How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring
Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a journey filled with excitement, emotion and artistry. Whether you’re traditional or modern, your engagement ring should be a reflection of your unique style and love story. With so many options to consider, navigating the world of engagement rings can feel overwhelming. It might help to start by addressing four key considerations—diamond shape, setting, precious metal and today’s trends. At Brown & Co. Jewelers, you can find the ring that perfectly symbolizes your lifetime of love.
Choosing a Diamond Shape for Your Center Stone
The shape of your diamond is one of the most important decisions you'll make when choosing an engagement ring. Each shape has its own unique characteristics and appeal, so it's essential to find one that resonates with your style and personality.
Round Brilliant Cut: The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular diamond shape, known for its timeless appeal, exceptional sparkle and versatility. With 58 facets designed to maximize light reflection, it’s the go-to choice for those who want a classic and radiant look. The round shape is versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of settings.
Emerald Cut: The emerald cut is characterized by its elongated, rectangular shape and step-cut facets, which create a mesmerizing hall-of-mirrors effect. This shape is perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance and a vintage feel. The emerald cut highlights the clarity of the diamond, making it a sophisticated choice for those who value clarity over brilliance.
Princess Cut: The princess cut is a square-shaped diamond with pointed corners and brilliant-cut facets. It offers a modern look with a brilliant sparkle, making it a favorite for those who want a blend of classic and contemporary styles. The princess cut is particularly popular in solitaire settings, where its sharp lines and brilliance can take center stage.
Marquise Cut: The marquise cut is an elongated shape with pointed ends, designed to maximize carat weight and create the illusion of a larger diamond. This cut is perfect for those who want a bold and regal look. A flattering cut, the marquise shape can make fingers appear longer and slimmer, adding to its appeal.
Pear Cut: The pear cut, or teardrop shape, is a blend of the round and marquise cuts. It’s a unique, feminine shape that adds drama to the ring. The pear cut is ideal for those who want something distinctive and eye-catching, with a balance of brilliance and elegance.
Oval Cut: The oval cut is similar to the round brilliant but with an elongated shape, offering a unique take on the classic round. It provides excellent brilliance and is a popular choice for those who want a vintage-inspired look with modern appeal. The oval shape also creates the illusion of a larger diamond, lending to its visual impact.
Popular Setting Types
The setting of your engagement ring plays a crucial role in the overall look and feel of the piece. Here are some popular setting types to consider:
Solitaire Setting: The solitaire setting is the epitome of elegance and simplicity, featuring a single diamond as the centerpiece. This classic setting allows the diamond to take center stage and is perfect for showcasing a stunning gemstone. It’s a timeless choice that never goes out of style.
Halo Setting: The halo setting features a center diamond surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds, adding extra sparkle and making the center stone appear larger. This setting is glamorous and eye-catching, perfect for those who want a ring that truly shines. The halo can be combined with various diamond shapes for a personalized look.
Three-Stone Setting: The three-stone setting represents the past, present and future of a relationship, with three diamonds set side by side. This setting is both symbolic and stylish, offering a balanced, elegant look. It’s a great choice for those who want a meaningful design with added brilliance.
Bezel Setting: The bezel setting surrounds the diamond with a metal rim, providing excellent protection for the stone. This modern setting is sleek and contemporary, ideal for those with an active lifestyle or those who prefer a minimalist design. It’s also a great option for those who value a unique, understated look.
Pavé Setting: The pavé setting features small diamonds set closely together along the band, creating a continuous sparkle. This setting adds extra brilliance to the ring and is perfect for those who want a bit of glamor without being too flashy. It’s a versatile setting that can complement various diamond shapes.
Top Precious Metals to Choose From
Choosing the right metal for your engagement ring band is just as important as selecting the diamond and setting. Here are the top precious metals to consider:
Platinum: Platinum is a rare metal known for its white sheen and resistance to tarnish. It’s a popular choice for engagement rings due to its durability and timeless appeal. Platinum enhances the brilliance of diamonds, making it a top choice for those seeking luxurious shine.
White Gold: White gold offers a similar look to platinum but at a more affordable price point. It’s made by alloying gold with white metals like palladium and coated with rhodium to enhance its shine. White gold is a versatile and popular choice, especially for those who prefer a modern look.
Yellow Gold: Yellow gold is a classic choice. It’s made by alloying pure gold with metals like copper and zinc to achieve its warm hue. Yellow gold is perfect for those who love a traditional and timeless look, and it pairs beautifully with vintage-inspired settings.
Rose Gold: Rose gold is a romantic and trendy option, made by alloying gold with copper to create its signature pink hue. It’s a popular choice for those who want something unique and feminine. Rose gold’s warmth complements various skin tones and adds vintage charm to any ring.
Today’s Most Popular Trends
Engagement ring trends are constantly evolving. Here are some of our favorite modern trends:
Vintage-Inspired Designs: Vintage-inspired rings, featuring intricate details like milgrain, filigree and engraving, have seen a resurgence in popularity. These rings offer a timeless and romantic look, perfect for those who love the charm of the past.
Mixed Metal Bands: Mixing different metals in the band is a modern trend that adds contrast and dimension to the ring. Whether it’s combining white gold with rose gold or platinum with yellow gold, this trend delivers a contemporary look.
Unique Diamond Shapes: While round brilliant cuts remain popular, more and more couples are gravitating toward unique diamond shapes like pear, marquise and oval. These shapes offer a distinctive look.
Colored Gemstones: Incorporating colored gemstones like sapphires, emeralds or rubies into engagement rings is a growing trend. These gemstones add a pop of color and sentiment, and can make the ring feel more meaningful.
Find the Perfect Ring at Brown & Co. Jewelers
Selecting an engagement ring is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Whether you’re drawn to a classic round brilliant diamond in a solitaire setting or a unique marquise cut in a halo setting, the right ring will be the one that feels perfect for you and your partner. Shop our expansive selection at Brown & Co. Jewelers to find what rings true to you.
