Types of engagement rings

Posted by Johny Dean on January 26th, 2014

An engagement ring is a piece of jewelry, showcasing that its wearer is soon to be married. Generally, engagement rings are worn only by women, who receive the rings from their suitors. Engagement, as well as wedding rings, are divided into many categories, depending on their characteristics.

A ring is characterised by lots of features, such as material, stones, setting, shape, number of stones, cut, clarity, colour and carat weight. All these features separate rings into numerous categories, as can be seen next. Regardless of their characteristics, it is customary to wear an engagement ring on your left hand ring finger.

Engagement rings and wedding rings can be made from a number of materials, such as wood, bone, ceramic, glass, iron, gold, silver, platinum, titanium, or combinations. The most common rings used at engagement or wedding ceremonies are made from gold and silver. These metals are highly popular and are related to luxury and wealth.

A special subcategory of metallic rings destined to wedding purposes is represented by platinum rings. If gold and silver equal luxury, platinum equals sheer refinement and elegance. Platinum is everything a woman could desire from her engagement ring. This metal is extremely resistant to wear and tarnish, does not oxidise and is very ductile and malleable.

But an engagement ring is not only represented by a piece of metal, wood, bone or ceramic; it also features a gemstone. The most popular precious and semi-precious stones used on rings are: diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, malachites, agates, tourmalines, amethysts, and jaspers.

As expected, diamond rings are the most wanted ones. Give a lady a diamond and she will be happy for life. Diamonds are precious stones with extraordinary physical qualities. They are rarely encountered in a natural form, that is why they are so expensive. Luckily, those who are on a tight budget can purchase industrially-made diamonds, that present similar characteristics and come for a much lower price.

Another way of dividing rings into subcategories is by taking their setting into consideration. Stonesetting is the art that represents the set of procedures used to place or attach gemstones into pieces of jewelry. There are many types of stonesetting, such as prong, bezel, bead, channel, or burnish.

The shapes and cuts of precious and semi-precious stones are also important to consider before purchasing an engagement or wedding ring. Very appreciated cuts are: solitaire, radiant, asscher, cushion, emerald, pear, marquise, princess and rose. The cut needs to be made in relation to the colour, clarity and carat weight of the stone.

Usually, an engagement ring features one stone. However, if the suitor wants more stones, a popular choice is the three-stone setting, which emphasizes a large stone in the middle and two smaller stones on its sides. Another appreciated, but more expensive option, which is also set to bring more sparkle, refers to a ring covered with small stones, just like an eternity ring.

Has any of the aforementioned types of engagement rings or wedding rings inspired you? If you look for elegant design combined with durability and resistance to tear, we have numerous options for you. Our rings offer the enjoyment of fine jewelry, the sparkle of an endless creativity, and the style of a natural choice.