Today’s couples planning their engagement have many more options when selecting a ring than the couples of yesteryear. Options can be great, but the dizzying array of settings and cuts of modern engagement rings can be overwhelming. Whether grooms choose a ring on their own or couples are making the choice together, how can they know which ring is the perfect one? There are a variety of easily personalized options to consider to help narrow down the possibilities.
Comparing Different Engagement Ring Styles to Find the Perfect One
Classic Cuts
It’s possible to buy a complete ring from a vast selection of choices at the jewelry store. However, some couples may wish to choose the setting and center stone separately. Either way, being familiar with the many different gemstone cuts is essential.
When thinking about engagement rings, most people immediately picture the classic and traditional round cut. The round cut showcases the natural beauty, brilliance, and sparkle of the diamond. It is also an excellent complement to almost any style of setting.
Similar to round-cut diamonds, oval-shaped diamonds are another classic but updated choice. This cut also optimizes the sparkle of the diamond and works in both classic and more modern settings. The oval cut looks particularly lovely on women with long, graceful fingers.
The emerald cut is often used for diamonds of exceptional clarity and color. This cut is commonly seen in vintage-style rings and would be a delightfully whimsical choice for a bride with a unique and romantic sense of style.
Many couples go with princess cut engagement rings due to their classic style and timeless appearance. Despite its sharp, angular shape, the princess cut displays spectacular brilliance. This is a trendy and timely cut due to its traditional look with a fresh, modern feel.
Unique Cuts
For couples looking to make a unique statement, many rare and unusual diamond cuts showcase the wearer’s personality and style. The Eighty-eight cut is believed to bring good fortune as the number eight is considered lucky in the Chinese culture. This octagonal cut is known for demonstrating its brilliance in even low-light conditions.
Another lucky choice for the unconventional bride is the lily cut. This shape features four rounded edges resembling a four-leaf clover or four-petaled flower. The lily cut is a fashion-forward choice for the fashionista bride.
Kite-shaped diamonds have a non-traditional shape that is elongated on the bottom half. The kite shape is created using step and brilliance cut faceting to produce a diamond with a geometric shape without sacrificing sparkle and shine. This shape has a very artistic, modern feel.
Settings
Solitaires are the most simple of engagement ring settings. This sleek, minimalist setting puts the stone front and center. The most common solitaires are comprised of one center stone on a simple band. For a little more flair, the band can also be set with smaller stones. Solitaires are a sophisticated, simple choice for brides who prefer an understated style.
Halos are a more modern take on the classic solitaire. Still featuring a larger center stone, that stone is encircled by several smaller stones. Although the center stone in this setting is often round, this doesn’t have to be the case. Whichever cut is chosen, the framing with smaller stones is a great way to add a little bling to the more traditional solitaire setting.
The three-stone setting is another popular choice. This set features matching accent gems that frame the center stone. These stones can vary in size but are usually considerably smaller than the central stone. Some three-stone settings have plain bands, while others may have even more stones set into the band for that extra sparkle.
Choosing the perfect gemstone cut and setting lays a solid foundation for determining which is the perfect engagement ring. Using this foundation, engagement rings can be made personal by considering a few other options, such as incorporating colored stones or using non-traditional metals. Taking these things into consideration, the only thing left to do now is start shopping.