Deciding to propose is an incredibly exciting time - but one that also comes with a little bit of fear attached, as well. What if your other half says no? What if they don’t like the ring? They call it “taking the plunge” for a reason but, of course, that little bit of fear can also be exhilarating, almost part of the fun, in fact!
However, you can help take the stress out of proceedings a little by doing some research into the different styles of engagement ring so you can work out what your partner is most likely to be dazzled by.
Before you start shopping, you can easily seek out a bit of inspiration by seeing what jewellery they currently wear and what styles they seem to like, which will really help narrow down your choices and give you a good place to start.
To help you find the perfect engagement ring for that special someone in your life, we thought we’d showcase some of the more popular shapes and styles.
And, of course, if you’ve got any further questions or need any other advice, get in touch with the Jewellery by Liam Ross team today. We’re always on hand to help!
Princess cut
Princess cut diamonds are one of the most popular choices for engagement rings, as they work wonderfully in practically any style of ring.
Traditionally a square cut with four sides of equal length, these diamonds are always set with prongs to protect the four corners against chipping, so make sure that the ring you’re looking at has this feature.
Depending on how the stone is cut, princess diamonds have between 50 and 58 facets, which is why they’re so sparkly and brilliant to look at, a huge part of their appeal for engagements.
Round cut
If you want to err on the cautious side and be guaranteed that your partner will love their new ring, then a round cut diamond is the way to go. These are one of the most traditional options for engagement rings, although be prepared for the fact that they’re usually a bit more expensive than other shapes.
The most iconic shape for diamonds going, these stones appear as a simple circle when viewed from above. They’re always beautifully and meticulously cut, offering the greatest amount of sparkle and shine, and all the fire and brilliance you could possibly hope for. No wonder they’re the go-to for engagement rings for so many out there!
Pear cut
Pear cut or teardrop cut diamonds are very distinct and elegant, so if you’re looking for something a little different, this would be a great choice. The stone itself is known as a modified brilliant cut, combining the oval and Marquise cuts and featuring a rounded end and a pointed tip.
When choosing your pear cut diamond, look out for excellence of symmetry and make sure that the tip of the pear is in line with the middle of the rounded end.
Also keep an eye out for the bow tie effect, which is a spot of darkness in the centre of the diamond in the shape of (you guessed it!) a bow tie. While this is usually considered to be part of what makes pear cuts unique, you don’t want the effect to be too severe or too strongly visible.
Emerald cut
Emerald cut diamonds are rectangular in shape, initially designed to showcase just how beautiful emerald gemstones were (as you might expect, given the name of the cut). Over time, however, the shape was increasingly chosen for diamonds as well and now it’s a very popular option for engagement rings, as well.
Because the facets of the stone are so large and open, you can see right into the heart of the gem, allowing its clarity and brilliance to take centre stage.
Unlike other styles, the emerald diamond cut is perhaps more subtle with its sparkle but the shape is particularly reminiscent of Art Deco design, so it’s a wonderful choice for anyone who would appreciate timeless and classic style.
Of course, that’s not to say that the cut isn’t a contemporary one and emerald diamonds will always be a beautiful combination of both tradition and modernity.