Engagement Ring Styles: Shopping Guide
by Francis Alukkas | 13 February 2023 | GOLD JEWELLERYThe culture of shopping for engagement rings has evolved over the years. Earlier, it used to be secretive and meant as a surprise for proposals. Nowadays we can see couples going and shopping for Indian engagement ring styles together. But how does finding the perfect diamond engagement ring for women work? If you and your partner are just beginning to look for the perfect diamond engagement rings for couples, don’t fret. This shopping guide has everything you need to know about buying engagement rings.
Engagement rings are usually made of diamonds. Before you buy a diamond, you need to know everything about its 4Cs- Carat, Clarity, Cut, and Color. New couples are looking for nontraditional engagement ring options that suit their personality better. They often choose gemstones of different colors; they are comparatively less expensive and come in different hues- each symbolizing something special. But not all gems are suitable for engagement rings because you wear them every day. It is better to avoid soft stones. You can look for stones that are at a minimum of 7 on the Mohs scale. Engagement ring styles come in different selections. Other than stones, You can select types of engagement rings based on settings, metals and cost.
Engagement Ring Settings
The frame around the center stone of your ring determines engagement ring styles. Here are some popular engagement ring settings.
Prong Settings: Designed for solitaire rings (a ring with a single center stone without accent stones or halo), a prong setting has four to six prongs that hold a center stone in place. Since a solitaire engagement ring is of the simplest settings, the focus is directly on the center stone. You should probably opt for six prongs for maximum security. If your stone is smaller, you can go with four prongs.
Halo Setting: Halo engagement ring settings include a large center stone encircled by smaller pavé or micropavé accent stones. It would look like a shimmering halo that surrounds a larger stone. A halo setting is one of the most popular styles in engagement rings, especially because it creates an illusion of a larger diamond.
Pavé Setting: This setting involves several tiny stones that are set in level with the surface of the ring. The metal around it is raised to form beads that secure the gems. As a result, the ring will have an ultra-sparkly setting that looks like a road paved with gemstones. If you are someone who loves bling in their ring but does not want a halo setting, this is a great option.
Cathedral Setting: Sophisticated in its setting, a cathedral style uses sweeping arcs that extend from the shank to frame the center stone, making it the focal point of the ring. This setting sits higher on your finger, providing ample space for extra details on the crown. But you need to be careful not to snag it or knock it on any hard surface.
Bezel Setting: This setting is a stylish option for someone who has a more active lifestyle. A bezel center entails a ring of metal that may partially or fully encircle the center stone. The setting tends to sit lower on your finger and protects the diamond from snags or chips.
Engagement Ring Metals
The metal you choose will affect your ring’s durability and overall aesthetic. Here is a brief guide about the most popular engagement ring metals.
White Gold: White gold is a combination of yellow gold and alloys. It is then plated in rhodium. It has a silvery finish that is similar to platinum. The bright finish that comes from the rhodium plating can wear off over time.
Yellow Gold: As the purest of all ring metals, Engagement ring gold is the most hypoallergenic and easiest to maintain. The warmer tones of yellow gold are flattering on most skin tones. It is a good choice for diamonds of a lower color grade.
Rose Gold: Rose gold is an alloy made by combining pure gold and copper with a hint of silver. The pink color of rose gold comes from copper. The more copper content, the pinker it is. Because of its color, rose gold is a romantic option for those who are looking for something other than white or yellow gold.
Platinum: It is the most durable metal for an engagement ring. While it shows wear and tear over time, it loses less metal mass compared to gold in the long run. Since the bright finish is also natural, it won't wear off over time. But it is an expensive metal and tough to work with.
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