Deciding On the Ring Style and Design
Now that you have a general idea of what your partner prefers in a ring, you can narrow down the specifics of the design. Here are some categories to consider:
Stone
Diamonds are the most popular center stone for many reasons. They have a stunning presentation, and you can customize them using the 4 C’s (cut, color, clarity, and carat).
You can also choose lab-grown diamonds, which have grown in popularity in recent years. These are diamonds that are manufactured in laboratories using chemical vapor deposition or high pressure high-temperature to create the look of an earth-mined diamond.
Color gemstones are known for their symbolic traits like love, healing, and courage. You can customize them with cut, color, clarity, size, infusions, and heat treatments. Some may choose to use their birthstone or a specific color to signify a sentiment.
Metals
When choosing the metal for the engagement ring band, the most popular options are platinum, white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold.
- Platinum can be a symbol of prestige, and it is rarer than gold. Platinum also never fades in color and is best used for a diamond center stone.
- White gold is a combination of pure gold and other metals such as zinc, nickel, and copper. White gold is similar to platinum in look, except platinum is more expensive and it is more heavy and durable.
- Rose gold, in particular, has been used historically since the late 19th century. This metal has a romantic and vintage look to it, and it is still a popular choice.
- Yellow gold offers a warm glow, and they are best suited for faint-color diamonds. This metal is also more affordable than platinum.
Shape
If you do choose a diamond, you can design it with a specific shape. Common classic shapes are round, oval, and marquise, and they pair well with multi-stone rings. The round shape is traditional and naturally flattering with different hand and finger sizes.
You can also choose from pear, princess, emerald, asscher, heart, cushion, and radiant. Whatever shape you select, it will enhance the diamond and overall style of the engagement ring. Settings
When it comes to designing the engagement ring, “setting” takes on several meanings. Overall, the setting is the technique that the jeweler will use to set the stones in place.
When referring to how the stone is held in place, you can use a prong setting or a bezel setting.
- For a prong setting, metal prongs hold up the diamond and allow light to pass through it. Settings usually use 4 prongs or 6 prongs, and they can be rounded, v-shaped, pointed, or flat prongs.
- A bezel setting is an arc of metal that encases and holds the stone in place while overlapping its edges. This setting is more of a protective technique, and you can choose full or partial encircling of the diamond.
When referring to the number and the presentation of the stones in an engagement ring, there are 4 different types to choose from:
- Solitaire: This is a single stone setting. You can use a four-prong or six-prong setting for this type.
- Sidestone: This is when diamonds or gemstones appear on the side of the main stone. You can use a channel setting, where the sidestones are protected, or you can choose a bar channel setting, where more light can enter the sidestones.
- Three Stone: The three stones represent the past, present, and future. The center diamond is larger than the other two sidestones.
- Pavee: For this setting, the center stone is surrounded by small diamonds to accentuate and add more sparkle.
You can also choose a setting design, which is determined by your partner’s lifestyle. For example, if she is often outdoors or active, you will want a lower stone profile and sturdy setting design. If her life is more indoors or involved in social scenes, then consider a statement setting design like a higher stone profile or a setting with intricate detailing.
Custom Designer
Once you have decided on the materials and style for the engagement ring, you can begin custom designing it with a jewelry designer. You can set up a budget with the designer as well as the timeline for creating it.
The jewelry designer will sketch out the design for you using the style and preferences that you’ve chosen. After you approve the design, the designer will begin the work, which is finding the stone, creating the setting, and making the ring band.
The custom design can take anywhere from a few weeks to 2-3 months. However, it depends on the designer you choose.
Non-Traditional Engagement Rings
You don’t always have to go the route of popular engagement rings or the typical choices. If you are on a budget or would like to be non-traditional, you can settle for a birthstone such as emerald, pearl, or ruby. You can also go for different shapes and cuts, such as an old European cut or a rose-cut engagement ring. You can even select a different setting, such as a cluster stone setting or a mixed metal setting.
