With so many metal hues, diamond cuts and settings to choose from, picking a special ring to propose to your person can feel like an overwhelming task. There are so many beautiful styles of engagement rings to choose from, so how do you pick the one that will set their heart aflutter?
In this article, we’ll explain the different styles of engagement rings on the market, from the shapes of diamonds to the different settings, so that you can shop confidently, with these in mind.
o Yellow Gold
o White gold
o Rose gold
o Silver
o Natural diamonds
o Lab grown diamonds
o Round
o Pear
o Princess
o Asscher
o Cushion
o Radiant
o Oval
o Marquise
o Emerald
o Heart
o Halo
o Solitaire
o Side Stones
o Three Stones
o Vintage
Choosing your metal will often be the first port of call when deciding on an engagement ring. Let’s outline the most common metal hues to start you on your journey:
Yellow gold is a classic for a reason, having been loved and prized for centuries. 18 carat gold is 75 percent pure gold, while 14 carat gold is 58 percent pure and 9 carats is 37.5 percent pure. No matter what you choose, you’re guaranteed to make a dignified style selection with this band.
White gold is an alloy containing yellow gold and other metals, including sterling silver, zinc or platinum, which are mixed to give the metal its sublime silvery colour. The carat of the metal will change with each alloy, for example, 18ct white gold is created out of 75 percent gold and 25 percent palladium. This is an incredibly stylish, robust metal.
Rose gold is an alloy made from a combination of pure gold and copper, with the most common alloy being made of 75 per cent pure gold to 25 per cent copper, which makes 18k rose gold. The pink hue of this metal connotes feelings of romance, making it a popular and modern choice.
The timeless elegance and natural lustre of a silver ring make it a beautiful choice. This metal complements a variety of different gemstones, and as it is more affordable than the other options, it is great for couples on a budget.
Next, it’s time to choose the type of diamond you’re going to put in your engagement ring. These historic gemstones are favourites for a reason. So, are natural or lab-grown options best?
Natural diamonds are formed underground over millions of years, and each one has its own unique shape – no two are alike. These stones are investment pieces that will be a symbol of your love for years to come.
As these gems have the same chemical composition as their natural counterparts, they are still “real” diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds offer an exceptional value when compared with earth-mined options so that you can have the same sparkle at a fraction of the cost.
Different diamond sizes and shapes work best on different hands, and there are plenty of different style options to choose from when choosing an engagement ring style
A more petite hand requires proportion, so a smaller size diamond is generally sought after so it doesn’t overwhelm. Shapes like the popular round cut engagement rings look pleasing on a smaller hand.
A pear-cut diamond has a point at one end and is rounded at the bottom and may also be known as a teardrop diamond. This shape tends to flatter those with longer fingers or larger hands.
Similar to round cuts, a princess cut, with a square-shaped diamond looks fabulous on smaller hands. Set this shape in a more pared-back setting to really make the diamond stand out.
An Asscher diamond is a square set gem that has the corners cut, which helps draw the eye into its centre. This style also looks wonderful on more petite hands.
Cushion cuts are feminine and romantic. This shape combines a square cut with rounded corners, giving it an appearance similar to a pillow.
The radiant cut is designed to maximise sparkle thanks to its intricate facet, which is cut in a similar way to round diamonds despite its more emerald-like shape.
The elongated version of a round cut, these Oval diamonds are beautifully fitted to larger hands and longer fingers.
Particularly suited to larger hands, the marquise diamond is elongated like the oval but has points at either end. Their long and narrow shape creates the illusion of greater size.
Boasting an elongated square shape with cut-off corners, the emerald cut diamond consists of 57 facets to really capture the light and command a room.
The ultimate symbol of love, the heart diamonds have been cut to look like a classic heart shape. They have 56-58 facets that capture and reflect light for maximum sparkle.
You’ve reached the final step in choosing your engagement ring style - choosing the setting:
Representing everlasting commitment, Halo rings feature a centre diamond encircled by a halo of smaller diamonds that offers unparalleled sparkle. This setting comes in many different styles and works with various diamond shapes, so there is something for everyone.
The classic solitaire style will never go out of style. This is one of the most popular ring settings, and for a good reason: this features a brilliant single stone, usually a diamond, so all the attention is on the rock. This style works for various diamond cuts.
To make the centre diamond look larger, you may opt for a side stone setting. This dreamy style combines a larger focal diamond encrusted with complementing gemstones on either side.
Often said to represent your past, present and future, three-stone engagement rings are a beautiful choice for your loved one. The ring’s largest stone is usually in the centre of the trio, and other gemstones, such as sapphires, may flank this. These can be set with a number of different diamond cuts to make it personal to your story.
Taking elements from multiple eras and blending them into one unique ring, vintage styles can often combine Art Deco, Victorian or Edwardian features. These antique-style rings come in a variety of different looks.
At GS Diamonds, we will help you design a beautifully personal engagement ring, where every choice is customised exactly to your tastes.
Book an appointment to design a custom engagement ring with our experienced team today. Join us in our Sydney or Brisbane showrooms to discuss designing your ring, or stop by our Melbourne office to discuss matters with our team. Prefer to do this online? No problem, as we have a convenient virtual service to assist you from a distance.
