FIND THE RIGHT STYLE

Choosing the exact engagement ring for that ‘special someone’ doesn’t need to be as daunting a task as you might think. A little planning before your trip to the jeweler will make the event easier and surprisingly a lot of fun.

• Pay attention when she/he admires someone else’s ring as that could set the tone for what kind of diamond to look for.
• Pay close attention to how your significant other reacts to certain jewelry advertisements.
• Consider asking friends and family what your beloved prefers.
• Notice the style of the existing jewelry worn by your beloved, this will definitely define their style.
• Note metal choices, white gold, yellow gold or platinum.
• Understand the 4C’s so your investment is an educated one.

• Traditional women often prefer the classic round, brilliant cut for its’ overall appealing shape and maximum brilliance or the princess cut for its’ simplicity and modern look.
• Contemporary women tend to love metals …rich yellow golds or cool whites …. matched with understated diamond shapes, such as, dome-shaped (cabochons) or emerald cuts. Another option would be a bezel setting or a marquise shaped diamond for an updated less traditional look.
• The Romantic would most likely be happy with a new ring with a vintage look, so consider the Old-World diamond cuts such as the rose, Asscher or old mine cut.
• The Rock Star personality would probably favor the pavé or cluster setting with the very trendy metal of platinum.
• Women in the Tomboy category who favor comfort over couture would appreciate the look of traditional men’s jewelry such as the flat-top or gypsy setting using a wider band.
• In general, remember if your fiancé is very active, you probably want to stay away from diamond shapes that can easily chip, such as, Pear and Marquise shaped diamonds that contain points that can easily chip. High settings are also more inclined to become damaged from hitting hard surfaces and catching on everyday objects and clothing.

• A broad banded ring is not flattering to a small hand with short fingers, however, it will balance the proportion of a long slender fingered hand.
• A small ring will make a larger hand appear bigger, which is not something any woman wants.
• Take a good look at your loved one's hand and decide what size of engagement ring will look best. You can still choose from all of the styles, but keep proportion in mind ….it’s important.

Explore Your Options. Get Inspired. In choosing the perfect ring there are many features to consider from the setting (prongs to bezels) to the shape of the diamond to the choice of metal.

Ring Styles

Here are some different ways that diamonds are held in a ring. These are known as mountings or settings.

• Bar: Like the Channel but with bars of metal separating the diamonds or gems. It is modern but classic.


• Bezel: This cradles a diamond or other gemstones firmly, and the bottom protective silhouette makes a good choice for active lifestyles.


• Channel: Channel settings are a very popular diamond setting in engagement or wedding rings. Channel settings will place the stones sequentially adjacent to each other with no metal separating them. It is a classic style.


• Cluster: A larger stone with a few smaller stones surrounding it. Allowing for the larger stone to have a focal point, setting it apart from its surrounding smaller stones.


• Gypsy: Inspired from men’s jewelry, the band is continuous and increases in dimension towards the top. There are no prongs and the finish is sleek and clean.


• Pavé: These settings are made up of lots of smaller diamonds set very closely together. They are separated by little beads of metal, resulting in what looks like a continuous arrangement of diamonds.


• Prong: Or claw setting is a very popular choice for solitaire engagement rings. Prong ends are often rounded, but they can be found in ovals, points, V-shapes, left flat or even formed into ornate shapes.


• The Flat Top Setting: This setting has a band that grows broader at the upper part of the ring so that a faceted stone can be inserted into the ring.


• Tension: This is held by the weight of the actual band’s metal, almost compressing the stone. The finish is modern and fashionable.

Diamond Shapes

Round Diamonds are the number one shape chosen by most people. However, for such a unique occasion, consider giving something extra special, like a non-traditional shape of a heart or a pear. Some shapes to consider:

• Asscher Cut: A stepped cut with cropped corners, sometimes referred to as a Square Emerald Cut.


• Baguette Cut: Rectangular with rows of facets, with two sides it is known as a Tapered Baguette.


• Barion: The first Brilliant-cut on the market. It has a traditional Emerald-cut crown and a modified Brilliant Cut marquee.


• Cushion Cut: Unlike the diamonds of today, which are cut for brighter light. This is an antique styled diamond usually only found in antique and estate markets.


• Emerald Cut: Rectangular shape with cut corners or points; it has planes that imply step or stair like quality.


• Marquise Cut: Boat shaped girdle with 57 facets, which is of the Brilliant type.


• Old European Cut: A round shape with a high crown.


• Old Mine Cut: A cushion shape with a high crown.


• Oval Cut: Similar to the round brilliant but elongated.


• Pear Shaped Cut: A fusion, combining a Round and Marquise cut, very sparkly and beautiful, great as a pendant or earring.


• Princess: A square or sometimes rectangular-shaped diamond.Second most popular shape after round.


• Radiant Cut: A rectangular or square shaped diamond with Emerald and Scissor-cut on the crown and a Brilliant-cut marquee.


• Rose Cut: Famous for its flat bottom and triangular top. The profile is round, oval or pear shaped. Not as popular as it used to be a very long time ago.


• Round Brilliant: Round is the most popular shape for engagement rings. It also reflects the most light, giving it more sparkle than any other cut.


• Trillion: Often used in pairs to flank the center stone of a three stone ring. Trillion is famous for its triangular profile cut.

Metal Choices

Consider a combination, known as Two-tone or Multi-tone metals. A combination can give your ring more character and style.

• Platinum: A naturally white metal, pure and rare.


• Palladium: Another native white metal. Hypoallergenic, it is a very good complement to a diamond.


• Rose Gold: A radiant metal flattering on the skin with pink nuances, as it is alloyed with copper.


• Titanium: Light but strong and beautiful. Hypoallergenic and resistant to corrosion.


• White Gold: A rich, bright white metal with a reflective shine. Traditional and great paired with diamonds.


• Yellow Gold: Not as popular as it used to be, but a great choice in a 14K or 18K.