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A symbol of love, promise and
commitment, an engagement ring is the most important piece of jewelry gifted by
a man to the woman in his life. A conventional engagement ring has a diamond
set in a gold band. Contemporary brides have started to use gems other than diamonds
and precious metals like white gold and platinum as alternates in place of traditional
gold and diamond.
Engagement ring styles
Solitaire: The popular traditional style amongst engagement rings,
the solitaire styled engagement ring has just one gemstone/diamond set on a
mount. The stone is set on a set of prongs and is hoisted above the band.
Vintage: These types of engagement rings might have a previous
owner from the earlier days. These rings have high quality craftsmanship and
surprisingly cost less when compared to new jewelry.
Eternity band: A metal band encircled with gemstones thus forming a
continuous circle signifying eternal love. An eternity band cannot be resized.
Semi- or half-eternity band: Just like the eternity band but the
precious stones cover only a part of the ring. One horizontal row of precious
stones is the most popular style. This ring often has 5, 7, 9 or more stones.
Bridal set: A group of rings designed with both the engagement ring
and the wedding band so that they can be to be worn together.
Three-stone ring: Also known as the past present future ring, this
style has three diamonds set in a horizontal row. The three diamonds represent
the past, present and the future of love.
Unique style rings - These rings are custom-made to suit the
customer's taste, this ring reveals the skill and creativity of the jeweler as
it is a one-of-its-kind ring. These rings are expensive as they are made- to-
order.
Engagement Ring settings
Prong settings: This setting offers additional sparkle to a
solitary diamond as more light is refracted. This setting is suitable for large
diamonds. Six prongs are preferred to set the diamond as they hold the diamond
securely. The disadvantage of this setting is that it can get entangled in
fabric and hair and the prongs might get twisted.
Flush setting: A narrow hole is created in the band and the
diamond/precious stone is seated in the hole. The surrounding metal presses the
rim of the diamond thus offering extra protection to the precious stone. This
setting gives the ring a custom-made and fashionable appearance. The stone
might fall if not set right.
Channel setting: This setting offers extra protection to the stones
set on the sides of the engagement ring. A groove is made in the metal band to
hold a row of precious stones in between the two bars of the groove. This
setting minimizes abrasion of the stone and also allows extra light to enter
the side stones thereby increasing the sparkle of the ring.
Bar setting: A rod of precious metal is used to hold the gemstone
instead of prongs as in prong setting. This setting is a variation to the prong
setting.
Tension setting: Small groves are made in the metal band to hold
the precious stones. The pressure generated from the band holds the precious
stone securely. Rings made with these settings are made-to-order and cannot be
re-sized and are expensive too.
Bezel setting: A metal band swathed around the precious stone at
the circumference of the stone is termed as bezel setting. This is a very
secure setting and is long lasting. Partial bezel settings are also available
providing cover for the side stones of the ring. Bezel setting is very
expensive when compared to prong setting.
Pave setting: Numerous precious stones set in thin, non-interfering
prongs or in groves lend an exclusive look. This setting is getting very
popular these days as the entire surface of the ring is coated with precious
stones. This setting can cost you more, depending on the number of precious
stones used.
Cluster setting: A collection of precious tones that form a
beautiful pattern.
Invisible setting: Similar to the tension setting, but rings can be
re-sized.
Mixed setting: A combination of one or more settings, the middle
stone is bordered by small precious stones.
Expensive Engagement Rings
Traditional view of purchasing an engagement ring recommends that the
prospective groom pick up a ring equal to his one or two month's salary. The
cost of the ring depends on factors like metal used for the ring, precious
stones used and designers who have designed the ring.
Antique style engagement ring
Antique engagement rings are not only unique but they have a charisma of their own. Excellent craftsmanship and
attractive prices make them more alluring. Antique engagement rings are more
than 50 years old. Jewelers refer to these rings as vintage rings.
Types of antique style rings
Victorian antique engagement rings (1835-1900): They are set in
yellow or rose gold and have both simple yet elegant designs and intricate
designs. Many Victorian rings have rows of diamonds and are cut in a style
called the mine cut. The Tiffany six-prong diamond solitaire was introduced in
1886.
Edwardian engagement rings (1900-1920): Platinum was the trend for crafting
these antique engagement rings. Rose-cut diamonds and luminous sapphires were popular
during the Edwardian era. Diamonds were set in channel settings or pave
settings.
Art deco engagement rings (1920-1930): A reflection of the fashion
trends in Egypt, Asia and Native America cultures, these rings were made
with colorful and different gemstones. Platinum and diamond were also used to
make these rings. The diamonds were cut uniquely thus giving a brilliant and
luminous look. The four prang setting was very popular during this period. Art deco
rings are the most popular antique engagement rings for trendy couples these
days.
Three Stone Engagement Rings
An engagement ring that concentrates not just on one stone but three identical stones placed in a row is
the three stone engagement ring. These rings are also popular as trinity or
trilogy rings. The three stones in the ring represent the past, present and the
future of the relationship of the couple to be married. Only diamonds are used
in these rings and they are set in the prong setting.
These rings have three stones and
are set very different from the regular engagement rings. The size of the three
stones is almost the same, at times the middle stone is a little larger when
compared to the other two. Round or square (princess) shaped stones are the
most popular stone shapes because they suit and complement each other very
well.
Tanzanite rings
A variety of mineral zoisite, tanzanite is a gemstone that was discovered in 1967 in east Africa.
The rich blue color coupled with a purple tinge gives the stone a trendy look. This
stone can be found only in Tanzania and in no other part of the world. Tanzanite rings are highly flexible and
cannot be put to rough use.
Tanzanite stones can be set in
gold, platinum or white gold as per the individuals requirements. It is very
hard to cut tanzanite because of its crystalline nature; trilliant cut is the
most popular cut. Tanzanite is very expensive because of its rare occurrence and
has to be carefully studied for cracks and dark spots. Tanzanite rings should
be stored separately to avoid rubbing with other jewel pieces and to avoid damage.
Unique engagement rings
Filigree engagement ring: Carved metal combined with intricate
designs make these rings very different from the rest.
Celtic engagement ring: Endless knots fit in an intricate design;
these are traditional rings that symbolize the union of two people. Different
colored metals are wound over each other and personalized designs or initials
can also be made to order.
Antique engagement ring: Excellent craftsmanship and attractive
price make antique engagement rings more attractive. Typically antique engagement
rings are more than 50 years old. Engagement rings made before 1950 are really
unique and have a charisma of their own. Heirloom rings can be found in antique
jewelry shop or online sites.
Mokume Gane engagement ring:
Japanese styled rings, various metals are used to make these engagement rings.
These rings are very rare to find and are expensive and cannot be re-sized.
Figural engagement rings: Rings that reproduce the shapes of flowers,
plants, initials, etc.
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