Diamond Engagement Rings Overview

When shopping for an engagement ring you can be presented with quite a large array of options and choices. What center stone to buy? What shape, quality and size? What kind of metal? Gold or platinum?

At least as important as the center stone is what kind of ring style will she like. Perhaps an elegant solitaire or a sparkling pave. However, even within each style category there are options. Will she love a traditional Classic solitaire, or maybe a Cathedral style solitaire instead? Should it be knife-edge or comfort fit? How wide should the ring be? 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm? And so on…

To help with your ring purchase, we’ve gathered together some more detailed information about the various styles, settings and options.

For comparison, we’ve also selected a few favorite and classic representative setting styles…

As mentioned above, the modern “Classic” engagement ring was first introduced in 1886.

Available in the original six-prong version or the more modern four-prong design, the idea behind this “Classic” mount is still the same, a setting that focuses the eye on the stunning beauty of one perfect diamond.

So popular is this design, that most major jewelers have a version (or replica) of it. A well crafted prong setting is strong, durable and secure, allowing the diamond to be shown without detracting from the beauty of the stone.

With its traditional head and knife edge shank, the “Classic” solitaire setting is currently the most popular style for diamond engagement rings.

Along with the Classic six prong design, the 4-prong setting is currently the most popular variation of this setting. The four-prong variant is more versatile than the six-prong as it is capable of handling modern square shaped diamonds, such as the Princess Cut, as well as the traditional round cut.

If you’re looking for a beautiful diamond engagement ring, you won’t go wrong with a traditional “Classic” mount! Visit our Classic Solitaire Style page for more information.

Cathedral Style Diamond Solitaire

A popular variation on the Classic style is the Cathedral setting. The cathedral setting is known by its distinctive curving arches supporting a central Classic Mount.

The Cathedral setting raises the diamond even higher off the band, which has the effect of making the diamond appear larger to the eye as well as allowing more light to enter the diamond increasing its brilliance and sparkle.

Some variations of Cathedrals have a cross support between the prongs for increased durability. The Cathedral is an elegant setting, that focuses the view on the solitaire diamond making it the center of attention.

Basket Style Diamond Solitaire

Another popular solitaire setting is the Basket style. Unlike the Classic setting the diamond is supported in a basket framework. The basket style allows the diamond to be set lower for those that prefer a more subtle look.

The prongs can be slightly smaller because the diamond has the extra support from the basket. The basket setting is also often combined with a Cathedral style for a classic, elegant feel.

With the Basket setting the diamond is more protected than with the standard Classic style and may be more practical for women on the go.

Comfort Fit Diamond Solitaire

A variation on the standard Classic style knife-edge shank (below left) is the comfort fit (below right).

Although the Classic knife-edge is the most popular engagement ring style, some find the edge to be a bit uncomfortable, so most jewelry manufacturers offer a ring option with a rounded surface, called a “comfort fit”.

While in the end it comes down to personal preference, the general consensus is that the classic look of a knife-edge makes the diamond stand out a bit better and is the most flattering setting for a diamond, while some find the “comfort fit” to be the most comfortable. If you’re not sure what you’d like, you could try starting with the knife edge, and if it’s uncomfortable replace it with a comfort fit. Just make sure your online jeweler offers a free return policy!

Ring Band Width

So how wide should the ring be? The traditional Classic style band is between 2 and 2.5 mm in width, with the most popular being 2mm.

For comparison, the ring on the right is 2.5 mm, and the 4-prong “Classic-style” ring fourth from the top of the page is 2 mm.

Currently popular are the “petite” styles with bands as narrow as 1.5mm. You can also find wider rings in the 3, 4 or 5mm range or even more. Again, the ring width comes down to personal preference. If you are not sure, a 2 mm band is a good choice.

Pave Setting Engagement Rings

Second in popularity only to the diamond solitaire, the Pave setting (pronounced pah-vay) is one of the most beautiful and sparkly engagement ring settings. The pave style captures the eye by making the entire surface seem like it is covered in diamonds.

A pave setting employs only small beads or prongs to support each stone, which reduces the presence of the ring metal, while at the same time maximizes the appearance of the pave diamonds.

Although the pave setting is often initially higher in price than the solitaire, the total cost of ring plus center stone is often less as the center diamond of a pave ring can be smaller without sacrificing on the overall brilliance of the ring. Check out our Petite Pave page for more info.

Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings

One of the more fashionable engagement ring styles for 2013 is the sapphire and diamond halo made popular by the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton.

The vintage look of the halo design is a timeless classic and symbolizes the unbreakable vow between husband and wife. The halo accentuates the center stone and increases the overall sparkle of the ring.

Sapphire is the gemstone associated with truth and the soul. In years past, the giving of a blue sapphire signified a promise of loyally and trust, which makes the blue sapphire engagement ring a wonderful symbol of the union of marriage. Visit our Blue Sapphire page for more information.

Floating Diamond Engagement Rings

These unusual rings, also known as “Tension Set”, are becoming more and more popular. Their dramatic appearance, the diamond appears to be magically suspended in air, is made possible by special heat treated alloys, which apply approximately 12,000 pounds per square inch of pressure to securely hold the diamond in place.

An obvious concern is how secure is a tension set ring? An initial concern when first introduced, today however, many jewelers contend that tension sets are just as safe, if not safer, than prong settings.

The “Floating Diamond” setting allows the maximum amount of light to enter the diamond resulting in greater brilliance and sparkle. One drawback with the tension set is the difficulty in resizing the ring, as resizing may remove the tension effect from within the metal alloys. But if you are looking for something different and dramatic, the “Floating Diamond” setting may be just for you.

Other Engagement Ring Styles

There are also a few other styles, such as channel, side stone and 3-stone.

Engagement Ring Education Pages

Visit our Setting Styles pages for more information…

• Setting Styles
  Each diamond ring is as unique as the person wearing it. From an elegant solitaire to a dazzling pave, each style offers its own special beauty.
  • Solitaire
    The solitaire style diamond ring has been the ultimate statement of elegance and tradition for over a hundred years.
  • Pave Setting
    The pave setting is one of the most beautiful and sparkly settings.
  • Channel Setting
    Similar to the pave setting, the channel setting uses rows of diamonds to accent a larger center diamond.
  • Side Stone
    With the side stone setting, you’ll see a large center diamond complimented by two (or more) smaller stones on either side of it.
• Ring Metals
  Yellow gold, white gold and platinum are the standard metals for engagement and wedding rings. But which one should you choose?

Buying Online Education Pages

Some of the advantages to buying your ring at one of the top online jewelry stores are: Quality, Selection, Price, Convenience and Customer Service.

• A Guide to Buying Diamond Jewelry Online
• Designing Your Own Engagement Ring Online