https://images.pexels.com/photos/1368691/pexels-photo-1368691.jpeg
If you’re reading this article, chances are you didn’t arrive here by accident; it’s very likely that you started or have been planning a proposal. Whether you’re surprised that special someone with the question or you’re planning it together, choosing the perfect engagement ring is most likely the most crucial aspect. And though initially the choosing and purchasing of an engagement ring seem daunting, it’s more or less about understanding the industry before heading to your local jeweler.
Most in the jewelry industry conduct fair business. However, there are many who don’t as well. If one jumps right in without some knowledge beforehand, you would never know the difference until way later down the road. This is not a full-fledged tutorial delving into every aspect of the engagement ring industry, but if you follow most if not all of what you read here, you won’t go wrong.
First Thing First: Consider Setting Designs
Assuming the reader knows little to nothing about diamonds or engagement rings in general, it only makes sense to start with a few general but crucial basics. There are many things that go into creating a truly valuable engagement ring; a ring that’s not only valuable monetarily but sentimentally as well. It starts with a setting and, as most know, is typically comprised of platinum, gold, silver, or in some rare cases, a mixture of them. Engagement rings featuring more than one type of precious metal are usually custom designs and won’t be found elsewhere. Engagement rings featuring several kinds of stones such as diamonds, sapphires, among others are trending in 2019. Such rings are known as multiple-setting or stackable colored accent engagement rings.
Other Settings to Choose From
There are around 14 or so other engagement ring settings for you to choose depending on what look you’re going for. There is not enough time to share all 14. However, a few of the most popular examples can be found below.
- Tiffany Setting: Well over one hundred years ago in 1886, the jewelry giant Tiffany & Co. went to great lengths to scientifically create a setting that maximized a diamond’s light return. One can easily distinguish this centuries-old designer setting by its trademarked “knife-edge” starting at its shaft and the prong’s design. If any jeweler who is not a licensed dealer for Tiffany & Co. offers a “Tiffany Setting” engagement ring, know it could never be since Tiffany & Co. has a long-lasting trademark license on the design.
- Bezel Setting: Coming in at the second most popular is the Bezel Setting. Less popular for its aesthetics and more for its practicality, it’s more difficult to pin down this setting’s history. However, some historians and jewelry experts specializing in such things say it originates from the Ancient Asian wide oval ring bezels, which was later adopted by Greece between 750 BCE and 323 BCE. The practicality lies in its design where the diamond is set within a ring of varying thicknesses. This “bezel” design protects the stone, making it popular among those who are active and use their hands a lot.
- Channel Setting: Another term often used to refer to a Channel Setting is diamond encrusted. A diamond encrusted engagement ring is designed with “channels” grooved into the band, usually until they touch the base of the shank (the part of the ring that holds the larger stone in place). However, most Channel Settings don’t feature a larger, protruding stone, but rather have many small stones sitting flush with the band. Since there is no chank, this is a good choice for those who don’t want their ring snagging loose fitting clothing, such as sweaters in the winter.
The ring may also have an engraved message inside with a special message. While some people have the date of their engagement or wedding date engraved on the outside. Whatever one decides to do, an engagement ring is one of those life purchases and should ideally convey something unique and special.
Personalized Engagement Ring Designs
For some, picking an engagement ring means going to their local jeweler and picking one they fancy from a display case. However, if you or your partner are looking to purchase an engagement ring that no one else in the world is wearing and has sentimental value, you might decide to design your own engagement ring. Designing an engagement ring of your own lets you create a beautiful, elegant ring based on the recipient’s exact tastes.
Additionally, it allows you to involve them in the process, which might make it all the more special and exciting. For example, if they adore rubies, you can place the ruby in the center of the ring and then surround it with other stones such as diamonds, or vice versa. This is also an opportunity to create a ring that includes the specific designs they like best, such as prong, solitaire, or some other style stated above. And similar to having the band engraved with a message, laser technology allows jewelry designers to etch shapes, words, or 3D objects inside diamonds and other stones.
To Wrap or Not to Wrap: That Is the Question
Once you have the ring finalized and the time draws near to pick it up from the jewelry store, you might want to decide whether or not to wrap it in something secretive or to present it out-of-box. Nothing says excitement like watching them discover the tiny gift-wrapped package and seeing their expression. For this project, you’ll want to set the scene with a beautiful box that delights the eyes.
Most jewelers have specially designed engagement ring proposal boxes. Some of these specialty ring boxes are simply beautiful, while it’s possible to find others that are novel and fun, such as puzzle trick engagement ring boxes. When and how you pop the question is totally up to you. If you’re unsure, there are many videos, both real and staged, that show fun and unique proposal situations. If that’s not something you’re interested in, find one of your friends who have already experienced it and get their advice.
Leave a Reply