Types of engagement rings: everything you need to know to choose one

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Evelyn Carpenter

Magdalena Mualim Jeweler

Although at first glance choosing an engagement ring may seem simple, the truth is that there are several aspects to take into account when looking for this piece that will be for life, from knowing about the types of rings and trends, to knowing how to measure the value of a jewel.

What is there to know about the engagement ring? If you want to choose the best ring for your partner, here you will find all the necessary information.

    1. What types of engagement rings are there?

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    A: Designs

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    Per frame:

    The type of engagement ring setting - or how the stones are attached to the metal ring - will directly influence the design of a piece of jewellery. 7 types are distinguished.

    • From pins: It consists of small metal arms that hold the stone firmly in place, lifting it above the ring and into the light, ensuring maximum brilliance and sparkle. There are usually four or six pins.
    • Of pavé: The stones are mounted adjacent to each other, in small, almost imperceptible settings in the band, so that the surface appears to be paved with diamonds or other stones, creating a permanent sparkle.
    • In halo: It is characterized by including a border of small gems, placed in a circle or square, around a central stone, thus enhancing the size of the main stone, while increasing its brightness and brilliance.
    • Beveled: A metal rim protects the stone and holds it securely in place, exposing only the crown or top of the stone. With this setting, the surface remains flat.
    • In tension: Opposing directions of pressure are used on the band to hold a stone so that it appears to be suspended in place. No settings are used in the tension setting.
    • On rail or track: It consists of placing the diamonds between two metal walls parallel to the inside of the ring. The ring can include these stones enclosed throughout the jewel, only in a section or can also incorporate another central stone.
    • Burnished: In this setting, the stones are embedded in holes within the band and set by pressing the metal to cover the girdle of each stone. It is also known as a level setting.

    By style:

    The different types of engagement rings are chosen according to the style of each person, so this is a completely personal decision, but it is key to do a thorough research in the different catalogs to find the ring that most identifies you.

    • Classic: If you want a classic design to propose, you will be right with the traditional solitaire ring, either in gold or silver, with a brilliant cut diamond.
    • Romantic: If there is a metal par excellence that inspires romanticism, it is rose gold, so choose an engagement ring in rose gold with a matching stone. It can be in the same tone, like a morganite, or in a more intense one, like a ruby.
    • Vintage: How to evoke the opulence of yesteryear? The options are many, from engagement rings with a large Victorian-inspired halo marquise diamond to an antiqued silver ring with an Asscher-cut emerald, very 1920's style.
    • Modern: The tension setting is perfect for setting modern rings, as it allows for novel and original rings. How about innovating with a black diamond in an asymmetrical double band?
    • Minimalist: For many people, having a simple engagement ring is much better. And in that sense, a good choice will be to go for a plain silver or white gold band, with a single diamond burnished in the center.
    • Glamorous: The complete opposite of the above. If you're looking for an engagement ring that stands out for its excess sparkle, choose a wide band piece filled with rows of pavé diamonds. Or for extra colour, have diamonds interspersed with emeralds or sapphires.

    B: Stones

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    If you still don't know which stones to choose, it will help to be guided by the meaning of each one of them.

    • Diamond: A diamond engagement ring symbolizes eternal love, the pursuit of perfection, loyalty and the will to succeed. It is also believed to elevate energy.
    • Ruby: This bright red stone represents desire, courage, bravery and passion, as well as protection from danger and misfortune.
    • Sapphire: Known as the stone of wisdom, this commonly blue gemstone helps empower knowledge and facilitates success for the wearer. A sapphire engagement ring also aligns the physical, mental and spiritual planes.
    • Emerald: It symbolizes power, immortality and eternal youth and is associated with abundance and fertility.
    • Aquamarine: aquamarine, a translucent shade of turquoise, attracts good energy, harmonizes the environment, relaxes and brings peace.
    • Amethyst: corresponds to a purple variety of quartz, which represents spirituality. It is considered a healing, meditative and calming stone.
    • Topaz: It is associated with openness, trust, loyalty and truth. It is also said to have therapeutic properties.
    • Morganite: this beautiful pink stone is linked to patience, tolerance and respect, but its meaning is also associated with loving energy and sexuality.

    C: Cuts

    This point refers to the cut of the diamonds of the engagement rings and having this information will be very useful when looking at catalogues or going directly to a jewellery store. You will find 8 cuts.

    • Round cut: is the classic diamond cut. It is a very popular cut because of its traditional style. It has between 57 and 58 facets.
    • Princess cut: is a very elegant cut that shines due to its uncut corners. It usually has 75 facets and is also one of the most sought after.
    • Radiant cut: with straight vertices and cut corners, it has between 62 and 70 facets. It is a clean and very elegant cut.
    • Emerald cut: is a rectangular cut that is larger than the other cuts and, in its flatter part, allows for different shapes.
    • Marquise court: its name comes from the legend of the Marquise de Pompadour, in which King Louis XV commissioned a diamond in the shape of the lips - although some say the smile - of the Marquise Madame de Pompadour. It contains 56 facets.
    • Oval cut The number of facets must be 65. Its oval shape modifies the brilliance of the diamond, making it much more brilliant.
    • Pear cut: resembles a tear or teardrop, as its name says. It is the combination between the round cut and the marquise cut, besides being one of the most innovative rings among the other alternatives.
    • Heart cut: The name says it all and it's one of the most romantic haircuts there is, and it's usually a bit more economical.

    D: Metals

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    Although there are other metals that can be used, platinum, gold and silver are undoubtedly the three most commonly used in the manufacture of engagement rings.

    • Platinum: platinum is a precious and noble metal, naturally greyish-white in colour. It is heavy, very ductile and is used in jewellery with 90 to 95% pure platinum, which increases its value. In addition, the metals used to obtain its alloy, such as ruthenium and iridium, are also heavy and expensive. Because of its purity, a platinum engagement ring will never lose its original colour, at the same time it will never lose its original colour.that will stand out for its hypoallergenic properties and durability.
    • Gold: Gold, on the other hand, is so soft and light that it must be mixed with another metal to be used in jewelry. That is why yellow gold is an alloy of gold and metals such as silver, copper and zinc. For example, 14 karat gold contains 58.5% pure gold. White gold, on the other hand, is obtained by combining gold and grayish-white metals such as platinum, platinum or palladium. While white gold is obtained by combining gold and grayish-white metals such as platinum, platinum or palladium.rose gold corresponds to 75% pure gold, 20% copper (which gives it its characteristic colour) and 5% silver.
    • Silver: silver, on the other hand, is a shiny, resistant, ductile and malleable metal. It is also much cheaper than gold and certainly than platinum. Fine silver is any alloy of silver and copper, where the percentage of silver is greater than 90%. The most used alloys in jewellery are Silver 925 and Silver 950. The former is 92.5% silver and 7.5 % copper,Also known as sterling silver, the second indicates 95% silver and 5% copper, widely used in handmade jewellery, as it makes it easier to work the details.

    2. How much does an engagement ring cost?

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    There are rings for all budgets, from $200,000 engagement rings to rings that exceed 2 million. And there are many factors that influence these differences so abysmal. On the one hand, the noble metal with which it is made, choosing between palladium, platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and silver, from the most expensive to the cheapest.

    Also the price will depend on the stone or stones that incorporates the jewel, whether precious (diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire) or semiprecious (topaz, quartz, aquamarine, etc.), the former being of higher value.

    And the design and level of complexity are other factors that will play a fundamental role, for example, if it is a solitaire engagement ring, a half band engagement ring, a halo setting or a tension setting, among other alternatives.

    For reference, the classic solitaire engagement ring in white gold, with a central brilliant diamond, will cost you approximately $700,000; while a solitaire ring in platinum, with a central sapphire and diamonds bordering it, you will find it starting at $1,200,000.

    Meanwhile, for a yellow gold band ring with diamonds, you will have to pay around $500,000. But if you prefer something more economical, a silver ring with sapphires can be purchased for about $250,000, the value will always depend on the quantity and size of the stones. as well as the thickness of the metal.

    On which hand does the engagement ring go in Chile?

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    For many couples, the engagement ring is even more important than the wedding rings, as it marks a before and after in their relationship. And since it will be a jewel for life, it is important that it is a piece of quality and the complete taste of the person who will wear it, in addition to being comfortable.

    But, which comes first the engagement or wedding ring? The engagement ring in Chile is worn on the ring finger of the right hand until the marriage is contracted. Then, the engagement ring is moved to the left hand along with the wedding ring, also on the ring finger. Why there? According to an ancient belief, the fourth finger is directly connected to the heart by a valve, which the Romans called the "vein of the heart".It is a tradition that finds its origins in the year 1477, when the Archduke Maximilian I of Austria, King of Romans and Holy Roman Emperor, gave an engagement ring with a diamond to his fiancée, Mary of Burgundy.

    Historically, the cornerstone has been the diamond, one of nature's hardest and purest stones, symbolizing fidelity and endurance. In fact, the ancient Greeks called it adamas, which translates as invincible or indestructible.

    4. Steps to buy the engagement ring

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    Once you are clear that you want to formalize your relationship, it is time to find the perfect engagement ring .

    Traditionally, it was the man who surprised the woman with the marriage proposal and a diamond ring, but today it is possible for them to choose the ring together, choose engagement rings for men and women, The groom can give a ring to his fiancé and the same with female couples, and there are many options beyond the diamond!

    Either way, there are a few steps to follow to make the right choice:

    First, establish a budget So, with a number in mind, they will focus only on those they can afford.

    Then, review trends and styles From the classic solitaire engagement ring, to vintage-inspired pieces and minimalist rings, the metal is another matter that you will have to define, as well as the precious or semi-precious stone you want as the protagonist.

    Are you undecided? If the ring will be a surprise for the other person, the advice is to go to your jeweler and check which pieces are the most repeated. Gold over silver? Thinner over thicker?

    Then, with the idea clearer, you will only have to order it, for which you will have to arrive at the jewelry store with the exact size. And for that you will find apps that will make the task easier.

    Finally, decide if you are going to personalize it, by inscribing the date or initials on the metal band. All this, not before having checked that it is a serious jewelry store and that the part is delivered with certificate of authenticity, warranty and maintenance service .

    5. How to care for an engagement ring?

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    Finally, there are some tips you can take to clean your engagement ring at home, whether it is platinum, gold or silver. One technique is to do it with baking soda. Just mix baking soda with water in a small bowl and stir, until you create a kind of thick paste. Next, apply the product and rub it on the ring and even on the stone. Once it is done, you will be able to clean your engagement ring with baking soda.that, rinse it with water and dry it carefully.

    A second way is to create a mixture of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Find a toothbrush with soft bristles and dip it into the compound to clean the ring, wiping it all over. A third technique is ammonia-based. Make a mixture of three parts warm water to one part ammonia. Then, put the ring in the container and leave it there for five minutes.minutes.

    Any of these solutions will make your ring look as good as new, even if the jewel is exposed to a blow or scratch, the best thing to do is to go to the maintenance service of the jewellery shop. where they bought it To avoid damage, try not to wear your engagement ring during household chores, when you go to the gym or play sports, and at the beach or pool.

    Regardless of who gives it or if you both will wear one, the engagement ring will become a treasure that will mark a transcendental milestone in your relationship, hence the importance of choosing it correctly and taking care of it with the rigorousness that such a special piece deserves. Have you already checked our directory of jewelry stores? Don't miss this complete list! You may find the right ring or, at the very least, you may be able to find the right one for you, or, at the very least, you may be able to find the right ring for you.at least, a great inspiration before ordering it.

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    Evelyn Carpenter is the author of the best-selling book, All you need for your marriage. A Marriage guide. She has been married for over 25 years and has helped countless couples build successful marriages. Evelyn is a sought after speaker and relationship expert, and has been featured in various media outlets including Fox News, Huffington Post, and more.