Throughout history, engagement parties have been celebrated with charm and enthusiasm. This tradition is present in most cultures, making it a critical part of human civilization.
During an engagement party, partners exchange their rings to symbolize love, care, and commitment to one another. They also make a solemn promise to take their love and relationship to the next level.
For centuries, gold and diamond rings have been the epitome of grandeur and opulence, but times are changing, and these days, people prefer unique yet cost-effective options such as mixed gemstones, sapphire, moissanite, zirconia, and emerald, to name a few. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you pick the best ring before celebrating your engagement.
Engagement Rings Designs
Engagement rings come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and feel. They can also be cut from precious metals or gemstones or made from a combination of the two. There are several ways to classify engagement rings, but styles and settings are the most popular ones. Style refers to the overall feel and looks of the ring, while setting refers to how the ring’s gemstones are held in place. Popular engagement ring styles include:
1. Vintage-inspired
They have a long and interesting history evident in their unique curves and edges. Most vintage and traditional rings are inspired by the handmade jewelry of the early 20th century. They are not only unique but also beautiful in their own right.
2. Nature-inspired
These rings feature elements that reflect the natural world. Nature-inspired rings feature bark textured, leaf-detailing, or organically-twisted bands incorporated into the design.
3. Romantic rings
They have a more romantic feel thanks to the careful selection of warm colors, love-inspired shapes, softer lines, and edges. It’s worth noting that some rings may seem more romantic than others, making this classification a bit subjective.
4. Modern Rings
These rings are inspired by technology, modern architecture, and contemporary art. Most modern rings combine different materials to get curated colors and texture. They are ultra-sleek and quite customizable.
Besides the styles, the engagement ring setting can have a huge impact on its overall look. Every ring has a head and a shank. The head is the top part that includes the gemstones, while the shank is the part that encircles the finger. Popular ring settings include:
- Solitaire – Features a clean yet sophisticated round design that dates back to the mid-20th century. Solitaire rings can have narrow or thick bands depending on the precious metals or gemstones used.
- Halo – The ring has a conspicuous center stone, often round or with smooth rounded edges. This center stone is designed to enhance the overall sparkle while creating a fine halo around the ring’s head.
- Bezel – This design uses fine metal instead of prongs to secure the center stone in place. The bezel setting enhances the ring’s durability, plus it’s easy to achieve a more modern and sleek overall look.
Other ring settings include pave, split shank, three-stone, and channel settings. Apart from the ring’s style and setting, you also want to consider the ring’s metal. Below are some options for your consideration.
For centuries, gold and diamond rings have been the epitome of grandeur and opulence, but times are changing, and these days, people prefer unique yet cost-effective options such as pearl engagement rings, mixed gemstones, sapphire, moissanite, zirconia, and emerald, to name a few.
Diamond Alternatives to Consider
With several affordable jewels in the market, choosing the right diamond alternative can be daunting. Before picking a metal of choice, you should consider its durability, size, weight, color, and clarity. Other aspects to pay attention to include brilliance, texture, and shape. Here are the common diamond alternatives you can choose from:
Moissanite
This lab-made gemstone contains silicon carbide, and it’s a perfect diamond alternative thanks to its remarkable sparkle, clarity, and hardness. It’s cost-effective and requires less routine cleaning to maintain the brilliance.
White Sapphire
This popular gemstone is a great diamond alternative that’s more affordable than moissanite; however, it’s not very durable and lacks high-level brilliance and clarity. Check out the white sapphire vs moissanite guide before choosing one for your partner.
Emerald
As one of the rarest precious gems, emerald features a perfect cut with remarkable clarity and distinct green sparkle. Due to their elegance and uniqueness, emeralds are gaining wider acceptance as the best engagement rings among the younger population.
Pearl
This is an elegant and timeless option that’s perfect for someone with a unique and classic taste. Besides the eye-catching design, many choose this gemstone for its rich history and organic, lustrous beauty. It’s also touted to symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and integrity in ancient cultures.
Endnote
An engagement ring is a worthwhile investment that’s been treasured throughout history. With the passing of time and improving technology, we now have great alternatives to rare and expensive diamond rings. These alternatives vary in terms of styles and settings. If you are new to the jewelry space, consider working with an expert jeweler to make the right selections for your unique needs.
