Choosing the best diamond ring to give to your (hopefully) bride-to-be is an emotional experience. Navigating through the different kinds of engagement rings to find the perfect one for your one-and-only can be challenging. Here's a breakdown of some different types of engagement rings (custom diamond rings, heirloom rings, birthstone diamond rings, and wedding sets) along with what to look for to match your ring to her personality.
The Diamond vs. the Ring
There are two important parts to any diamond ring: the diamond and the setting. Settings typically are made of the platinum or gold, with platinum usually being the more expensive option. According to Blue Nile, the top Internet retailer of diamond jewelry, "Popular diamond shapes include round, oval, princess-cut, emerald-cut, Asscher-cut, radiant-cut, pear-shaped, and heart-shaped diamonds. Most diamond engagement rings sold today have a center round diamond, with princess-cut being the second most popular choice."
Custom Rings
With a custom diamond ring, you can select every detail of your ring from the cut and carat weight of the diamond to the type of setting (i.e. traditional, vintage, diamond encrusted, colored gemstone encrusted, side stones). This is a great option if you're the least bit creative and want to give your girlfriend a unique and thoughtful engagement ring.
Heirloom Rings
An heirloom engagement ring is one that has been handed down in the family from a previous generation. Heirloom rings are a great way to tell her that your family loves and accepts her. An heirloom engagement ring shows that you view marriage and family in a traditional way, and you are including her in your family's culture.
Birthstone Engagement Rings
A birthstone engagement ring is a ring that is set with your future fiancee's birthstone.It can have a diamond ring at the center or less traditionally, the birthstone can be the central element of the ring. A birthstone ring is a personalized way of becoming engaged and is great if she especially loves her birthstone, has eyes that match her birthstone, or has bohemian tastes. The downside to birthstone engagement rings is that the color of her birthstone may not match every piece of clothing in her wardrobe.
Wedding Set
A wedding set typically features two rings that can either be worn separately or must be worn together to complement each other. Usually the second ring is given at the wedding. Wedding sets are great for the practical-thinking bride who always has her act together and wouldn't be caught wearing unmatched pieces of jewelry.
Eliana Amzallag - Eliana Amzallag is a freelance writer with experience in both the music industry and wedding services.
