Are you ready to get down on one knee and ask your partner’s hand in marriage? Before your bride shops for a perfect wedding dress, you need the perfect engagement ring for the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Engagement is a timeless ceremony, having originated several centuries ago and was introduced to the world by the Romans. The engagement ring is symbolic of love and commitment. It marks the first step a couple takes to embark on a path of togetherness. Traditionally, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand’s ring finger as the Romans believed it to have the vein that runs straight to the heart. In addition, it is circular, indicating that love goes beyond life itself and has no beginning and no end. Many people across various countries and cultures still wear this ring on the left hand.
But there’s no one “right” ring to buy. Engagement and bridal styles and trends have been changing with frequency.
In this article, you will find all the information you need to know about engagement rings to guide you in choosing the right one.
Table of Contents
Engagement Ring Materials
The following are different types of band materials used in the engagement rings.
- Silver is a precious metal that has been for centuries due to its simplicity, elegance, and value in the market. However, this metal requires regular coating and polishing to stay protected.
- Gold is a classic and traditional material used to make engagement rings. It comes in different carats and purity levels. You will find that rings made of this metal are of carat measurements. The purest form of gold is the 24-carat, though the ring is usually 18 or 22 carat.
- Platinum is one of the most expensive metals. It has a white-silver like appearance. It is super durable, shinier, and comes with the highest density. Wearing platinum is considered precious and is loved for its hypoallergenic nature.
- Palladium is one of the most affordable metals and is softer. This metal is also hypoallergenic, and patina begins to form over it over the years. It is widely used as a substitute for other look-alike metals.
- White gold is one of the most commonly used metals by most couples in the United States. It contains a bit of gold and other white metals like palladium or silver. It gives an engagement ring a full polished shine that looks elegant and eye-catching when worn on the finger. White gold rings are available with designs or feature diamonds on them.
Choosing A Ring Setting
Each engagement ring is designed uniquely and has a set style. It is referred to as the ‘cut’ or how the precious stone, like a diamond, emerald, ruby, or gemstone, is set on the ring.
- Prong: Prong is a metal claw that clasps the gemstone and keeps it in place on the ring. You will find them as V-shaped, flat, rounded, pointed. Generally, the designers set the stones with several prongs that firmly hold the diamond and help them reflect the light shining through.
- The cathedral: This setting is one of the most widely opted one in the United States due to its simplicity and charm. The design sets the diamond high above, making it stand out and easily noticeable.
- Channel: In this setting, the diamonds are arranged into the metal channel on either side. It holds the stones intact as it is often placed tightly together.
- Bezel: This is a contemporary cut that features an overlapping rim around the diamond. You will find them as both full and partial ones. The bezel setting is the perfect one for active people as it reduces the risk of snagging.
- Halo: In this ring setting, you will see small diamonds are arranged in a circular pattern on the surface of the ring, forming a halo. It gives it an ethereal and delicate look.
- Tension: Here, the diamonds are held together securely by tension. These rings look as if the stones are floating between the bands. The stones are anchored well into the metal with prongs or bezels’ help.
- Pavé: It is a French term that refers to a ring setting paved with diamonds and precious stones. They are held together with prongs or small beads.
Select The Stones
An engagement ring is not complete without the gemstone. Here are some of the famous stone options that you can choose from.
- Diamonds: Diamonds are classic and the favorite of most women. It radiates beauty and gives a ring an attractive look, luster, and shine. When choosing a diamond engagement ring, you will have to choose based on the carat, color, shape, design, and clarity. Diamonds come in different shapes – round, oval, pear, cushion, emerald cut, radiant cut, princess cut, marquise, and more.
- Emeralds: Emeralds lend magnificence and a mystic aura to the ring. It is highly durable and comes in different shades – pure green, bluish green, dark green, light green, and yellow-green.
- Aquamarine: These gems are light blue and radiate light, giving them a luscious shine. You will love the flawless appearance of this gem, and it is known to be healing as well. You can get them in light, medium and dark blue colors. Other variants of this gem show hints of green.
- Topaz: Topaz stones are symbolic of wealth and prosperity. You will find this rare gem in blue, peach, yellow, and pink. It has a hardness of 8/10 on the scale.
- Sapphire and Ruby: Sapphire symbolizes loyalty, while Ruby is passion and love. They give a ring a rich, valuable look with their dark hues. You can consider getting a Ruby or Sapphire to grace the finger of your lady.
Show your lady love how much she means to you with the perfect engagement ring. It doesn’t matter whether you choose a traditional one or a modern design; the engagement ring represents the meaningfulness of this ageless commitment to love that you share with your partner.
Infographic – How much money should you spend on a wedding ring
I agree that diamonds are classic. My boyfriend and I are talking about getting engaged this summer. I would love to get a vintage diamond ring.