You would really need a lot of planning before beginning your adventurous journey through life as a couple. Planning a future together is not an easy task. Most couples make sure to start off well when they go out shopping for diamond rings together, as the first and foremost step of aforesaid journey. However, they would find this process very intimidating, especially if unable to understand the complex terms used by a jeweler in reference to the grading of a diamond.
You would have to research at least a bit about diamonds and engagement ring styles in order to turn your ring shopping into a fruitful experience, instead of just a confusing one. It is also a good idea to take a cheat sheet containing vital information along with you, in case you forget some of the key points. Below is a guide which would help you out with this.
Engagement Ring Band
The part of the engagement ring that goes around your finger is known as the band. The term probably makes you think of a simple piece, but there are variations aplenty, and therefore many things to consider while deciding on the right band. The first thing you would have to reflect on is the metal itself. Gold and platinum are the most commonly used metals. Gold comes in many shades which include yellow, white, and rose. Platinum, however, is available only in a single shade. It looks similar to white gold but has more durability and strength.
When you finish choosing the material of your ring, the next thing to decide on is the ornamentation you want on it. There are a number of options when it comes to this aspect; basically, you could choose something standard, or something with no decoration. You could add a decorative element to the ring by embellishing the band using diamonds and complex carvings. It would also be a good idea to include miniature metal bead works along the edges of the metal. You could also add a split shank to the ring; under this style the band would be separated by the point where it reaches the centerpiece.
Engagement Ring Setting
The section of the ring that keeps the stone in its place is called the setting. This would most likely be situated to the outside of the finger. Even though the purpose of the setting is to hold the centerpiece securely, it could also change the entire look of the ring by adding a bit of ornamentation to it.
Some common engagement ring settings are as follows.
The Channel Setting
This setting can be seen in most diamond rings which feature rows of stones. The array placed in this setting is held in place by bands of metal that run along either side of the band. It is the metal bars that can be seen outside, and which protect the stones. This setting does not have individual metal separations for each stone.
The Bar Channel Setting
In the bar channel setting, unlike the channel setting, there would be extra bars that separate individual diamonds. This is done to keep each of the diamonds securely in its place.
The Prong Setting
The prong setting has a set of claws that could hold the stone securely in place. This setting could be made using four prongs that lie on each corner of the ring, or six prongs that are arranged in the form of a star shape, or you could include any number or pattern of prongs as you please. The prongs are available in a number of shapes – any of pointed, flat, rounded, and V-shaped.
The Pavé Setting
The pave set make use of prongs or miniature metal beads for creating the impression of a shank that is fully enclosed in diamonds. It is these beads and prongs that securely keep the diamond hold its place. This setting can bring out an extra sparkle in the ring.
The Cathedral Setting
In the cathedral setting, you would be able to see slops of metal that support the centerpiece from one side to the other. The cathedral setting is also known as the contour setting, and is one of the less conforming styles on the market.
The Bezel Setting
The bezel Setting features a band of metal that goes around the stone and keeps it in place. It offers more protection to the diamond centerpiece than the prong setting. This setting would be a good option if you wanted to hide some of the flaws in your diamond. There are two types of bezel setting: the full bezel, and partial bezel. In a full bezel, the metal piece would completely go around the diamond; on the other hand, in a partial bezel, the sides would be left open.