It's a matter of choice.
So you’re getting married! There are so many arrangements to make and choices to consider. None is more important than the selection of an engagement ring. When making a choice of engagement ring settings, couples have a wide variety available to them, with options for any budget.
Before you make a selection, start with some internet window-shopping. By checking out online jewelry retailers, you will get a feel for some of the options available to you.
Types of engagement ring settings.
To help organize your research, look for engagement ring settings in the following categories:
· Solitaire engagement ring settings. The eternal symbol of a singular love, solitaire rings highlight one brilliant diamond in a simple setting.
· Halo engagement ring settings. Halo settings place a ring of diamonds around a center diamond or other stone, adding an illusion of greater size and brilliance.
· Pave engagement ring settings. Pave engagement rings place rows of tiny diamonds along the ring band. Like the halo setting, a pave setting creates more sparkle and sophistication.
· Art deco engagement ring settings. If you like an unusual or vintage look, consider the retro styling of art deco. With filigree, flourishes, and use of a variety of gemstones, these settings stand out among more contemporary choices.
· Antique engagement ring settings. Another vintage way to go -- antique rings have old-world styling and may use unfamiliar metals, stone, and designs.
· Unique engagement ring settings. In addition to vintage choices, couples can achieve a unique look by selecting a custom ring of their own design.
Elements of engagement ring settings.
In addition to deciding upon your choice of engagement ring settings, you must make decisions about each of the elements that make up an engagement ring:
· Stone. The most common gemstone used in engagement ring settings is the diamond. In centuries past, other precious stones were equally or more prominent, but for the past century, diamonds have been the stone of choice. They’re graded under an elaborate rating system, based upon presence or absence of visible imperfections, as well as the four Cs of clarity, cut, carat, and color. To make sure you have your ideal stone, consider all these factors, with the assistance of a qualified jeweler or gemologist:
· Clarity. While many people focus upon the size of the stone, the brilliance and beauty of the final product depend largely upon the clarity of the ring and how well it has been cut.
· Cut. In addition to the precision of its cut, consider the shape of the stone. Do you want classic style or drama? A circle cut is classic, but also consider square, marquise, pear, heart, or oval cuts.
· Carat. You probably want the largest diamond that you can afford, as it is the focus of the ring. But if you’re on a budget, make sure that you consider gem quality to be as important as size.
· Color. Most people prefer a brilliant “white” diamond. A cloudy color is considered less desirable and a perfect diamond is actually almost colorless.
· Setting. Engagement ring settings accent the stone through the ways in which they hold it in place. There are five major types:
· Prong. This classic setting normally uses four to six prongs to raise the diamond above the band, letting in ample light.
· Bezel. In this contemporary setting, a band of metal surrounds the stone like a collar.
· Flush. As the name implies, the diamond sits flush against the ring band.
· Tension. In this setting, the diamond is suspended between the two raised ends of the band.
· Arch. This setting combines the drama of the tension setting with the security of added prongs.
· Band. While a solitaire ring band is traditionally simple, there are still design decisions to make, regarding size, metal, and trim:
· Size. The classic engagement ring band is thin, allowing the jewels to take center stage. But if you want a more contemporary look, modern settings often utilize wider bands.
· Metal. White and yellow gold are the most common metals used, followed by platinum. However, other metals may be used, such as rose gold, or metals may be mixed; e.g., white gold trimming along a yellow gold band.
· Trim. An engagement ring band can be as simple or elaborate as your taste dictates. You may want a simple gold band, while many couples opt to have anything from wording to pave diamonds or carving along the band.
· Cost. Most couples need to set a budget for the purchase of an engagement ring, as gemstones are not inexpensive, and quality artisanship comes at a price. The single biggest factors in the cost of your ring will be the size and quality of the stone and whether it is custom-made.
So many choices, so little time as you prepare for the big day. But if you do the research and consider the factors we have outlined, your choice of an engagement ring-- from all the many engagement ring settings available -- will offer you lasting satisfaction.