What are engagement rings?
From antiquity to the present day, the significance of an engagement ring has evolved over the course of human history.
In antiquity, it was believed that the ring finger had a direct connection to the heart, and therefore the partner would place the ring on his fiancé’s left hand to symbolize this connection. Infinity love and eternal connection are symbolized by the side of the heart.
Already in the Middle Ages, women were given a ring as a promise to marry their lover; this was regarded so seriously that it was banned for women to wear a ring for any purpose other than marriage.
In later years, the so-called twin rings became increasingly fashionable. A set of two rings that may be worn together or separately. It was customary for the guy to wear his ring until the wedding, after which it was given to the bride, who subsequently used it as her wedding band.
An engagement ring is now considered to be an essential component of the official announcement of a marriage. Traditionally, engagement rings have been reserved for females. Typically, the male is the one who chooses and purchases the engagement ring.
Engagement Ring Types
Solitaire Engagement Rings
Okay, close your eyes and visualize yourself wearing an engagement ring. What do you think you’re seeing? If you are like the majority of individuals, you will notice a solitaire ring. A dazzling diamond is held in place by a very attractive ring that is visible to everyone in the globe.
The solitaire engagement ring is a timeless piece of jewelry that will never go out of fashion. Despite this, the Solitaire may still be as individual as you are since it can fit center stones of practically any size and shape. There are several different types of solitaire settings, ranging from prong set to tension set, and they can be made in white gold, yellow gold, or platinum.
Halo Engagement Rings
Originally inspired by the heirloom ring you may discover in your grandmother’s jewelry box, this design has evolved into a popular fashion trend today. While this historical form is larger and more pronounced than a basic solitaire, it is now fashionable and entirely of the moment in terms of design. The halo engagement ring is a very popular style of jewelry.
In certain cases, the halo may increase the appearance of the main diamond by as much as a half carat or more. A Diamond Halo may be used to enhance virtually any shape and size of center diamond, and it can be made of any gorgeous hand-crafted metal of your choice. Opt for eye-catching designers such as Kirk Kara, Tacori, Coast Diamond, and Michael M., or for something a little different from Robbins Brothers’ exclusive Divine, UTwo, and Cherish Collections, which are available only through the company.
Side Stone Rings
Simple setting is transformed into something spectacular with the Side Stone engagement ring. Whether you’re looking for a traditional engagement ring with pear-shaped diamond side stones, a vintage engagement ring setting with baguettes and emerald-shaped diamonds, or a modern engagement ring setting with round cut or trilliant diamonds, the Side Stone engagement ring is the perfect choice for any era and any budget.
Diamonds, emeralds, blue or pink sapphires, and white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum settings may be used to create a traditional engagement ring that is nevertheless interesting. Side Stone options include diamonds, emeralds, blue or pink sapphires. Make use of bright colors. Make a statement that is timeless. Be head over heels in love with your engagement ring.
Engagement Ring Setting Types
Prong Setting
A prong setting is a type of diamond setting that is used for single-stone rings, sometimes known as solitaire rings. A prong setting has four to six prongs that hold a diamond in place. Because a solitaire engagement ring is one of the most straightforward settings available, it places the emphasis squarely on the diamond. Because all eyes are drawn to the brilliance of a single center stone and modest supporting details in the foundation and wedding ring, this is frequently considered one of the most ageless settings. While engagement ring fashions come and go with the passage of time, the simple beauty of a solitaire setting remains a perennially popular choice. Today’s buyers are drawn to solitaire settings that have a delicate base that allows the central diamond to truly show through.
Halo Setting
Halo settings are also among the most popular types for engagement rings, particularly since they make the center stone look bigger than its actual carat weight, which is very appealing. According to our research, halo engagement rings are the second most popular engagement ring setting, accounting for 19 percent of all designs. Halo engagement ring settings often have a bigger center stone surrounded by pavé or micropavé accent stones, which brings the viewer’s attention back to the central stone and gives the ring a more substantial impression overall. A halo setting is an excellent choice for someone who wants to achieve a diamond-heavy appearance. The tiny diamonds on either side of the core diamond provide a touch of shine and create the illusion of a bigger center diamond.
Pavé Setting
A pavé setting is the third most popular engagement ring setting style, according to our research, accounting for 16 percent of all engagement ring designs. A pavé diamond setting gets its name from the French word for “paved,” and it consists of rows of multiple little stones that are placed into holes that are level with the surface of the ring. The metal around the gems (usually white gold or platinum for white stones to make them undetectable) is elevated to form beads that hold the jewels in place. The end effect is a super-sparkly setting that seems to be paved with jewels on the surface. A pavé setting may provide a beautiful burst of sparkle without making too much of a statement if you’re on the fence about wearing one. The combination of a large number of pavé diamonds results in an eye-catching engagement ring that sparkles brightly.
Engagement Ring Sizing
Jewelers may normally adjust engagement rings up to two sizes up or down, but any more than that may undermine the ring’s structural integrity and may need the creation of a new bespoke band by the jewelry store in question. Also, if you don’t know your ring size, you should avoid purchasing an eternity band, which is a band with diamonds running around the whole circumference. A quarter size up or down is the maximum amount of metal that may be removed from an eternity band, according to Lanore. Otherwise, the ring must be totally recreated due to the way the diamonds are placed in this style.
Resizing a ring approximately two or three times is typical, but any more than that can be detrimental to the ring’s longevity. More than one full size difference in ring size is equivalent to an earthquake in the ring. Frequent resizing of any type is detrimental to the metal’s longevity. Many individuals are under the impression that it is easier to resize rings to a lower size rather than to a larger one. However, be assured that all techniques are equally feasible, provided that you work with a qualified and experienced jeweler.
Engagement Ring Metals
Gold
In terms of wedding and engagement rings, gold has long been the most popular and classic option—and with good reason. This metal is available in a variety of colors, ranging from white gold to yellow gold to rose gold. While it is often regarded as the pinnacle of luxury, it should be approached with caution: While it’s true that the greater the karat (not to be confused with the carat of a diamond) the better, when it comes to the lifespan of your ring, this is not always the case.
Platinum
Platinum, which is known to be one of the world’s rarest metals, is not only a luxurious option, but it is also one of the strongest precious metals available. When platinum jewelry was removed off the market in order to save the metal for use in war supplies, white gold was produced as a result. Platinum is an excellent choice since it has the ability to firmly retain precious stones in place for an extended period of time. This is why platinum prongs are used in rings composed of less durable metals, such as white gold, to ensure that the diamond is protected. This is due to the fact that platinum is better at withstanding scratches and wear and tear.
Sterling Silver
Silver, formerly thought to be more valuable than gold, has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and is one of the oldest precious metals still in use. It is also the most economical option available on the market today. Pure silver, like gold, is far too soft to be used on its own; thus, it is combined with copper or other metals to form sterling silver, which is a more durable alternative. The combination of the white moon-like tint and the history and elegance of the metal makes it one among the most popular alternatives for anybody looking for a high-end aesthetic at a more affordable cost.