirl style engagement ring has a metal band that wraps partway around the diamond. This creates a unique look that may appeal to someone who's creative and artistic. For someone with a more minimalist aesthetic, consider a bezel-set ring with a plain band. This is another popular contemporary style where the diamond is set inside a collar that wraps all the way around the stone, creating smooth borders and a sleek, sophisticated appearance.
Vintage
For a vintage-inspired engagement ring, choose a style that includes plenty of intricate features. Vintage rings often have an ornate appearance thanks to milgrain details. These are essentially tiny metal beads that act as embellishments to the ring's main stone and create a subtly textured look. Beautiful details may also be found in the band itself, which is usually thicker than with a traditional or contemporary ring style.
Some of the most popular vintage ring styles come from the Art Deco period of the 1920s and '30s. These rings often feature multiple diamonds for a ritzy, luxurious look. The stones and other ring details are usually cut in geometric or angular shapes. Pavé diamonds are often found in these vintage engagement ring styles as well.
Diamonds haven't always been the go-to choice for engagement rings, so for a vintage look, you can also consider other gems for the center stone. Popular options include sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and pearls. These gems may be paired with smaller diamonds to achieve the desired level of sparkle for your ring.
Multi-Stone
A two- or three-stone style can be a great choice for those who really want their engagement ring to act as a meaningful symbol for their relationship. With a two-stone ring, each of the stones represents one half of the couple. By combining them into one unique ring design, it symbolizes the coming together that occurs when you marry.
The diamonds in a three-stone ring symbolizes the past, present, and future in your relationship, all of which are essential to cherish as you decide to join your lives together. Each of the three diamonds provides a reminder of where you've been, where you are, and where you will go as a married couple.
Diamond Bands
Some people prefer a ring that does not feature any type of central stone. In this case, a diamond band can be a stylish alternative. This type of engagement ring features smaller diamonds set around the band rather than a larger featured stone at the center. This creates a lower profile for the ring, which may be better for someone who can't wear a traditional engagement ring at work due to the risk of the stone getting caught on something.
Guide to Ring Features
Besides the main ring styles described above, it's important to know a few key things about engagement ring features. This will help you navigate your options when you visit a jeweler to select a ring.
- Stone shape: This is the term used to describe the way a gemstone is cut. The cut of a ring affects its brilliance, its silhouette, and how many facets it has. Popular options include princess, marquise, emerald, cushion, asscher, round, oval, and baguette cuts. A jeweler can show you different options so you can see how the various engagement ring cuts affect the overall look.
- Metal quality: Yellow gold and white gold are two of the most common metals using for wedding bands. These are classic options, though they may require replating or polishing over time. Platinum has a silvery look similar to white gold, but it is more durable. However, it is a more expensive option compared to gold. Rose gold has become popular in recent years, and its warm, pinkish hue is very flattering on most skin tones. You can also consider choosing an engagement ring made from a combination of metals, such as one made with both white and yellow gold.
- Band width: A typical engagement ring band is often around 3 to 4 mm wide. If you choose something less than 3 mm wide, it will have a dainty look that may be too thin for any diamonds to be set into the band. A very thin band can also be weak and more vulnerable to damage. Bands wider than 4 mm have a bolder look and are very durable, but they can look a bit heavy on someone with thin fingers.
Are you ready to take the plunge and purchase an engagement ring? Let Martin Busch Jewelers help you find the perfect fit for your beloved.
Image via Flickr by wwarby