Are you ready to pop the question to your loved one, but aren’t sure which type of engagement ring to get?
Looking at engagement rings can be overwhelming. There are thousands to choose from, so how can you possibly find the perfect style for your special one?
To narrow down your search, it can help to know about the different types of engagement rings.
Check out this guide to learn what they are.
Pavé
A pavé style engagement ring is one of the most common types of engagement rings available.
Pronounced “pa-vay,” the name comes from the French word which means “to pave.” This type of ring is characterized by small diamonds set closely together.
To make a pavé diamond, jewelers drill holes into the ring and then carefully place or diamond alternatives into the holes.
Here are some pros of the pavé style ring:
-
The small diamonds really help to highlight the center stone
-
The side stones help amplify the brilliance of the ring
-
Provides extra sparkle to a less sparkly center stone
-
Can be designed in both vintage and modern styles
And some potential cans are:
-
It can be quite difficult to size and re-size this type of ring
-
Although unlikely, there is a minimal risk of losing the side stones
If the pavé ring is for you, we recommend confirming your ring size early on in the design process.
Halo
A halo ring is characterized by small stones that are set in a circle around one larger stone.
This helps make the center stone appear larger, and it also increases the overall sparkle of the ring. Halo rings come in a variety of shapes. You can even get one shaped like a flower.
If you’re on a tight budget and need to go for a smaller carat, but don’t want to sacrifice the overall appearance of the ring, a halo ring is a great option.
And, while halo bands look great on their own, some people also pair them with pavé settings for diamonds all around.
Here are the top pros of a halo ring:
-
Surrounding stones enhance the ring’s overall sparkle
-
The surrounding stones help to securely protect and hold the center stone
-
The smaller stones help boost the appearance of the center stone
-
You can use colored stones to provide contrast
And, here are the cons of the halo ring:
-
The tiny side stones have the possibility of becoming loose
-
Depending on the number of side stones you use, these rings can be difficult to resize
Tiffany Setting
The Tiffany setting was created in 1886 by, you guessed it, Tiffany & Co.
The Tiffany ring is distinguished by a plain band with a center diamond. And, while you can obtain a similar setting from any jewelry store, the only way to get an exact Tiffany setting is if you go to Tiffany & Co.
Here are the pros of a Tiffany ring:
-
Easy to maintain and clean
-
Has a classic look that will never go out of style
-
Supports a variety of diamond shapes and carat sizes
-
Due to the raised diamond, the brilliance and light reflection is amplified
And, here are the cons of a Tiffany ring:
-
If the ring is high-set, it can snag on clothing as well as other materials
-
As the ring wears, diamonds can become loose
To ensure the diamonds don’t become loose, we recommend having the prongs inspected every two years.
Tension Setting
The tension setting gets its name from the tension of the metal band that works to secure the diamond in place.
As a result, the diamond appears as if it’s suspended between both sides of the shanks. This setting also helps to add extra security to the diamond as it anchors it safely in place.
Here are some of the top pros of a tension ring:
-
Designed to hold the diamond in place securely
-
Has a unique appearance, that’s also stylish and modern
-
Requires very little maintenance
-
Due to minimal metal surrounding the center stone, light reflection is enhanced
And, here are some of the cons of a tension setting:
-
Expensive and difficult to resize
-
If you use thick metal, the carat weight may appear smaller
-
If struck by a heavy object, the center stone could fall off, although this is very rare
In addition to the traditional tension setting, you may also want to consider the tension style setting.
With this type of ring, the stone is actually set in the band. This way, the diamond stays securely in place.
Infinity Setting
This design style symbolizes everlasting love, as the bands intertwine to display a unique figure 8 pattern.
These rings have an extremely elegant and graceful appearance, and the twist of the band helps to emphasize the center stone.
Here are some of the top pros of an infinity ring:
-
This ring style increases the ring’s surface area, which can really help it stand out in a crowd
-
The design helps attract the eye to the center stone
-
Great for those who enjoy symbolism
-
Has a unique, beautiful, and delicate appearance
In addition, here are some of the drawbacks of an infinity ring:
-
Due to the intricate design, infinity rings can require more cleaning than other ring types
-
If you lead a highly active lifestyle or work with your hands, then this type of ring is not the most practical option
Are You Ready to Choose Between These Types of Engagement Rings?
Now that you know about several different types of engagement rings, it’s time for you to make your selection. And congratulations!
If you liked this article, be sure to check back in with our blog for more tips and tricks related to engagements and weddings.
