Give a Halo to Your Angel
One of the most popular settings for diamond engagement rings is a halo setting, featuring a larger center diamond surrounded by a series of smaller diamonds. Halo settings are not only beautiful, but they can also be an economical choice if you desire a larger ring but have a specific budget to stay under. Halo engagement rings most commonly incorporate round, cushion, pear, or oval cut diamonds, giving you a wide range of options. While you may find halo settings in any metal, you are most likely to find them in white gold, as the silvery sheen of white gold blends with the diamonds better and gives the illusion of one larger diamond.
Three Stone Engagement Rings
Three-stone diamond rings have a special symbolism that is particularly appropriate for an engagement ring. Three stones that represent the past, present, and future are reflective of a couple's journey together and share that story with the world. What better way to visualize your love story together than through a sparkling diamond engagement ring full of powerful symbolic meaning? Choose three diamonds or select colorful accent stones on either side of center to add a further element of personalization. Three-stone engagement rings are available in a variety of styles and shapes and will be a perfect tribute to any love story.
Choosing a Metal
Rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, white gold--on top of choosing a style of diamond cut, deciding on a metal for your engagement ring will heavily influence the aesthetic of the ring and depends both on the style and complexion of your beloved. Gold is available in different shades that varies based on the purity of the gold (ranging most often from 10k to 18k in fine jewelry) and the alloy metal it is mixed with. While having a higher percentage of gold may sound preferable, the gold will be softer and more liable to scratches. Platinum affords a more durable but less pliable alternative to white gold and may not be a suitable upgrade depending on the engagement ring band style you choose.
Gemstone Engagement Options
While diamond rings are the most commonly sought, traditional form of engagement rings, there has been a growing trend in gemstone engagement rings. If you're looking for something nontraditional, consider a sapphire or ruby engagement ring. Sapphires come in a variety of shades, the most common being hues of blue, but pink, orange, and colorless are all readily available. Deep scarlet rubies are the color of love and are favored by those who love intense hues. When choosing a gemstone engagement ring, consult your jeweler first about the stone's durability; many lovely gemstones are not good options for rings that will be worn daily because they chip or scratch easily. Sapphires and rubies are harder, durable stones that rival diamonds and are therefore excellent choices.