Engagement Ring Buying Guide

A solitaire engagement ring is a classic and timeless style of engagement ring characterized by a single, prominent gemstone set on a simple, unadorned metal band. The term "solitaire" comes from the French word for "alone" or "single," highlighting the central feature of a solitary, standalone gemstone.

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• Single Center Stone: The defining feature of a solitaire engagement ring is its focus on a single, often sizable, and eye-catching center stone. While diamonds are the most common choice for this central gem, other precious gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds can also be used.

• Solitaire engagement rings are prized for their timeless and classic design, making them a popular choice for engagement rings. They are known for their understated beauty and enduring style.

Side-stone rings are a type of engagement or fashion ring that features a central gemstone, often a larger one, surrounded by smaller accent gemstones, which are referred to as side stones. These smaller stones are usually set in the band on either side of the central gem, enhancing its overall beauty and adding a touch of elegance. Side-stone rings offer additional sparkle, color, and a distinctive look.

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• Central Gemstone: Side-stone engagement rings have a prominent central gemstone, which is typically larger and serves as the focal point of the ring. Diamonds are commonly used as central stones, but other precious gems, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or colored diamonds, can be used as well.

• Side Stones: These are the smaller gemstones that are set on either side of the central stone, often in a decorative or complementary pattern. The side stones can be diamonds, other gemstones, or a combination of both.

• Design Variety: Side-stone rings offer a wide range of design possibilities. The arrangement and number of side stones can vary, and they may be of similar or different sizes and shapes. The design can be customized to create a unique and personalized ring.

Halo engagement rings are a popular and stylish type of engagement ring known for their distinctive design, which features a central gemstone encircled by a ring of smaller diamonds or other gemstones. The smaller stones, forming a "halo" around the center, enhance the overall appearance, brilliance, and size of the central gem.

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• Central Gemstone: The hallmark of a halo engagement ring is a prominent central gemstone, often a diamond, but other precious gems like sapphires, emeralds, or rubies can be used. The central gemstone is typically larger and serves as the focal point of the ring.

• Halo of Smaller Stones: Surrounding the central gemstone is a ring or halo of smaller diamonds or other gemstones. These smaller stones are often set in a pave or micro-pave style, creating a continuous sparkle around the center stone.

• Vintage and Modern Styles: Halo designs can be adapted to both vintage and modern aesthetics. Vintage-style halo rings often feature intricate and ornate details, while modern styles may have sleek and clean lines.

• Illusion of Size: The halo creates the optical illusion of a larger center stone. This can be a cost-effective way to achieve the appearance of a larger gem without the associated cost.

Hidden halo engagement rings are a unique variation of the classic halo engagement ring design. In these rings, the smaller accent stones that typically form a halo around the central gemstone are set beneath the central stone rather than around it. This creates a stunning and subtle design that enhances the brilliance and overall aesthetics of the ring.

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• Central Gemstone: Like traditional halo rings, hidden halo rings feature a central gemstone, often a diamond, which serves as the focal point of the ring.

• Hidden Halo: The smaller diamonds or gemstones that create the halo effect are set beneath the central gemstone. These smaller stones are positioned in a separate layer just below the surface of the ring, encircling the girdle (the widest part) of the central stone.

• Subtle Elegance: Hidden halo rings are known for their understated and sophisticated look. The design is elegant and adds a touch of luxury without being overly flashy.

• Illusion of Depth: The hidden halo provides depth to the overall design, making the ring appear more intricate and captivating.

Split shank engagement rings are a distinctive and eye-catching style of engagement ring characterized by a band that splits into two or more strands as it approaches the central gemstone. This design creates an elegant and often modern look while providing stability and balance to the ring.

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• Central Gemstone: Split shank engagement rings feature a central gemstone, typically a diamond, which serves as the focal point of the ring. The design emphasizes and enhances the beauty of the central stone.

• Split Shank: The band of the ring divides into two or more strands as it extends from the base of the ring toward the central gemstone. The shank can split into two, three, or even more strands, depending on the specific design.

• Elegance and Uniqueness: Split shank rings are known for their elegance and unique appearance. The split design can create a sense of depth and sophistication.

• Variations: Some split shank designs include twists, braids, or other decorative elements in the split, further enhancing the overall aesthetics of the ring.

Eternity diamond engagement rings are a specific type of engagement ring that features a continuous circle of diamonds that encircle the entire band. These rings are designed to symbolize everlasting love and commitment. Eternity diamond engagement rings are typically used as engagement rings or wedding bands and are known for their timeless beauty.

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• Continuous Circle of Diamonds: The central feature of an eternity diamond engagement ring is a never-ending loop of diamonds that surrounds the entire circumference of the band. This design creates a stunning and uninterrupted row of diamonds that symbolizes eternal love and commitment.

• Diamond Selection: Eternity diamond engagement rings exclusively use diamonds as the gemstone of choice. These diamonds are typically round-cut, but variations may include different diamond shapes, such as princess-cut or emerald-cut.

• Symbolism: Eternity diamond engagement rings are rich in symbolism, representing the eternal nature of love and commitment. The continuous circle of diamonds signifies a love that will never end.

• Matching Sets: Eternity diamond engagement rings can be paired with matching eternity wedding bands to create a coordinated and harmonious set. This is a popular choice for couples who want their rings to complement each other.

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Three stone diamond engagement rings, often referred to as "trilogy" or "trinity" rings, are a classic and symbolic style of engagement ring that features three prominent diamonds set in a row along the band. Each of the three diamonds in the ring holds its own meaning, making this design rich in symbolism.

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• Central Gemstone: In a three stone diamond engagement ring, the central gemstone is typically the largest and serves as the focal point of the design. This stone often represents the present and the strength of the relationship.

• Two Side Stones: Flanking the central diamond are two smaller diamonds or gemstones, one on each side. These side stones are often considered to represent the past and the future in the context of the couple's journey together.

• Design Versatility: Three stone diamond engagement rings come in various design styles, from classic and timeless to contemporary and modern. Some designs incorporate additional accents, such as smaller diamonds or decorative elements on the band.

• Meaningful Customization: The central diamond, as well as the side stones, can be chosen to have specific qualities or meanings. This personalization allows couples to select gemstones that hold special significance to them.

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Engagement rings with matching wedding bands are a set of two rings designed to complement each other and are typically purchased and worn together by a couple. These sets are designed to symbolize the commitment and unity of a couple, with the engagement ring traditionally given at the proposal and the matching wedding band exchanged during the wedding ceremony.

• Design Consistency: The engagement ring and wedding band in a matching set are designed to have a consistent or complementary look. This often involves shared design.

• Fit: Some matching sets are designed to fit together seamlessly, with the wedding band contoured to nest against the engagement ring. This design ensures a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing fit.

• Ease of Purchase: Buying an engagement ring and wedding band as a matching set can simplify the shopping process, as it ensures the two rings coordinate perfectly and eliminates the need to search for a separate wedding band that complements the engagement ring.

• Emotional Significance: Matching sets can hold special sentimental value because they are chosen as a pair to symbolize the beginning of a lifelong journey together.

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Infinity diamond engagement rings, also known as infinity symbol rings or forever rings, are a unique and romantic style of engagement ring that incorporates the infinity symbol (∞) into the design. This symbol, which resembles a sideways figure-eight, signifies eternity and everlasting love. Infinity diamond engagement rings are a meaningful choice for couples looking to symbolize their commitment and the enduring nature of their love.

• Infinity Symbol: The defining feature of an infinity diamond engagement ring is the incorporation of the infinity symbol into the design. The symbol can be made of metal, diamonds, or a combination of both and is typically integrated into the band or gallery of the ring.

• Central Diamond: The ring often includes a central diamond, which is the focal point of the design. This diamond can be of various shapes, but round and cushion cuts are common choices.

• Symbolism: The infinity symbol represents eternal love, commitment, and an unending connection between two individuals. It is a powerful symbol of the enduring nature of a couple's relationship.

Vintage look engagement rings are a style of engagement ring that draws inspiration from the design elements, aesthetics, and craftsmanship of jewelry from past eras, typically the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. These rings capture the timeless charm and elegance of vintage jewelry styles, often featuring intricate detailing, antique settings, and ornate designs.

• Intricate Designs: Vintage look engagement rings are known for their intricate and detailed designs. They often incorporate filigree work, milgrain detailing, engraving, and other decorative elements that give the ring a vintage, handcrafted appearance.

• Inspired by Eras: These rings take design cues from specific historical periods, such as the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, or Retro eras. Each era has its own unique design characteristics, and vintage look rings capture the essence of these styles.

• Gemstone Variety: While diamonds are a common choice for vintage look engagement rings, other gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are also popular. These colored gemstones can add a touch of vintage-inspired color and contrast.

• Antique Settings: Settings in vintage look rings may be designed to mimic the appearance of antique settings, with delicate prongs, unique gallery designs, and bezel settings that highlight the center stone.

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