A Guide to Engagement Ring Designs

Choosing the perfect engagement ring can be a daunting task, especially when you realize the sheer number of styles and designs to choose from. However, if you take the time to learn about your different design options, you can find a beautiful engagement ring without much hassle. Before you even begin looking at the various engagement ring designs available, consider your bride-to-be and what her preferences are. Does she love bold, contemporary pieces, or does she prefer understated jewelry with classic looks? You should get a pretty good idea of the styles she prefers by taking a look at the jewelry she wears frequently.

Engagement Ring Designs

There are many different engagement ring designs to choose from. Here are a few of the common styles.

• Bridal Sets

Bridal sets encompass the engagement ring and wedding band (oftentimes, even the wedding band for the groom will be included.) These sets are complementary and designed to be worn together.

• Solitaires

Classic and understated, solitaire rings use one central gemstone (usually a diamond) without the addition of accent stones. For a woman who loves timeless styles, a solitaire engagement ring might be the perfect choice.

• Vintage Rings

Vintage rings are either true antiques or designed to look like a vintage piece. These beautiful rings are perfect for the bride-to-be who adores vintage-inspired jewelry.

• Contemporary Rings

If your bride to be prefers more modern jewelry, a contemporary ring will be the perfect fit. Modern style engagement rings are often found in abundance from the latest jewelers.

• Celtic Rings

Celtic rings or other rings that are designed with a specific heritage or culture in mind are perfect for the bride-to-be who identifies with her heritage and desires a symbol of that.

• Customized Rings

Customized rings are ideal if a couple can’t find an engagement ring design they like off the rack. Creating a customized ring offers nearly limitless potential to create a unique symbol of your relationship.

Of course, choosing the type of design you want for an engagement ring is only part of the process. You must also decide on the metal, setting and stones to use as well.

There are a variety of metals to choose from, and the type you choose will depend on what type of metal your bride-to-be prefers to wear and your budget. Yellow and white gold are the cheapest options, while platinum or titanium are more expensive. Multi-tone metals are a unique option to use in an engagement ring, as well.

When choosing a setting, consider your bride-to-be’s lifestyle. Does she lead a busy, active life? Consider a more protected setting to avoid accidental damage or stone loss. There are many settings to choose from, so familiarize yourself with some of the basics.

Finally, while diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, other gemstones are commonly used for couples who want a unique ring as a symbol of their relationship. You can also consider using your birthstones as a meaningful alternative to diamonds or other gems.

When choosing an engagement ring design, the key is to pay attention to your bride-to-be’s personality and style of jewelry she prefers. With careful consideration, you can find a beautiful engagement ring she will love.

Tags: engagement ring designs, Engagement Rings, types of engagement rings

This entry was posted on Friday, June 5th, 2009 at 11:29 am and is filed under Shopping for Engagement Rings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.