Key Takeaways
- Start by selecting yellow, rose, or white gold for the ring’s band.
- Choose between natural diamonds or moissanite.
- Decide on a cut for the stone: princess, round, pear, oval, or other unique options.
- Consider whether you prefer a solitaire or pavé design.
Picking out an engagement ring is such an exciting part of tying the knot, but it’s no secret that the process can be overwhelming! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your sweetheart, this is a big decision that requires careful consideration and a little know-how.
To make your shopping experience a little easier, we’re going to break down engagement ring styles into four key elements:
- The band’s precious metal
- The stone (natural diamonds vs. moissanite)
- The stone’s cut
- The ring’s design (solitaire vs. pavé)
Let’s start by briefly answering common questions.
FAQs
What diamond cut is the most timeless?
The round brilliant cut is widely considered to be the most iconic and enduring diamond cut. This cut is famous for its exceptionally radiant sparkle.
What type of engagement ring is timeless?
Pavé and solitaire diamond engagement rings are classics that will never go out of style. With that said, all Madera Bands rings are designed to be timeless!
What are the most popular engagement ring styles?
A yellow gold ring with a round diamond on a solitaire setting is the quintessential engagement ring. For those who prefer something more unique and modern, a rose gold ring or a white gold pavé ring has emerged as a very popular option.
1. Choose a Precious Metal for the Band
The first step is to choose whether you want the ring’s band to be made from yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold.
- Yellow: The classic. Yellow gold is lavish and luxurious yet also traditional and refined.
- Rose: The warm glow of rose gold provides a romantic, chic aesthetic.
- White: Gleaming white gold offers a clean, sleek look.
2. Decide Between a Natural Diamond or Moissanite
The next step for selecting their engagement ring style is to decide if you want to purchase a natural diamond or moissanite.
- Natural Diamond: A natural diamond is a classic symbol of unbreakable love. Although the up-front investment is higher, natural diamonds tend to retain their value better than moissanite.
- Moissanite: Moissanite looks like a natural diamond, but at a more budget-friendly price point. Moissanite also has a higher refractive index than natural diamonds, which can give it better brilliance.
3. Select Your Stone’s Cut and Shape
The stone’s cut and shape affect how it sparkles in the light. Here’s a quick overview of the four most popular options:
- Round: Round-cut diamonds are the most well-known option. They maximize brilliance (brightness), scintillation (sparkle), and fire (ability to disperse white light into color).
Recommendation: The Mae.
- Oval: Oval-cut engagement rings look similar to round diamonds, but the elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger diamond than the actual carat weight.
Recommendations: The Norah, The Bella, The Bella Gold, and The Bella Rose.
- Pear: Also known as a teardrop diamond, the pear diamond is round on top and tapers to a point. The look is elegant and traditional, yet also striking.
Recommendation: The Zahra.
- Princess: The princess engagement ring cut has geometric lines and a square or rectangular shape. This style offers much of the brilliance, scintillation, and fire of round brilliant diamonds, but with more of a contemporary feel.
Recommendation: The Olivia.
Learn more here: 4 Popular Diamond Engagement Ring Shapes & Cuts.
4. Consider the Ring’s Overall Design
There are many engagement ring styles, but two are the most common: solitaire and pavé.
- Solitaire: A solitaire engagement ring has one center stone set on a simple band.
Recommendation: The rings featured in our Engagement Rings collection all have the solitaire design.
- Pavé: A pavé engagement ring features an array of small diamonds set closely together.
Recommendation: The Emma, The Emma Gold, and The Emma Rose are women’s wedding bands that can make wonderful engagement rings, too.
Find Your Dream Ring at Madera Bands
If you have any questions, get in touch! We’ll be happy to provide personalized guidance as you explore engagement ring styles. Order the perfect engagement ring today!