Need help selecting the ideal ring? There are a lot of important decisions to make when glancing at jewelery. This guide walks you through the basics on how to carefully and systematically start your journey to finding the perfect ring!
Style Guide
There are many different and sometimes confusing design choices available for your engagement ring and its setting. We created the following Style Guide to help you understand and distinguish one look from another so you can select the best combination for you and your bride-to-be. Our goal at Sylvia’s Antique Jewelry is to make it simple to choose your absolute perfect ring. Our Engagement Ring Style Guide explains the many options you have when either purchasing a ring ready-made or designing a custom piece just for you.
There is a lot to think about, so take a deep breath! We recommend you start with your center stone, which will probably be the focal point of your ring. The type of setting you choose should hold your diamond securely in place and complement its fire and brilliance. Consider your bride-to-be’s lifestyle when you choose a setting; if she is the active, sporty type, you may want to choose a low profile setting such as a bezel or basket setting to make sure your stone does not become loose.
Solitaire
This is a classic engagement ring. The solitaire diamond is a single stone, usually held in place with a prong setting.
Bezel setting
This contemporary setting has a thin border of precious metal completely surrounding the diamond’s girdle to hold it firmly in place.
Semi Bezel
This setting has two thin borders of metal that sit either side of the stone.
Basket setting
This setting has interwoven prongs which hold the diamond in a basket.
Halo
One of the most popular settings for engagement rings, the center diamond is completely surrounded by smaller gemstones.
Three stone
A classic look for engagement rings. A larger center diamond is surrounded by smaller ones. It is said the three stones represent a couple’s past, present and future.
Peg head
Consisting mostly of four or six prongs, a peg head is fixed onto the ring shank holding the diamond a little higher than its setting.
Integrated head
Following the points on a compass, this setting holds the center diamond securely with four prongs.
Cathedral
Echoing the archways in a cathedral, the gemstone is held by an elegantly tapering setting.
Settings for accent stones
Channel
This smooth setting has two strips of precious metal that hold multiple stones between them for an elegant and secure look.
Pavé
Held in place by small prongs or beads, the Pavé setting has dozens of tiny stones which gives the illusion of a brilliant, diamond encrusted look.
Invisible
With their mounting hidden underneath, the invisible setting showcases the brilliance of your diamond while eliminating the light blockage from prongs or bezels.
Tension
This modern setting uses tension to hold your stone in place, so it looks as if it is floating.
Illusion
A shiny facet around the girdle of your diamond gives it the illusion of being even larger and more brilliant.
Bar setting
A U or V shaped strip of thin precious metal holds stones in place, similar to a channel setting.
Cluster setting
As its name suggests, a cluster setting features groups of diamonds arranged in a cluster, often multi-level above the height of the hand.
BAND STYLE
Another decision you will want to make concerns the style of the band, or “shank” of the ring; that’s the actual part you put round your finger.
Do you want it to have the Low-Profile classic look?
Or do you prefer a Rounded look?
The Knife-Edge shank has two slanted sides making it look sleek and sophisticated.
The Euro Shank is a practical way to prevent your ring from slipping round your finger, because it is flat at the bottom and rounded at the top.
Comfort Fit more to your taste? The rounded inside edge makes your ring feel more comfortable.
The Bypass Shank actually overlaps instead of being in a continuous line
With so many decisions to make we hesitate to give you more, but there are some interesting ways to add detail to your ring which we think you should consider. The right finish to your ring can create an authentic vintage or antique look or make it look more contemporary.
Filigree
This is a classic finish popular in Victorian and Edwardian times. It gives your ring that delicate, antique look of filigree lace.
Milgrain
Very popular during the Art Deco and other vintage eras, milgraining adds a delicate beaded look along the edge of the ring’s shank.
Hammered
This look adds soft indentations to the metal surface which gives it texture and added durability.
Matte or satin
If a more modern finish is more to your taste, the satin or matte finish gives a soft, textured look that does not show scratches as easily as other finishes.
If you would like more advice about any or all of these important design decisions, do not hesitate to call our expert consultants at 800-969-69308.or Email Us We can suggest the style, setting and finish for your engagement ring that is exactly right for you and your lifestyle. We look forward to helping you make the perfect selection at this exciting time!