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Everything You Need to Know About Solitaire Rings
When you think of an engagement ring, a solitaire ring probably comes to mind. A single diamond atop a simple band has long been a symbol of love and commitment. A solitaire ring is a classic, timeless choice for an engagement ring.
What is a solitaire ring?
A solitaire ring is one diamond set in a band. Solitaires can be set in a variety of pieces, like necklaces, earrings, and rings. Solitaires are commonly set in rings and are a popular style of engagement rings.
The History of Solitaire Rings
The history of solitaire rings dates all the way back to Ancient Rome. Back then, gold rings set with an uncut diamond stone were highly valued. The first diamond engagement ring was made in 1477, when an Austrian archduke used one to propose. This event led to the popularization of diamond rings as a traditional part of engagements in cultures all over the world.
How to choose a solitaire ring
Since the diamond is the focal point of a solitaire ring, it’s important to choose one that looks the part. When you choose your diamond, pay special attention to the cut quality; this is arguably the most important factor of all. It affects sparkle, symmetry, and the overall appearance of your stone.
The ideal carat weight for a solitaire ring depends on preference. Step-cut shapes like the asscher and emerald look particularly good with extra size, though. And remember that the larger the diamond, the better its color grade and clarity need to be.
How expensive are solitaire rings?
Since the diamond is the star of the show in a solitaire setting, it especially needs to be high-quality. The larger the diamond and the better the quality, the more expensive the stone will be. But when it comes to a diamond that is showcased all on its own, it’s worth investing in a quality diamond.
Which cut and settings look best?
Any diamond shape can be set in a solitaire ring. Round brilliant cut diamonds are the most popular and timeless choice for solitaire diamond rings. Less brilliant cuts like emerald diamonds also look classic and are understated as solitaire rings.
Some settings are made specifically for solitaire rings, such as The Alice or The Twig. Solitaire settings with tiny side stones can add tasteful sparkle, like the Solitaire Penelope.
Everything You Need to Know About Pavé Style Rings
The pavé ring uses the brilliance of numerous small diamonds to detail your engagement ring, creating a dazzling display that is fitting for a statement ring.
What are pavé engagement rings?
Pavé engagement rings are embellished with single or multiple rows of small, pavé-set diamonds. The term pavé is French for 'pavéd', describing the appearance of the stones. This unique diamond setting creates rows of diamonds set so closely together, that the precious metal prongs and beads that hold them in place may appear imperceptible.
Pavé diamonds may:
- Partially or completely cover the shank or band of the ring.
- Surround the center stone.
- Be used to create a central feature in the ring.
Why choose a pavé ring?
- Stunning appearance: Pavé detailing adds intricacy and multiplies the reflection of light.
- Versatile design: They add brilliance without distracting from the center stone.
- Exceptional craftsmanship: Requires the expertise of a master setter.
Types of pavé ring setting
- Petite Pavé: Uses extremely small prongs for maximum exposure.
- Micropavé: Sets tiny diamonds directly into drilled holes in the metal, often creating a honeycomb pattern.
- French Pavé: Uses V-shaped grooves to hold stones, creating a fishtail effect.
Pros & Cons
Pros: More sparkle, makes the center stone look larger, and is a cost-effective way to increase total carat weight.
Cons: Not understated, can snag on fabrics, resizing is difficult, and there is a risk of losing small stones over time.
Everything You Need to Know About Side Stone Rings
Many engagement ring styles come with side stones. You’ll see them in pave rings, three-stone rings, accented rings, and more. Side stones, also called accent stones, are smaller gems on either side of the center stone.
What are Side Stones?
There are 3 common styles of settings with side stones:
- Pave: Adds all-over sparkle and draws attention away from the gold.
- Three-stone rings: Adds size and sparkle, changing the silhouette of the ring.
- Accent stones: Usually small, meant to jazz a ring up without changing its look too much.
How Big Should Side Stones Be?
Side stones need to be sized carefully. Otherwise, they can overpower the center stone or become invisible next to it.
- Three-stone rings: Accent stones should be a quarter to a third of the center stone’s size.
- Pave rings: Total carat weight varies greatly.
- Accent rings: A little goes a long way.
Which Cuts Look Best as Side Stones?
Side stones can be cut in most shapes. Common choices include baguette, marquise, square, round, and pear. In pave settings, round and square side stones are the norm.
Are Side Stone Engagement Rings In Style?
Engagement rings featuring side stones are timeless and always in style. Celebrities who’ve recently bought or received side stone engagement rings include Meghan Markle, Heidi Klum, and Priyanka Chopra.
Everything You Need to Know About Three Stone Rings
The three-stone engagement ring is a scintillating design that has remained popular since its introduction over 20 years ago. It is composed of a large center diamond flanked by two smaller diamonds.
This style is also known as a Trinity ring, Trilogy ring, or a "Past, Present, and Future" ring.
History of the three stone engagement ring
In the early 2000s, a highly popular marketing campaign captured the public imagination with the phrase “Past, Present, and Future”. The popularity continued to rise, further boosted by Prince Harry’s custom three-stone ring for Meghan Markle.
What to look for
- Proportions: Accent stones that are a third or half the size of the center stone are most pleasing.
- Quality: The cut is especially important for bringing out the fire and brilliance of the diamonds.
- Minimalist Setting: A simple band allows the stones to speak for themselves.
Diamond combinations
- Round brilliant: A classic choice.
- Pear: Beautifully flanks a center stone without detracting from its brilliance.
- Tapered baguette: Provides a flattering accent, adapting well to the curve of the ring.
- Trillion: Triangular side stones that look larger than their carat size.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Enjoy the brilliance of three large stones, greater diamond coverage, and the ability to customize combinations.
Cons: Not traditional, and requires more maintenance/cleaning than a single-stone design.
Everything You Need to Know About Halo Rings
Captivating, radiant, and timeless, halo engagement rings are a firm favorite. A halo setting features a circle of smaller accent diamonds surrounding the center stone. This design adds brilliance and makes the center stone look larger.
History of the Halo Setting
The modern halo engagement ring gained prominence in the Art Deco era of the 1920s. Geometric and symmetrical designs were in vogue. In recent decades, the halo setting has experienced a resurgence in popularity, propelled by celebrities.
What is So Special About Halo Engagement Rings?
The allure lies in its ability to enhance the appearance of the center stone. It creates the illusion of a larger, more radiant center stone. For those who can’t get enough sparkle, a double halo creates an extra layer of brilliance.
Best Diamond Cuts for the Halo Setting
- Round Brilliant: A classic choice for exceptional sparkle.
- Cushion Cut: Romantic and vintage-inspired; appears even larger with a halo.
- Princess Cut: Modern square shape contrasts beautifully with the halo.
- Oval & Pear: Elongated shapes that look graceful and elegant with a halo.
- Radiant Cut: Brilliant faceting maximized by the surrounding stones.
Advantages vs Disadvantages
Advantages: Enhanced brilliance, illusion of size, added protection for the center stone, and vintage appeal.
Disadvantages: Complexity in cleaning (dust accumulates in crevices), potential reduced center stone visibility if the halo is too thick, and higher cost due to additional stones.
Everything You Need to Know About Vintage Rings
What is a vintage engagement ring?
Vintage engagement rings are from between 20 and 100 years ago. Beyond this period, a ring becomes antique. Vintage-inspired engagement rings are new creations that copy designs from leading vintage eras.
Ring Trends through the Decades
- Art Deco (1920s): Opulent, geometric designs, triangular shapes, and sleek finishes.
- Retro (1940s-1960s): The round brilliant cut came to the forefront with inventive settings.
- Mid-Century (1950s): Unrivaled glamour, perfect for the "Mad Men" aesthetic.
- New Romantic (1980s): Lace, velvet, diamonds, and pearls (think Princess Diana).
- Minimalist (1990s): Understated style, clean lines, and a preference for white gold and platinum.
Why choose a vintage-inspired ring?
- Ethical choice: Vintage-inspired rings can be made sustainably and conflict-free.
- Always on-trend: Contemporary fashion frequently revisits vintage eras.
Authentic vs. Vintage Inspired
While authentic vintage rings are beautiful, they have downsides: stones may be less brilliant due to old cutting techniques, prongs may be loose or fragile, resizing can be a challenge, and matching a wedding band to a unique vintage silhouette is often difficult.
