Is there a more romantic moment in life than the time you and your true love agree to get married? This is the stuff of fairytales, a once-in-a-lifetime moment that will never be forgotten. And as a permanent reminder of this momentous day, an engagement ring will sit proudly upon the bride-to-be’s ring finger for the rest of her life.
An engagement ring is highly romantic and very symbolic; it is representative of the love you feel for each other. However, the typical bride-to-be also feels very much that an engagement ring should reflect her personal style, knowing that she will wear it every day and for every occasion. Combining these factors can make choosing a ring challenging, particularly if you are shopping for your betrothed and not with her. The options when it comes to ring styles can be baffling.
So, whether you are a bride- and groom-to-be searching for the perfect ring together, or a hopeful proposer looking to surprise your partner with the ring of her dreams, you should read this guide. By fully understanding your options, you can make a more confident choice.
Why diamonds?
A clear white diamond or diamonds set into a gold or platinum band is currently by far the most commonly desired engagement ring. There are several different styles of white diamond engagement rings to choose from, which we’ll look at below. But first, a quick look at the reasons why diamonds have become the stone of choice.
Up to the 1930s, a diamond was not the obvious choice for an engagement ring. Take a look at early 19th-century engagement rings and you’ll see a kaleidoscope of colors from gems like the ruby, sapphire, and emerald. At this time, diamond production was low and people were enjoying colorful design movements like art deco, so diamonds featured on only around one in 10 engagement rings.
Post-1930s, the diamond came to the forefront. This was, in part, thanks to successful advertising campaigns. You may have heard the phrase, “A diamond is forever.” However, it is what the diamond symbolizes that really explains its popularity: perfection, light, exquisiteness, and longevity. It’s truly perfect for celebrating the beginning of a long life together.
Today, lab-grown diamonds are becoming more sought after. Many people are attracted to this more environmentally conscious and good value option that does not compromise on quality. It is impossible to detect the difference between a mined diamond and one that is lab-grown without sophisticated, high-tech equipment and never with the naked eye.
A Quick Note on Diamond Shapes
Before beginning to look at styles of rings, it’s worth stressing the importance of the shape of each stone. The shape of a diamond is particularly important as the stone or stones are always the focal point of the piece.
Diamonds come in several shapes. Here’s a brief overview of what’s available: Round and oval diamonds are always admired and are particularly sparkly. Emerald, Asscher, and cushion are all squarer cuts of diamond to look out for. A princess-cut looks large from above but is actually an inverted pyramid. Pear-shaped diamonds are a pretty choice, too.
5 Styles to Choose From
The overall style of a ring is determined by these things:
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The number of diamonds used
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The shape of the diamond or diamonds
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The shape of the band
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The style of setting (the way the diamond is attached to the band)
Here’s a quick look at five styles that combine these elements in different ways. All are considered classics and are favored by many couples for their beauty and timelessness.
Solitaire
Simple but incredibly elegant, the solitaire is usually considered the classic engagement ring style. It features one stone mounted on a band using a prong or claw setting so that it sits prominently.
This is a style that is both utterly timeless, always chic, and universally admired. It shows off the beauty of the individual diamond. The shape of the single stone really counts with this style. A large round or oval diamond is a classic choice and suits many brides-to-be.
Pavé
Pavé rings have one large diamond sitting above multiple smaller stones set in rows right across the top of the band. This decadent style maximizes sparkle. Its confidence and exuberance appeal to many brides-to-be.
It’s also a very versatile style with different shapes of bands available. For a more contemporary ring, look for a twisted or overlapping band.
Channel
This is a similar style to pavé. It uses a single row of tiny diamonds set into a channel on either side of a central, large diamond. It’s a more understated style. The smaller diamonds magnify the beauty of the larger diamond and add more sparkle with a subtle, elegant effect.
Halo
As suggested by the name, a halo ring has a circle of small diamonds set around a central stone. The halo diamonds reflect light onto the center diamond, magnifying its shimmer and brilliance.
Halo rings are often circular, but the pattern in which the smaller diamonds are set can mean many more unusual shapes. If you are looking for a more distinctive ring, a halo ring is often an excellent choice.
Three Stone or Sidestone
Both these styles involve multiple diamonds. With the three-stone, the center stone is generally the largest and ascites as the center point of the ring. The side stone has one large diamond and two smaller accent stones (or sometimes more) accompanying it.
The use of three diamonds is said to be symbolic, representing the past, present, and future. This makes a three-stone or side stone ring a very romantic choice.
Both types of rings are very dazzling, showcasing the exquisiteness of diamonds with confidence.
Where to Begin
Now you have an understanding of the most popular styles of diamond engagement rings, it is time to start looking for the engagement ring of your fiance’s dreams. Instead of perusing local jewelers, why not start by using a lab-grown diamond engagement rings online ring builder tool? This is a great way to get a feel for your options without the pressure of having a salesperson standing over you. You can take your time in making this really important, very romantic decision and ensure your bride-to-be is ecstatic with the final choice.
