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Choosing an Engagement Ring can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. Especially with so many amazing, intricate design choices available in the market today, it becomes almost impossible to pick a favorite. With so many designs, stones, and styles out there, where do we even begin?
But with this style guide, you don’t need to worry about a thing; it will help you understand the basics of buying the perfect ring for your special day.
Let’s break it down, step by step.
Let’s Begin with the Stone
The center stone is the heart of every Engagement Ring. So, choosing the right centre stone becomes the most crucial part in selecting the best Engagement Ring. For many, diamonds are synonymous with Engagement Ring center stones.
Assessing and choosing a diamond requires you to understand its basics, i.e. the 4Cs - cut, color, clarity, and carat of the diamond. These will tell you everything you need to know about your precious stone’s sparkles, its brilliance and its fire.
The same parameters apply to Lab Grown Diamonds as well. They’re chemically identical to mined ones and can be a more affordable, ethical option.
Decide on a Style
The setting is what holds the stone in place, but it also affects the ring's style and how it feels on the finger. Some of the most popular settings include:
- Solitaire: An absolute classic, solitaire designs have a single center stone, putting all the focus on its cut and shine. It is an confident yet understated beauty.
- Halo: A circle of tiny diamonds surrond the center stone, creating a “halo” around it. These designs add extra sparkle and a bit of vintage flair to your ring.
- Trilogy: Trilogy or three stone rings have three beautiful stones set in the centre. These can be all different or the same shapes, depending upon the style you like. Trilogy Rings typically symbolize the past, present, and future. They’re meaningful and visually balanced.
- Side stone: If you’re someone who loves grandeur and glitter, Side stone Rings are the one for you. These are essentially solitaires but with diamonds around the band, adding an extra oomph to the look with a boost of sparkle and shine.
- Toi et Moi: “Toi et moi” is French for “you and me”. These rings have two separate diamonds placed alongside each other, as a symbol of togetherness as well as duality. They create beautiful and unique designs that bring a breath of fresh air.
Each setting changes the mood of the ring, so think about what fits your or your partner’s personality best.
Pick the Right Metal
The metal you choose for the band can change the entire feel of the ring. Some options include:
- Yellow gold setting for a warm, timeless look
- White gold setting if you prefer a cool, contemporary style
- Rose gold setting for something soft, romantic, and a little unexpected
- Platinum setting if you're after strength, shine, and hypoallergenic properties
There's no wrong choice, it just comes down to taste and lifestyle. Some people even mix metals for a more customized look.
Think About the Band
The band itself can be plain and minimalist or full of intricate detail. Some people love a slim, delicate band that puts all the focus on the stone. Others gravitate toward pavé bands with tiny diamonds along the shank for extra shimmer.
There are also twisted, split-shank, and even engraved designs. If you want to add a personal message or date inside the band, this is where that would go.
How the Stone Is Held
It is very important to understand how your stone is being held on your ring. This plays an important role in deciding the wearability of your ring. Some setting might snag on your clothes and hair, while others might hide your diamond’s shine and sparkle. Some settings are more secure than others. The choice of a prong, a shared prong, a pave or any other setting depends on your lifestyle and your priorities.
Consider the Wedding Band Pairing
Some rings are designed to sit flush with a band, while others might need a curved or contoured shape to fit snugly.
You can explore Lucira’s collection of stackable rings that are designed for this very purpose. They come with bands as well as a centre stone ring, so that you can wear both without compromising on your style.
You don’t have to pick out the wedding band right away, but it helps to keep this in mind as you shop.
Custom or Off-the-Shelf?
Custom Rings are great if you have a vision you want to bring to life. A jeweler can help you design every detail to match your taste. It takes more time and usually costs a bit more, but the result is something that expresses your relationship with your partner.
On the other hand, ready-made rings are easier to buy and still offer beautiful designs. You might just fall in love with something in the display case.
In the End, it’s About the Meaning
An Engagement Ring is more than gold and diamonds. It’s a symbol of your story together—past, present, and future. The details like settings and carats are important, what really matters is how the ring makes you (or your partner) feel.
Take your time. Trust your gut. And remember, the perfect ring is the one that feels right.
