Everyone knows what the traditional engagement ring looks like: a gold ring with a diamond. Things have changed over the years and brides and grooms now have a variety of metals, cuts, stones and prongs to choose from. Take a look at our breakdown of all the elements that go into engagement and wedding rings.

Diamonds are traditionally the stone used for the engagement ring. Currently there are many other gemstone options in lieu of diamonds if the bride and groom are looking for something different, or are choosing to avoid diamonds for political reasons.

Other precious stones seen in engagement rings include ruby, emerald, sapphire, the bride or groom’s birthstone, and many others. Think about what you need and are looking for in an engagement ring and don’t forget to check out our wedding and engagement ring guide.


Choosing a Diamond:

A diamond is a big expense and it’s important to approach buying one like an investment. Do your research and remember the four C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat.

Cut refers the stone’s facets, including their shape, number, and placement. Cut affects the stone’s brilliance, which is often seen as one of the most important qualities, because of its relationship with light: the greater the brilliance the more white light is reflected – which is ideal.

Diamonds come in a number of colors. Decide if you want to go with something unusually or more traditional, then check the color grade.

Clarity refers to the diamond’s imperfections. The less imperfections the higher the clarity of the stone. Clarity is determined when looking with the eye and under 10x magnification.

Carat is the stone’s weight and is often referred to by points. One carat is equivalent to 200mg and 100 points.

Pick what material you would like your ring to be made out of. Think about the durability, cost, and most importantly; what look you like. Also decide early on if you are getting matching bands. Sometimes a bride or groom will prefer a different look from their partner and choose a ring of a different material.

Gold: Yellow or White: Yellow being the more traditional of the golds, although white has gained great popularity in the last few years.

Platinum: Another traditional material. More expensive than gold (nearly twice as much), but wont tarnish and is less likely to lead to metal allergies.

Titanium: A material that is growing in popularity that is stronger than platinum and wont tarnish.

Tungsten Carbide: Even stronger than titanium, but more expensive.

Nickel Silver: Cheaper than gold, not used as often and more likely to irritate those with metal allergies.

Wood: An alternative to a traditional metal band. One of the more earth friendly engagement ring options and a unique choice.

Once you know what material you want for the band, it’s time to think about the setting. This tends to be a greater issue when picking out the engagement ring, but is also a point to note when looking at wedding bands that might contain diamonds or other precious stones.

Prong

Half Bezel

Bezel

Pave

Channel End

Channel

Three Stone Tension

The cut of the stone will have one of the greatest impacts on the look of the ring. Cuts go in and out of popularity, so it’s important to pick one that you love. Check out these traditional and not-so-traditional cuts.

Round

Square

Oval

Emerald
 
Pear

Cushion

Marquise

Radiant
 
Asschier


Copyright 2008 by MJI Interactive