If you are planning to get engaged, finding the right ring is a high priority. That does not just include the ring size, the choice of metal (usually gold) or even the stone (commonly diamonds, but not always). There is also a choice of styles, with people tending to decide between two particularly common kinds of ring.
Solitaire Rings and trilogy rings are both highly popular styles, but they are very different. The distinction between them is very simple: A solitaire ring has just one stone, which is usually large and dominates. This can be the classic ‘big rock’, although it doesn’t have to be oversized.
By contrast, a trilogy ring has three stones, often (but not always) with a larger stone in the middle. These could be three rings of the same kind (such as a large diamond flanked by two smaller ones), or different stones may be used. As such, a trilogy ring offers more potential for bespoke design.
Solitaire Options
A solitaire ring presents a clear visual profile that can be very impressive, but that is not the only reason some might choose one. It also symbolises love and commitment, as well as purity and clarity.
In effect, it carries the message of ‘oneness’ that tells a bride-to-be “you are the only one for me”.
The tradition of solitaire rings dates back to Roman times (when engagement rings, in the form of betrothal rings, were first used), but diamonds were the preserve of the rich until relatively recently.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be a diamond at all and you may want something that fits a smaller budget.
However, because an engagement ring is something to be worn permanently, it makes sense that the stone should be a robust, precious stone, which realistically gives you three choices: Diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale), a ruby or a sapphire (both forms of corundum, which are a 9). Emeralds, measuring a softer 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, are less favoured.
Another way you can vary things is in the size of the stone. However, because a solitaire ring is designed to emphasise one single stone, you can’t make it too small, even if it isn’t a very large stone.
At the same time, some may consider a comparatively modest size of stone to be a more tasteful and not overstated item, so personal taste is crucial in making decisions about such a ring.
Three Stones, Many Possibilities
Trilogy rings have their own symbolic meaning, each stone representing one of the past, present and future. Like engagement rings as a whole, they have a long history, having been commonly worn in ancient Egypt and Rome.
However, it was in Victorian times that they became particularly popular in the West - and even more so in the Art Deco period in the inter-war years.
The prime difference between these rings and solitaire is the trebling of options when it comes to stones. You may go for three of the same, such as a trio of diamonds. Alternatively, you could go for one central stone of one kind and two of a different sort on either side.
A third possibility is to pick three different colours, for instance, a diamond, ruby and sapphire. Including an emerald in this may be easier to do, as it will be smaller, so less costly to replace or repair if damaged.
Another area of variation is comparative size. For example, you could choose to have a larger stone in the middle and smaller ones on either side, an ascending sequence of stones from smaller to larger, or all three the same.
These variations provide more ways in which you can personalise an engagement ring. There are some obvious ways you can do this; for instance, if you have a favourite colour, this may be represented by the gems. You can also have stones in different shapes, or set in different ways, representing a range of style alternatives.
The Value Of Personalisation
Personalisation can be carried out in other ways on all sorts of rings, whether they are solitaires, trilogy rings or any other design. A prime example of this is the use of inscriptions, which may include both your names, a favourite phrase you both use, words from a religious text or poem, or anything else that you enjoy, value or take inspiration from.
As with any engagement rings, you are getting something you will wear for life, which means personalisation should be a high priority, creating not a functional item just to let people know wedding bells will soon be ringing, but a treasured and beautiful thing that you will both take delight in, representing your deepest affections and highest life aspirations.