ENGAGEMENT RING TYPES

Guide to Engagement Ring Types

An engagement ring is one of the most precious and significant purchases you will ever make, carrying both deep sentimental value and considerable monetary worth. As an emblem of love and commitment, it should reflect your unique personality and aesthetic tastes. The setting of an engagement ring is crucial, as it enhances and secures the center stone, showcasing its beauty and brilliance. Understanding the importance of this choice, Albert's Diamond Jewelers has created a comprehensive guide to the various ring settings available. This resource will help you find the perfect ring that encapsulates your love story and meets your personal style.

Timeless Solitaires

Renowned for its rich history and enduring charm, the solitaire setting has been a beloved choice for engagement rings for generations. This design's roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when Tiffany & Co. popularized the classic solitaire engagement ring. Its simple yet elegant aesthetic has remained a quintessential symbol of enduring love.

Emphasizing the center stone, the solitaire setting puts its beauty and brilliance in the spotlight. With no additional stones or intricate designs to distract the eye, the center stone becomes the focal point, showcasing its clarity, cut, and color. This minimalist design guarantees that the natural allure of the gemstone is fully appreciated.

There are numerous ways to set a solitaire stone into a ring, each offering a unique touch. The prong setting, one of the most popular, uses metal claws to hold the stone securely while allowing maximum light to pass through, enhancing the stone's sparkle. Variations of the prong setting, such as the four-prong or six-prong, offer different levels of security and visibility for the stone. Another option is the bezel setting, which encircles the stone with a thin metal rim, providing a sleek and modern look while ensuring the stone is well-protected. Other settings include the tension setting, which uses the metal band to hold the stone in place, creating an illusion of the stone floating, and the cathedral setting, which elevates the stone with graceful arches, adding an architectural element to the ring.

If you’re seeking a ring that grasps the heart of elegance and simplicity, a solitaire setting is an ideal choice. Its timeless design ensures that the center stone remains the star, embodying the profound significance of your commitment.

Dazzling Side Stones

Elegant and sparkling, side stone engagement rings have a storied history and a distinctive allure that appeals to many. Originating in the early 20th century, these rings quickly gained popularity for their enhanced brilliance and intricate designs. Adding smaller stones alongside the center gem, this style offers a sublime balance of opulence and complexity.

The aesthetic impact of a side stone setting is remarkable, providing extra sparkle and drawing attention to the center stone. This design is perfect for those who appreciate a bit more flair and want their ring to stand out. The additional stones can also symbolize various aspects of a couple's journey, adding layers of personal significance to the piece.

There are several ways to set side stones, each creating a unique effect. The channel setting involves embedding the stones within the band itself, creating a smooth, sleek appearance. Prong settings, on the other hand, hold each stone with tiny metal claws, allowing maximum light to enter and creating a dazzling display. Pave and micropave settings involve encrusting the band with small diamonds held in place by minimal metal, giving the ring a continuous sparkle. The bezel setting surrounds each side stone with a thin rim of metal, offering a modern, secure look while maintaining elegance.

For those drawn to a combination of brilliance and intricate design, side stone engagement rings are a perfect choice. They offer a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, making them an attractive option for individuals who seek a bit more dazzle and personalization in their rings.

Sentimental Three Stones

Rich in symbolism and charm, three stone engagement ring settings have been cherished for their deep meaning and stunning beauty. Emerging in the Victorian era, these rings quickly became popular for their symbolic representation of a couple's past, present, and future. The design features a larger center stone flanked by two smaller stones, with the center stone illustrating the significance of the present moment.

This setting holds profound sentimental value, making it a favorite among those who appreciate jewelry with deeper meaning. The past is honored, the present celebrated, and the future looked forward to with hope and excitement. The larger center stone not only highlights the importance of living in the now but also ensures the ring has a striking focal point that catches the eye.

Aesthetically, three stone rings offer a balanced and harmonious look, appealing to those who love symmetry and elegance. The additional stones enhance the overall brilliance and can be chosen to complement or contrast with the center stone, allowing for a high degree of personalization. Whether set in prongs, a bezel, or another style, the three stones create a beautiful interplay of light and sparkle.

This setting is ideal for those who want their engagement ring to tell a story. Its blend of tradition, meaning, and modern design elements makes it ideal for anyone looking to celebrate their relationship's journey with a piece that is both visually stunning and deeply symbolic.

Brilliant Halos

Renowned for their dazzling brilliance, halo settings have become a beloved choice for engagement rings, known for enhancing the center stone's size and sparkle. This setting features a central gem encircled by smaller stones, creating a radiant halo effect. The history of halo settings dates back to the early Georgian era in the 1700s, gaining immense popularity during the Victorian period and enjoying a resurgence in contemporary designs.

The aesthetic impact of a halo setting is extraordinary. The surrounding smaller stones amplify the center stone's brilliance, making it appear larger and more striking. This setting creates a stunning visual effect, excellent for those who adore a bit of extra sparkle and glamour. The enhanced shine and the illusion of a larger central stone make halo settings an excellent choice for those who want their ring to truly stand out.

Halo settings offer various design possibilities, from traditional round and cushion shapes to more intricate floral and vintage-inspired patterns. This versatility allows for a high degree of personalization, making it easy to find a design that perfectly matches individual tastes and styles. The added sparkle and elegance of the halo setting attract those who appreciate timeless beauty with a modern twist.

Anyone seeking a ring that exudes luxury and magnificence should consider the halo setting. Its ability to enhance the center stone's appearance and its rich history make it a favorite among individuals who want their engagement ring to be as breathtaking as their love story.

Explore Your Engagement Ring Type at Albert's Diamond Jewelers

Discover the engagement ring of your dreams at Albert's Diamond Jewelers. Our Schererville jewelry store near Chicago houses an extensive selection including designer engagement rings, both natural and lab-grown diamonds, and custom design services to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Whether you prefer classic elegance or modern sophistication, our collection has something for everyone. Visit us to explore our superb offerings and find the perfect ring that reflects your unique love story. Request an appointment today for a personalized consultation with one of our expert team members.