Select the Right Cut and Setting for Your Engagement Ring

Shopping for a diamond ring involves learning new terminology, research, and understanding your fiancée’s personality.  While many men still prefer to surprise their bride-to-be with an exciting proposal, they are left with the arduous task of choosing the perfect engagement ring on their own.  Before you set out to the local jewelry stores, be sure to freshen up on the basic shapes and settings that are offered.  Having a complete knowledge of the terminology will help you make the best decision possible.

Cut is Most Important

The shape of the diamond is one of the most important features of the ring.  Not only does it define the ring itself, but it has a direct link to your fiancée’s distinct personality.  The actual geometrical shape of the ring comes in many different styles.  Shape is not to be confused with the cut of the stone, which describes the facet angles in the stone.  The more facets the diamond has, the more brilliance it will have.

• Round – Still the most popular shape of diamond.  In fact, they make up more than 75% of all diamonds sold.  The round shape has approximately 58 facets.
• Emerald – This rectangular shape diamond has fewer facets, giving it a lower grade of brilliance; however, its unique elegance has a timeless beauty.
• Asscher – This shape was designed with more facets to add brilliance to the traditional emerald shape.
• Radiant – Also a take on the emerald shape, the underside of this diamond has more facets, making it more brilliant.
• Princess – With a square face, the princess has intricately cut facets that give it an amazing sparkle.  The princess shape has grown in popularity although it is rather new to the world of diamond stones.
• Cushion – The cushion style has an antique quality involving rounded corners.  This diamond is perfect for a sophisticated look.
• Pear – This cut resembles a tear drop shaped diamond, adding some dimension to the conventional round diamond.
• Marquise – A marquise resembles an oval diamond that is pointed at each end.  When cut properly, this diamond can look even larger than it seems.

Choose Your Settings

Now that you have the perfect diamond, it is important to give it the right framework or setting.

Click here to design your own engagement ring and match the diamond to the perfect setting.

• Prong – This setting uses three to six prongs to hold the stone in place.  The prongs can be rounded, pointed, V-shaped, or flat.
• Baguette – Baguettes are most commonly rectangular, and have tiered facets on each side.  They are usually surrounding a larger stone.
• Bezel – The entire perimeter of the stone is surrounded by a metal rim, which can be scalloped or straight.
• Tension – This diamond looks as if it’s floating due to a compression pressure that holds the stone in place.
• Pave – If you have small stones, this raised metal will hold them securely in place.

Give Your Ring Personality

Each ring has a personality of its own.  The trick is matching it to your fiancée’s individual characteristics.  Whether she is modern and sleek, traditional, glitzy, or sophisticated, you can find a diamond and setting that will complement her style perfectly.  You can walk into the jewelry store with confidence knowing that you are equipped with the proper knowledge on what to look for in engagement rings.

Article courtesy of ShaneCo.com