Choosing a style of engagement ring

Different Styles of Engagement Rings

Looking to buy a Diamond Engagement Ring and unsure where to start? The choices may seem endless. Having an idea of the style of diamond ring that you prefer will help. Diamond engagement rings come in all shapes, sizes and styles – literally! You’ll find everything from ultra-modern, contemporary glamorous styles through to classic elegant and vintage styles. And if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for you can even Design Your Own Custom Engagement Ring.

Here are a few areas to consider:

Ring Style

Are you looking for a classic Solitaire Engagement Ring that has a single diamond or a Multi Stone Engagement Ring with diamonds in a cluster. Either style is stunning; it’s really just a matter of personal preference.

Engagement Rings The Solitaire Engagement Rings the Eternal
The Solitaire Engagement Ring from the Signature Engagement Rings Collection The Eternal Engagement Ring from the Signature Engagement Rings Collection

Diamond Shapes

Diamonds are cut into many different shapes. Don’t be confused by the distinction between diamond "cut” and diamond "shapes”. The “cut” of a diamond actually refers to the quality of the cutting process and not the shape. You should therefore choose the shape of diamond you prefer and then look to buy one with a cut grade of either “excellent” or “very good”. Round diamonds such as the “round brilliant” are very popular, as is the classic square cut “princess diamond”. You’ll also find very striking rectangular shapes such as the “emerald” cut which has clipped corners. The Asscher, a vintage style, also has clipped corners, and can appear octagonal. The elegant marquise, pear and oval shaped diamonds can look exquisite on long, slim fingers. And if you really want to capture the romantic spirit, consider fancy shapes such as a heart shaped diamond.

asscher cut diamond emerald cut diamond marquise cut diamond trillion cut diamond
pear cut diamond princess asscher cut diamond round brilliant cut diamond radiant cut diamond

Setting

Setting means how the diamonds are attached to the ring. You may simply prefer the look of a certain type of setting but you should also make your lifestyle a consideration when choosing the setting for your diamond, as some are more secure than others and some are easier to clean. For example, the “rub over” is a secure setting. In this style the diamond is put in a collar and the metal rubbed over the edge all the way round. In a “channel” setting a slot is cut in the ring and the diamonds sit flush to the metal surface, again providing a very secure setting. A “claw” setting is often used for classic styles of Engagement Rings. Bead set and pavé settings are often used to secure smaller diamonds and typically this style of ring has more stones. This style of setting can catch dirt and therefore would have to be taken off whilst working in a harsh environment.

Metal Colour

18kt Gold and Platinum are the usual metals for diamond engagement ring bands. You may prefer one over the other but price and durability are also key factors to consider. An Engagement Ring is to be worn every day for the rest of your life, so it needs to be made from a durable metal. 18kt gold comes in 3 colours, Yellow, rose (or red) and White. It has beautiful lustre and is reasonably hard wearing. Platinum is a white or silver coloured metal. It is harder wearing than gold, meaning that it is more resistant to scratching. It is also rarer, and therefore more expensive than gold.

engagement rings in white goldengagement rings in yellow goldengagement rings in platinum
The Princess Multistone Engagement Ring in 18kt White Gold   The Princess Multistone Engagement Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold   The Princess Multistone Engagement Ring in Platinum

Take time and have fun shopping for or designing your diamond engagement ring and you’ll find the perfect ring to capture the spirit of your unique romance.

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