The diamond ring is a timeless symbol of commitment and love. Since ancient Egyptians slipped rings on one another’s ring finger–chosen because it’s believed to connect directly to the heart–it has become an important symbol in many cultures.
Origins
When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds remain the most popular choice for many women. The beautiful and precious stones of a diamond engagement ring are a symbol of purity, strength, and eternal love. The history of diamonds is much older than you think. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring to signify their betrothal. The tradition of giving a ring with a diamond to symbolize an engagement began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary de Burgundy with a diamond ring.
At that time diamonds were very rare and expensive. It was only after large deposits were discovered in South Africa in 1870 that the price of diamonds began to drop and they became more affordable for aristocracy and royalty to purchase. European jewelers began to develop techniques for enhancing the beauty of diamonds, including cutting facets. King Louis XV had his diamond cut in the shape of his mistress Madame de Pompadour’s lips.
By the 1950s diamonds were more affordable for the average person, and a greater number of brides received diamond engagement rings. Hollywood stars, such as Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe also helped spark interest in these gorgeous gemstones. The 1949 cult classic film, Gentleman Prefer Blondes, which featured Marilyn Monroe wearing a diamond engagement ring with the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” further catapulted these precious rings into popular culture.
In 1947, the largest diamond company, De Beers, launched an advertising campaign using the slogan A Diamond Is Forever to encourage people to purchase these beautiful and romantic pieces of jewelry. De Beers’s advertising budget went from $200,000 to $10 million a year over that period and it was well worth it, as wholesale diamond sales grew from $23 million to $2.1 billion.
Styles
There are a variety of diamond engagement ring styles, each with its own style. These rings range from minimalist to decorative, with each detail revealing something about the person who wears it.
The round cut has been the most popular shape for rings over the years. Its facets play with the light and give it a beautiful shine. Round-cut diamonds can be set in a variety of ways and paired with any gemstone or ring.
Other ring shapes, like the princess cut, pear cut, and oval cut, are also common choices. Pear and oval shapes are more geometrical, angular styles, while the princess shape is more refined.
Consider a channel-set ring if you’re looking for a modern style. This setting features a narrow strip of diamonds set between two parallel walls, creating a sleek, contemporary look. This ring is also perfect for showcasing large center stones.
A bar engagement ring can be a modern type of ring. Its minimal, simple style creates a modern aesthetic and is ideal for accenting center diamonds with smaller side gemstones or other stones.
For those who like a more traditional look, the cathedral engagement rings are a good choice. This ring setting is named for its architectural elements, which include sloping arches. It lifts the stone to give it a greater sense of presence and majesty. This ring setting is also great for showcasing large center stones. It can be customized with a variety stone types, such as sapphires and rubies.
The classic three-stone setting, also called the trinity or trio setting, features a large center stone flanked on either side by smaller stones. This engagement ring design is often thought to represent the past, present, and future of a couple’s relationship. This ring can be customized to include any gemstones or ring shape. It is a great option for those who are looking for a traditional ring with a modern twist.
Setting
The setting is the ring’s framework, and it can be as elaborate or simple as the wearer wants. It’s an important design element that determines both the style and durability of a ring as well as the price.
The most common type is the prong. This is made up of thin strips of precious material that hold a stone in place. It is ideal for round diamonds, which are a traditional choice due to their beautiful sparkle. However, this classic shape can also work beautifully with other gemstones and a variety of diamond shapes.
A bezel setting is another option that provides more security than prongs, as the diamond is encased by a thin strip of metal. This style comes in full or partial bezels. A full bezel covers the entire diamond, whereas a partial one leaves part of it exposed. This style is perfect for those who are looking for a ring with a high level of security that won’t damage or snag.
Bar engagement rings are another style which offers a unique and secure look. The diamonds or other gemstones are set between bars of precious metal that run parallel to the finger for a modern and minimalist aesthetic. This style can be paired up with other settings types, such as channel settings, bezels or flush settings, to achieve the desired effect.
There are options for those who wish to add side stones to their ring. They can be used as an accent, like a heart or flower, or to represent each person in a couple. Two-stone rings can be set as a cluster, bezel, or pave setting. They are a representation of two souls joining together.
A cathedral setting is another option. It features arches of precious metallic that tower over the central stone to make it look larger and more stunning. This style can be more delicate and you should have the prongs regularly checked to ensure that they are protected from damage and snagging.
Gemstones
Diamonds make a stunning choice for an engagement ring, but you have many other options. Some couples like to express themselves through colour, with vibrant reds and pinks, or cool fresh greens. Others prefer a more natural, rugged look. Some popular gemstones that make great engagement rings include rubies, sapphires and tanzanite. These stones are durable, but require some extra care. Keep them in a safe location and remove them when you are doing manual work or going to the gym.
Other gemstones that can be used for engagement rings include opals and turquoise, but they are often not as durable as diamonds. Pearls can also be damaged easily, making them a poor choice for engagement rings.
Alternatively, you can choose a beautiful London blue topaz. This gem has an affordable price and a deep blue color. It’s becoming more fashionable, particularly in modern styles with a pretty diamond halo.
Rose quartz is another pretty pink option. It is slightly cloudy in colour and can be quite delicate, but modern designers have been using it to make gorgeous contemporary engagement rings.
Finally, you could opt for a nice peridot. This lovely olive-green gemstone has a long tradition as a symbol for admiration. It can be a good match with the romance of a wedding.
There are plenty of other choices for engagement rings, but a diamond is still the most classic and popular choice. There are a lot of considerations to take into account, and it’s worth talking to a trusted jeweller who can help you make the right decision. The most important thing about your ring is what it represents. A diamond shows an eternal commitment to someone you love.
