One of the great things about being human is that we get to choose how we want to express ourselves through our personal style! Besides an engagement ring or diamond stud earrings, I can’t think of very many things that we wear every single day. Clothes, shoes, and even hair products are rotated throughout our life, none are worn every single day. For years. Sometimes, even while we sleep! In my blog, www.angelacisneros.com/post/why-do-we-wear-engagement-rings , I talked about the ancient history of engagement and wedding rings, and today, I want to talk about the various styles we have to choose from today.
Solitaire: The solitaire ring is a plain band with a single diamond set on top. There aren’t other diamonds or gems stones adorning the band because the beautiful diamond on top is the focal point. This style became popular during the Victorian era (1837-1901), but Tiffany & Co. popularized the style with their design in 1886.
Vintage: A vintage style ring does not have to be true vintage as defined by experts as being 50 years or older but less than 100 years old. It can be, but does not need to be. When we talk about vintage rings, we refer to rings that have lots of very small diamonds set on the band. Often, the band has cut out designs and other details like milgraine, which is a small line of beads of gold outlining the design.
Halo: The name halo refers to an angel’s halo atop their head. A halo engagement ring will have a row (sometimes two or three) of smaller diamonds outlining the center diamond. Often, it gives the affect of having the center diamond look bigger or complimenting the center gemstone if it is a colored gemstone, like Sapphire. While this style has been wildly popular in the 2010’s, it was also popular during the 1920’s, although, the style details were very different.
Three Stone: A three stone ring has three prominent diamonds in the center. Sometimes, there is one larger diamond with two slightly smaller on either side, and sometimes, they are all three the same size. Three stone rings can have much smaller diamonds set on the band just as long as the top three are prominently focused. Since the early 2000’s the three diamonds have come to represent a couple’s past, present, and future! Very romantic!
Channel Set: Channel set rings refer to the way the accent diamonds are set on the sides. It is a setting technique that has a line of same-sized diamonds lined up in a row with a channel of gold on either side that holds the diamonds in place. The accent diamonds are set low and do not stick up. This modern style is very clean, sleek, and lasts longer than other ring styles before needing repair due to normal wear and tear.
Pavé: A pavé (pronounced pa-vay) style ring is another style that refers to the way the accent diamonds are set on the sides. Pavé settings give the effect of continuous sparkle because the very small diamonds are set next to each other and held in place with tiny beads or mini-prongs. This style has also been very popular since the early 2000’s.
There isn’t enough room on this blog to go into detail of all the various styles of engagement rings, but these styles seem to be the most referred to when couples come to me for engagement rings. Some styles can be mix-and-matched, for instance, you can have a three stone engagement ring with the accent diamonds on the band set in either a channel or pave style. The possibilities to express yourself are endless, but it’s always best to go with the one that makes you gasp!
I would love to help you with your engagement ring! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping, so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:
One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)
Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)
Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 23 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)
Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.angelacisneros.com/book-appointment
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