Engagement Rings - The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect One
Here's everything you need to know
Choosing an engagement ring is a really exciting task - but, it can get very overwhelming.
The options out there are endless, and without direction, you might find yourself lost in the endless possibilities of different cuts, settings, metals, styles and shapes... But do not worry - we're here to guide you.
If you have no idea of where to start, think about that special someone who you are about to propose to and what she is like in her day-to-day. Does she usually wear silver or gold? Does she prefer her jewelry discreet or is she more the glamorous kind? It's really necessary to find the best engagement rings for different styles.
Your engagement ring should reflect who you are - your personality, your love story and your personal style. From classic solitaire rings to modern and vintage-inspired designs, understanding engagement ring styles helps you find a ring you’ll treasure forever.
With your special someone in mind, keep reading to find out everything you need to know in order to find that perfect ring - the ring that says it all.
Discover the most popular designs, how to combine styles with your wedding band, and tips to choose the perfect setting for everyday wear.
Psst.. if you need a bit of guidance of how to set your budget, read our expert tips here.
The Best Settings for Engagement Rings
There are endless types of engagement rings and ways in which they vary: in shapes and size, cuts and settings - and the combiations of them all, of course.
So where to start when looking for an engagement ring? We suggest thinking about the setting.
As an engagement ring is intended to be worn every day, a setting that is as secure as it is beautiful.
Here are the most popular engagement ring settings:
The Prong Setting:
A prong setting has small metal tines or claws that rise up from the ring shank to hold the gemstone in place- allowing light to shine through, enhancing the sparkle. This is the most common setting for rings with solitaire diamonds or gemstones.
The Bezel Setting:
This setting is the one for someone who is looking for a ring with a vintage feeling. The gemstone is securely held in a bowl shape which covers the stone's edges and ensures it's safely kept - but it does allow less light to shine through.
The Flush Setting:
This is another, very secure setting - as the diamond or gemstone is set in a shape drilled directly into the ring band. Rings with flush settings are contemporary and minimalist, and the perfect options for those looking for an untraditional engagement ring that will still sit beautiful on the finger every day.
The Channel Setting:
Suitingly often used in eternity rings, the channel setting holds no prongs or bezels - but the ring band is designer like a track in which several diamonds are held next to each other.
The Pavé Setting
This setting is commonly used in engagement rings. In this type of setting, the ring's band is covered or paved with smaller diamonds - it's sparkly and stunningly feminine.
The Tension Setting
This setting uses no bezels, or channels, or prongs - but the stone is kept in a gap in the ring metal using tension for a spring mechanism, creating a gorgeous effect. These kinds of rings can not be re-sized easily, and it also requires a harder stone such a diamond, sapphire or ruby.
The Best Engagment Ring Styles: The Solitaire Ring
A solitaire engagement ring is a classic and elegant choice that never goes out of style. Usually with a prong or bezel setting, a solitaire ring has a single diamond or gemstone, and there is endless ways to vary this style according to taste and preference.
The Cluster Ring
A cluster engagement rings has many, smaller diamonds clustered together to maximise sparkle - and it is also a great option if you are looking for something a little bit more affordable, but just as beautiful.
The Halo Ring
This kind of ring have a ring of smaller diamonds around a round, cushion cut or oval solitaire, adding to its sparkle with a brilliant reflection of light or an accent of colour.
It is an excellent style when combining a coloured gemstone with a circle of diamond accents and vice versa.
The Three Stone Ring
Also called trilogy rings, are rich in symbolism. Considered a lucky number in many cultures, the number three can represent many things: in engagement rings, they're commonly said to stand for the past, present and future, or you, your partner, and the "us" you are now becoming.
The Two Stone Ring
This is a more modern interpretation of the three-stone ring, with endless meanings behind it. A beautiful way to think about it is the gemstones celebrating you and your significant other, with the ring being your union and the band you share.
