Whether you are thinking of popping the question or the two of you are going to go ring shopping to pick out the perfect ring together, an engagement ring setting is a very important purchase for the two of you.
At first glance, the options may seem a bit daunting -- there are so many choices! Tension, bezel, pave, channel, traditional… How do you know where to start?
Let's take a look at some of the more popular settings and what they have to offer before considering your most important purchase.
Halo Settings
The halo setting is a gorgeous solitaire surrounded by fiery brilliance all around. Perfect for brides who want a little bit of antique and historic beauty with all of the opulence of today's settings, it is the perfect unique expression of her perfect and unique style.
Solitaire Settings
Solitaire rings are a timeless classic. Their simplicity adds to the beauty and brilliance of the diamond, making it a wonderful and strong statement on her hand in any setting. Solitaire rings offer versatility in style, size, and even diamond cut. Choose from round, emerald cut, princess, and pear to make your own unique statement.
Three Stone Settings
Three stone rings beautifully symbolize past, present, and future. They signify the beautiful relationship that you embarked on, the special time that you are now celebrating together, and the wonderful things to come as you contemplate life together forever. They need very little to accent them, as they are all-encompassing in style.
Side Stone Settings
Side stone rings offer an abundance of different styles and even colors as you contemplate how to best accent your center stone. Pair your engagement solitaire with additional diamonds for added flair, or pay homage to each other or perhaps other family members with birthstones that are beautiful and meaningful to you. Side stone rings capture the uniqueness of your love and your relationship, and they will be something you will treasure every time you behold their beauty.
Things to Consider when Shopping
Consider her lifestyle.
The engagement ring setting you choose will be on her hand forever, so it should be something that will fit her personality as well as her style. Think about how the setting you are considering for purchase will fit into her daily life.
Does she have a job that is rough on the hands? Does she visit the gym on a regular basis? Does she work in an environment that requires her to put on and remove gloves regularly? All of these are considerations when choosing the best ring for her, as she is not going to want to keep removing it when going about her daily activities.
Think about her personal style.
What does she like to wear? Does she typically wear a lot of jewelry, and if so, how can you make sure that this ring stands out above the rest? Notice what she gravitates toward, and then choose your engagement ring setting based on her personal preferences. In doing so, you will ensure that she is impressed by your choice.
Think about your budget and what you can spend.
If you haven't done your research, then you will likely be surprised by the cost of something so small. However, there are engagement rings that are ideal for all budgets; do some calculating to find out what you can comfortably afford, and then work within a range that will make her happy and won't keep you running for the Mylanta.
Keep her ring size in mind.
Depending on the kind of setting that you choose, it can be tremendously difficult to have a ring resized. Side stones and pave diamonds are compromised every time you go up or down in size, and you are likely to lose stones if the difference between show ring and the resized ring is too great. Also, if your fiancee has delicate fingers, it won't be comfortable to buy her a ring with a very chunky or large setting, as this will be difficult to wear day in, day out.
Get some protection.
Buying an engagement ring is serious business, and as such, it should be treated as an investment. Most stores offer loss and theft protection up to a certain dollar amount, and your homeowner's insurance policy should also protect you against theft and damage. Buy a ring that offers servicing and a warranty, and then keep up with regular visits to your jeweler to inspect stones and tighten settings, if necessary. You'll want to keep it in prime shape for years to come.
Enjoy this special time together, and know that no matter what engagement ring setting you choose, you are in for one exciting ride as you create your new life together. Happy shopping!