At some point in your relationship, you may start to hear wedding bells as you think about the future. It may be time to find the perfect diamond engagement ring, and with a bit of research and investigation, you will find the perfect forever ring to declare your commitment to your beloved.
What to Consider When Choosing an Engagement Ring
Buying an engagement ring is an exciting moment. The perfect ring shows your love and knowledge of your sweetheart. There are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect engagement ring:
- Her style
- Gems
- Metal
- Budget
One of the best things you can do when looking at rings is to find a diamond engagement ring that she will be thrilled to wear every day. Whether she wants a classic design or a more unique ring design, it is important to cater to her personal style. Start having conversations about what she wants in a ring, or ask her friends and family if she has dropped any hints.
Ultimately, her diamond engagement ring is a symbol of your undying love for her. There’s nothing like the moment you ask her to marry you, and knowing she gets to wear the perfect ring for the rest of her life is the icing on the cake.
Top 5 Engagement Ring Styles
If your relationship is getting serious and you both know a proposal is on the horizon, feel free to ask her what ring style she loves. Is she a simple girl who wants a stunning solitaire, or does she want the shimmer of a diamond pave ring? The more you know what she’s expecting, the better your chance of picking the perfect diamond engagement ring.
There are many options when shopping for the perfect diamond engagement ring, but fortunately, most rings can be sorted into five primary styles. This helps narrow down your intended’s personal preference as you have conversations concerning rings. Familiarize yourself with these main engagement ring styles so that you can be prepared for a helpful discussion, even if it is covert or indirect.
1. Solitaire Engagement Ring
A solitaire engagement ring is a classic choice for the bride who wants a ring that exudes timeless beauty. These rings let the primary gem shine bright, and purchasing a larger or higher-quality gem is often easier.
Even though there are fewer gems to work with, a solitaire engagement ring can be as unique and individualistic as any other style of engagement ring. A solitaire pear diamond engagement ring, for example, is one way to introduce a remarkably shaped gem for a new look.
Different colored gems can also give a solitaire engagement ring a distinctive flair. Pick an unconventional gemstone, or if you want to put a twist on the classic diamond engagement ring, find a colored diamond. Yellow diamonds often symbolize love and optimism, making a yellow diamond engagement ring an awe-inspiring solitaire.
2. Halo Engagement Ring
When your sweetheart wants a little more emphasis on her center stone than a solitaire ring provides, a halo engagement ring might be the right choice for her. A halo engagement ring can make the center stone appear larger and more brilliant with several smaller stones surrounding it.
One of the attractions of a diamond engagement ring is the sparkle, and a halo engagement ring utilizes the cut of the center stone paired with the halo of diamonds to enhance the gems’ shine. This not only increases the circumference of the stone’s appearance but it provides more diamond facets for the light to reflect, causing a shimmering effect.
A white gold halo asscher diamond engagement ring features multiple-sized diamonds in the halo, creating an even more brilliant look. Paired with the asscher cut diamond center stone, a halo engagement ring like this will sparkle bright for all to see.
3. Diamond Pave Engagement Ring
For an artistic touch that enhances your center stone, consider a diamond pave engagement ring. With a pave setting, small diamonds are placed along the ring’s band. The name comes from the French word that means “paved” because the diamonds resemble paved or cobblestone roads when placed in the band.
Diamond pave rings help reflect the light brilliantly, giving these rings a shimmer like none other. With a ring like the ASHOKA diamond center stone engagement ring, the center diamond’s radiance is elevated by the surrounding stones.
There is a diamond pave engagement ring for every bridal style. These rings can be vintage-inspired or fit with more current trends. Whether your bride wants a timeless and elegant diamond engagement ring or one with a modern flair, diamond pave rings almost always fit the bill.
4. Three-Stone Engagement Ring
One of the most sentimental engagement ring styles is the three-stone engagement ring. Traditionally, a three-stone engagement ring is a symbol of your life together. The three stones signify your cherished past memories, your current happiness, and a future of joy you are excited to share.
Also known as a trinity ring, the three-stone engagement ring typically has a center stone that is larger and more elevated than the other two. These designs can be sleek and modern or dainty and elegant to please any bride.
The three stones do not have to be uniform shapes or colors. Many people choose to incorporate colored gems as the first and third stones, or you can change the ring’s look by using different shaped diamonds. A cushion diamond engagement ring with tapered baguette side diamonds is a beautiful example of incorporating different shapes to create a distinctive three-stone engagement ring.
5. Bridal Sets
While engagement rings are sometimes purchased before wedding bands, there are many opportunities to buy the two rings together. Bridal sets provide both rings at one time, giving you the confidence of a perfect match and less stress in the future when you could be shopping for a wedding band.
Bridal sets are one way to ensure your bride’s wedding and engagement ring fit together seamlessly. This is especially important if the engagement ring has a unique shape or the wedding band completes the ring’s design, like the round engagement ring set with diamond jacket. Without the customized wedding band, the engagement ring could look unbalanced or unfinished.
Consider looking at bridal sets if you use unique metals or gems you want to match well. Seeing the finished set together before making your purchase will give you peace of mind before you go down on one knee.
Choosing a Classic Diamond Engagement Ring
It’s no secret that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, especially when it comes to engagement rings. A diamond engagement ring is a classic choice when preparing to propose, but it is important to know what questions to ask when shopping for a diamond.
Through regulations and professional standards, customers can know the exact value of the diamonds they are purchasing. Diamonds are evaluated by the 4Cs of Diamond Quality:
- Color
- Clarity
- Cut
- Carat weight
The shape of a diamond will greatly impact how your diamond engagement ring is viewed. For example, pear shaped diamonds and ASHOKA diamonds often seem bigger than their carat size would indicate, making them popular choices for solitaire or halo engagement rings.
Unique Gems to Consider for Your Engagement Ring
While less traditional, many brides choose an engagement ring that features a gemstone other than diamonds. This can be one way to create a unique look, incorporate a meaningful birthstone, or match her personal style.
Some gemstones have meanings that make them perfect for an engagement ring. Declare your love for each other with gems that have meanings like:
- Ruby — strength, courage, good fortune
- Sapphire — blessings, royalty, calmness
- Emerald — good fortune, unconditional love, eternal life
- Pearl — loyalty, good fortune, prosperity
If your bride has not found a diamond engagement ring that she feels is “the one,” it might be time to consider different gemstones. She might be pleasantly surprised at the options after expanding the search to include all the beautiful gems available. As long as she loves the ring, she will cherish it as a symbol of the love you have for her.
Choosing Engagement Ring Metals
Choosing the style and gems of your engagement ring brings you close to the finish line, but it is important to pick the right metal to hold it all together. Your sweetheart might have a metal preference for her jewelry overall, so pay attention to pieces she already owns and take notes if they are a consistent color or metal.
If you are still unsure of her preference, here are a few tips for choosing the right ring metal. Take note of her wardrobe color preference — does she tend to wear more warm or cool tones — and consider what metal would flatter her skin tone. When in doubt, ask her friends and family if she has mentioned her ideal diamond engagement ring metal.
3 Popular Metals for Engagement Rings:
1. Platinum
Platinum is one of the most popular yet most expensive metals for a diamond engagement ring. There are many reasons to choose a platinum engagement ring, including its purity and strength.
Platinum is a rare metal, which helps increase its value. It is also extremely durable, making it an ideal choice for a woman with an active lifestyle. If your bride works with her hands or has a tendency to bump or scratch her jewelry, platinum might be the best metal for her engagement ring.
When it comes to a diamond engagement ring, platinum is one of the best metals for enhancing the appearance of a diamond’s size. The reflection of light between the diamond and the platinum will level up the ring’s beauty, making this durable and long-lasting metal a practical and pretty option.
2. White Gold
Similar to platinum, white gold is a classic choice for a diamond engagement ring. White gold became popular in World War II when platinum was prioritized for the war efforts, but it has remained a beautiful and more affordable alternative to platinum in jewelry.
White gold is an alloy of gold, mixing pure gold with naturally white metals like nickel, silver, or palladium to strengthen the metal and give it a white color. White gold jewelry is also plated in rhodium plating to combat natural yellow tinge and provide a bright finish. This plating protects the jewelry but needs to be cared for with regular cleanings and professional maintenance.
For a timeless look similar to platinum without the expensive price tag, white gold is a popular choice for brides.
3. Yellow Gold
When someone mentions “gold,” traditional yellow gold typically comes to mind. Gold has been used in jewelry for centuries. It is the easiest gold variety to maintain and the most hypoallergenic.
A diamond engagement ring with a gold band can be a classic statement, but be aware of the color of your diamond. Because diamonds reflect what is around them, they will often look at least one color grade yellower than they actually are. If you have paid for a top-tier colorless diamond, it is best to avoid a gold setting.
Of course, an engagement ring is highly personal, and you should get what you want. If you want yellow gold, consider a diamond with a lower color grade so that the yellow of the ring doesn’t impact the stone as much. Plus, you may be able to get a larger diamond with this strategy.
Finding the Right Wedding Band
If you have chosen not to get a bridal set from the start, you will need to pick a wedding band to go with your diamond engagement ring. Fortunately, this is usually a joint venture and the groom doesn’t have to make this decision on his own.
Pairing your wedding band well with your engagement ring is essential. Even if they are purchased at separate times, you want your rings to look cohesive. Choosing the same metal and gemstones is the first step to pairing your rings well.
Your wedding band is a chance to enhance your engagement ring. A simple solitaire can be accentuated with a diamond wedding band, or you can add a splash of color to your wedding band paired with your three-stone engagement ring.
Ring shopping is nothing to be scared of. When you have chosen the right style of ring and you get down on one knee, all that will matter is the love between you and your fiancé. Find a ring she will treasure for the rest of her life, and let it symbolize the love you have for her.
