May 20, 2012
Unique Engagement Ring Settings
Time to tie the knot? Be sure to shop through several unique engagement ring settings.
For every bride, an engagement ring is the supreme symbol of love. The selection of an engagement ring is a daunting task as it reflects the overall style and taste of the bride. Once you have chosen a stone, the next step is the setting as it defines the look of the ring. The setting enhances the stone and showcases it to its best advantage. Always check a variety of rings before making the final decision.
Mounting is an industry term used for a setting before it is set with a stone. There is a vast diversity of settings available for an engagement ring. An elegant and sophisticated setting adds to the beauty of the engagement ring.
Whenever you are selecting an engagement ring, always add a wedding band to it as the wedding band is of utmost importance, it even outranks the ring in its significance. The best idea will be to buy a wedding set as it saves time and money. Most wedding sets include an engagement ring and a woman’s wedding band and some even have an engagement ring and his/her wedding bands.
Classic and Contemporary Engagement Ring Setting
As you might now be aware, there is quite a variety of unique engagement ring settings.
Prong setting
The prong setting is the most common type. It contains three to six claws that hold a stone firmly in a head or basket. Prong setting can be pointed, round, flat or V shaped. The four claws emphasizes on diamond as they show more of the stone whereas six claws secure it. The prong setting is ideal for diamonds as it permits perfect light exposure and maximizes diamonds brilliance. It is easy to clean and can hold even the most delicate stones firmly. One disadvantage is that it can get caught in hair or clothing.
Channel Setting
This particular setting is known for wedding bands. This setting sandwiches a row of stones. It has no metal separating them. It is perfect for round stones as it cost less to set than square or rectangular ones. Its surface is smooth and provides security for small stones. It protects the girdle of the stone.
Gypsy Setting
This setting is popular for men’s engagement rings. It sets the stone flush into a hole in the ring so that it does not protrude at all. The ring’s metal is pressed and then hammered around the stone’s perimeter to secure it. Gypsy setting is not recommended for fragile stones.
Bezel Setting
This setting hides existing nicks or chips on a stone’s girdle. It is a metal rim with edges which fully or partially surround the perimeter of the stone. Gold bezel setting is not an ideal for diamond as it can make a white stone like diamond appear less white. It maintains a classic and stunning look.
Tension Setting
In this setting, compression spring pressure of the shank holds the stone firmly in its place. It gives a floating impression. Diamond, rubies, and sapphires can withstand the required pressure, so it is ideal for extremely hard stones. The disadvantage of this setting is that its repair options are limited.
To make your engagement ceremony a lovely and memorable occasion, you must be very conscious about unique engagement ring settings.
Vintage Engagement Ring Settings
Prefer vintage engagement ring settings?
Vintage engagement ring settings remind us of the jewelry which was in vogue during the decades of 1930’s and 1940’s. Vintage, sometimes, is also referred to antique jewelry items. Despite these many broad-ranging terms used for vintage products, vintage is primarily associated with any item that is roughly 50 years old.
All women are fond of exquisite jewelry. An engagement ring denotes commitment and loyalty and declares your eternal love for someone special. Vintage engagement rings are best for those brides who love the romantic Victorian era or the embellished settings of antique design.
Some Unique Settings of Vintage Rings
Vintage Platinum Sapphire Engagement Ring
This sophisticated vintage engagement ring originates in the 1930’s. It is entirely constructed in platinum which is centrally mounted with a brilliant colored corn-flower blue sapphire. It is a memorable and comfortable ring ideal for elegant brides.
Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
It is a classic engagement ring distinguished by beveled corners and steep facets. As it is a transparent ring so the cut reveals a classic beauty and elegance. This engagement ring is less flashy and has a glass like appearance. The emerald cut diamond ring looks wonderful on long and tapered fingers.
Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring
These delicate engagement rings are from the 1930’s. They are centrally mounted with a European-cut diamond. These authentic antique rings are embedded in the prongs. These elegant rings have intricate patterns of tiny accent stones.
Vintage Filigree Diamond Ring
These are antique cushion-cut diamond rings. The unique precious stone is secured by a quatrefoil prong alignment topping. These ornately designed engagement rings are the result of immaculate craftsmanship.
Platinum Aqua Engagement Ring
These vintage aquamarine rings exude classic elegance. These rings are from the 1950’s inspired by the popular style of Victorian marquise rings. The graceful translucent aquamarine are mounted within a finely mile grained quadrangular frame.
European Diamond Engagement Ring
These rings have distinct geometric lines with filigree detailing. Classically elegant rings format a stylized and angular octahedral plaque with an eye-catching center stone. The rings are mounted in a lozenge setting within an immaculately chased octagonal frame.
Classic Diamond Engagement Ring
The vintage classic diamond engagement ring features a common prong set diamonds up the side of the shank of the ring. The setting can hold any diamond shape but looks exceptionally nice with a round, princess or cushion-cut diamond. These rings are perfect for classy brides with traditional taste.
Vintage engagement rings have delicate and intricate designs with perfect settings. These stylish engagement rings are well-crafted and additions of beautiful gemstones make them even more elegant and classic. The vintage engagement ring settings are indeed rare and precious.
Make your own Engagement Ring
Would you prefer to make your own engagement ring? You’re not alone.
Engagement rings are enduring and traditional symbols of love and loyalty. They are long-lasting pieces of affection which must be selected and purchased after thorough scrutiny. You should not be carried away and make emotional decisions in selecting an engagement ring.
The following tips must be kept in mind before purchasing an engagement ring.
Keep Budget in Mind
A tactful and clever step towards buying an engagement ring is to determine your budget and decide accordingly.
Careful Consideration
Always pay attention to minor details like the selection of the metal (platinum, gold and diamond). Whether the ring you want is modern or traditional one. Whether you are interested in buying a flashy or understated ring, a careful selection of the stone is a must. Following are all those minute details that must not be overlooked.
Quality Jeweler
A smart move will be to plan ahead and go in to a quality and reliable jeweler.
Diamond as Engagement Ring
Diamond is a very precious, colorless stone which is mostly used for engagement rings. Before you make your own engagement ring, there are certain important factors which must be kept in mind. It is very crucial to understand a diamond’s quality and characteristics.
Shape
The shape matters. There are several shapes of the diamond like round, princess, radiant, oval, pear, heart, cushion and emerald etc. Out of all these round, cushion, and emerald are the most popular, but buy what fits your significant other’s personality.
Cut
The cut of diamond always determines its brilliance. The finer it is cut, the more shimmer it will have. There are three classic cuts (shallow, ideal, and deep). Out of these three, ideal cut is an exquisite and rare cut.
Color
The color has also great significance. A diamond generally has little or no color. A colorless diamond has higher quality grades. So when you make your own engagement ring, always opts for a perfectly colorless diamond.
Clarity
Clarity must be taken into account as diamond has minor imperfections like blemishes and inclusions which can only be seen through a microscope.
Carat weight
Carat weight is basically the measure of a diamond’s weight. It is viewed from the top. Distance in millimeters across the top is carefully considered. The perfect weight of diamond is full or half carat. The size of the finger must be considered. Last but not the least is the certification of the diamond; it is the diamond grading report which tells you about the quality of the diamond.
For buying an engagement ring other than a diamond one, the above mentioned points can be of great help. An important point to be considered is that the darker the color of the stone, typically the more expensive it will be. Whichever stone or metal you select to make your own engagement ring, always buy it after careful consideration.