If you’re new to the world of engagement rings then congratulations. If you’re beginning to think about them, it must be time to announce your commitment and love, and that’s something of which to be proud. However, if you’ve never put much thought into engagement rings, then it’s obvious you don’t know much about diamonds and settings. It’s to be expected, but you can find out about some basic styles below. Getting the terminology right can make you an expert in no time.
When you pay a visit to your local jeweller’s, you may hear the word ‘solitaire’ thrown around quite a bit. You may know it as a card game, but do you know it as jewellery? Solitaire refers to a single diamond or stone of any size or shape. When someone talks about a ‘diamond solitaire’ it’s a ring or other jewellery with one single diamond.
Diamond Sidestones
If a ‘diamond side-stone ring’ has caught your attention, then it will be helpful to know what it means. Also called a three-stone ring, it refers to a large diamond within engagement rings encompassed by several smaller diamonds. Typically, the large diamond stands out prominently, with smaller stones adding to the overall exquisite design and style.
Halo
When you think of a halo, you think of a circle, usually gold, sitting above an angel’s head. The shape and style of the halo is why a ring has now taken on the same name. There is quite a science involved in creating a halo ring – a design dating back to the 1920s. It involves having a centre gemstone encompassed by smaller stones, with light and reflections focusing on that larger centre gem. Even if you don’t choose a large diamond, it will look even more prominent in engagement rings due to the lighting and reflections bouncing off it.
Pavé
The pavé style of engagement rings is becoming more popular as people look to accentuate larger diamonds within their rings. Pavé refers to small gems that are so close together that they hide the metal settings and look like a paved road. They also give off a brilliant sparkle and shine. While traditionally such a style only included diamonds, it’s now not uncommon to find engagement rings with paved stones such as topaz, sapphire, and even amethyst.
Before you go shopping for engagement rings, it might be a good idea to brush up on styles and settings. It can give you the upper hand when trying to find a style your loved one will adore.
