Would you know what to look for if your significant other suggested an art deco cluster engagement ring? What about a halo with a princess cut? Or how about a modern geometric setting? Shopping for an engagement ring can be intimidating enough without adding a whole lexicon of terms to the mix (after all, it’s a lot of money and a lot of pressure!). You may be knowledgeable about the 4Cs (if not, and you’re buying a diamond, you should be! ), and the staff at the jewellery store will help you with the majority of the difficult decisions, but there is one thing you must know before you begin shopping (aside from your debit card! ): the type of engagement ring you want.
It will determine the types of stores you should look at, the first question you’ll be asked when you enter the store, and it might even affect how much money you’ll spend. While you may have an idea of the type of ring you believe your significant other might prefer (maybe she has mentioned a few in store windows or on Instagram? You might not be able to explain it; alternatively, you might have picked up on the type of jewellery she already has. Thus, that is the context of today’s post.
In order for you to know what you’re looking for – and what to ask for – when the time comes to make your crucial purchase, we’re arming you with as many engagement ring styles as we could think of.
1. Traditional Ring Designs:
These are the types of engagement rings that may be found in practically any jewellery store. Classic in this context does not imply basic or uninteresting; rather, these ring designs are adaptable, ageless, and can be combined with more odd antique or modern ring settings to accommodate a number of various gemstones, stone types, and metals.
Engagement ring with three stones:
Rings with three, four, or five stones are all very common. A three-stone setting allows the centre stone to be slightly bigger and be flanked by two accent stones, or all three stones might be of comparable size.
Solitaire Wedding Band:
The most timeless design, and with good reason. A solitaire ring is one with only one stone (sometimes with an embellished band). The gemstone is the focal point of these rings, so selecting a high-quality stone is essential. When choosing between two solitaire settings, keep an eye out for the prongs, which are how the stone is secured in the ring and can be either six-prong (as in the example above), four, or three.
Halo Wedding Band:
An engagement ring with a halo features a centre stone surrounded by a band of diamonds or precious stones. Excellent for adding sparkle to a tiny stone or a coloured gemstone.
Double-halo wedding band:
A halo with twice as many gems! For brides who prefer to wear large, statement jewellery, a double halo is a fantastic choice.
Engagement ring with a cluster of stones Cluster rings are available in a wide range of designs; occasionally, they have a centre stone, and other times, all of the stones are of the same size.
Twist Wedding Band:
Twist engagement ring bands are a good approach to give a solitaire setting a modern update. They have grown in popularity recently.
Bezel Wedding Ring:
The stones are not held in place with prongs but rather sit into the metal in a bezel setting.
Pavé Wedding Band:
The band of a pavé engagement ring is covered in stones, making it ideal for ladies who enjoy a little glitz.
Stone Engagement Ring with Colors:
Engagement rings with colored stones can come in a wide variety of ring designs without white diamonds. In addition to more fashionable stones like tanzanite, morganite, or grey diamonds, consider timeless gems like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.
Engagement Ring Bombe:
The woman who enjoys a little luxury should consider an engagement ring with a bombe style, which has a high dome decorated with gemstones.
2. Vintage fashion (or Vintage-Inspired) Engagement Rings:
If you are aware that your significant other like vintage design, values presents with a history, or feels a connection to a certain era, it is likely that she has her eye on an antique or vintage engagement ring (or a new ring with historical design inspiration). Places like Powerscourt Townhouse in Dublin or Greys in London are excellent places to start looking for antique engagement rings because they are a true treasure mine of ancient diamonds. Here are some particular vintage fashions to watch out for.
Art Deco Wedding Band:
The late 1920s and early 1930s are known as the Art Deco period. This was a time of outstanding elegance and exquisite jewellery (think Great Gatsby). You should search for baguette cut stones, fanned designs, geometric shapes, and perhaps a dash of colour in an engagement ring that is Art Deco-styled (or Art Deco-inspired, like the one seen above).
Victorian Wedding Band:
Heavy, intricate metalwork and prominent stones are the distinguishing features of Victorian jewellery, which dates from the second half of the 19th century. Victorian engagement rings are very popular in settings with three and five stones, as well as clusters in the shape of flowers.
ring from the Edwardian era:
Only nine years, from 1901 to 1910, are considered the Edwardian era for jewellery. Oval-shaped settings, bombe settings, flower clusters, ruby and blue sapphire stones, and decorated metals with curls and beading are common in rings from this time period.
Art Nouveau Wedding Band:
Next to Art Deco, Art Nouveau jewellery is the most distinctive and stylized type of vintage jewellery. Since Art Nouveau, which flourished between 1890 and 1900, celebrated the creative arts, its jewellery frequently has a handwritten appearance and is decorated with swirls, pastel hues, and references to butterflies, flowers, and birds. Look for a delicate engagement ring with side stones in the shape of petals, swirling decoration, and beading.
3. Alternative & Modern Styles:
When it comes to contemporary engagement rings, like with anything different, the possibilities are truly endless. Exciting designers from Ireland and other parts of the world are creating stunning and original designs. These are only a few examples of the most popular modern engagement ring designs, but this style truly lends itself to a custom-made ring. For something unique, check out stores like Susannah Lovis
When shopping, keep an eye out for bridal sets (where the engagement ring and wedding band are made to fit together), as some of these designs might be challenging to match with wedding rings.
Currently, molten engagement rings are really popular. These rings employ a rough, “imperfect” cast to produce a contemporary object that nonetheless exudes an air of age and ruggedness. These rings frequently have unusually coloured gemstones and are inspired by nature.
Low-key Engagement Rings:
A minimal ring is essentially what it sounds like: it has a thin band, a delicate setting, little understated stones, and occasionally a geometric component.