There are two main groups of nearly-engaged people.

Group 1: The dreamers

Those that have been daydreaming from a young age, pinning to their ‘dream ring’ Pinterest board, cycling through new styles year after year, and eagerly anticipating the day they get to turn those day dreams into reality.

If this sounds like you, you’ve probably had at least a handful of favorites over the years and now that it’s time to think seriously, you may be a bit overwhelmed at the thought of narrowing it down to the perfect ring for you.

Group 2: The realists

Those who haven’t wasted any time pining after their perfect ring aesthetic simply because the time hadn’t yet called for it.

If this sounds like you, the excitement has probably been there but you’ve been waiting on alignment, and now that it’s near, you’re not sure where to start.

Whether you fall into one group, the other, or somewhere in between, my hope is that after reading this guide, you’ll have a much clearer idea of the considerations that go into an engagement ring and be one step closer to bringing your vision to life.

Diamond Shape

Shape refers to the outline of your diamond. Diamonds are classified into two categories of shape - (1) round brilliant and (2) fancy shape. So, any diamond that is not a modern round brilliant cut diamond falls in the classification of fancy shaped. This includes oval, radiant, asscher, emerald, marquise, cushion, old European, etc.

Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a round brilliant cut, the romantic allure of a pear shape, or the modern sophistication of an emerald, your stone selection is a personal statement.

Prong vs. Bezel Setting

You can’t go wrong with either style but deciding which setting you prefer is a great place to start.

The timeless prong setting uses metal claws to hold your diamond in place, allowing maximum exposure to light. This enhances the brilliance of the diamond so if you’re after maximal sparkle, this setting may be your preference. This setting is perfect for those who prefer a classic choice over the moment’s trends. Prongs can make your ring feel more delicate, feminine and romantic, complementing traditional shapes like round and oval diamonds really beautifully.

While a prong setting will naturally expose your diamond to more wear, a bezel provides a fully enclosed outline of metal surrounding your stone. If you want a bolder modern look, a bezel is a gorgeous option. Not only is it a very secure setting, but it’s clean, fresh and daring while still timeless in its own way. The metal in a bezel setting is bent around the outer diameter of the diamond, so it really showcases a unique diamond shape- like an emerald, marquise, cushion or pear- beautifully.

Setting Details

Details matter, so we are here to make sure you get each of them just right… for you! There are two primary types of engagement ring settings: (1) cathedral and (2) non-cathedral.

A cathedral setting (on the left) is the more traditional, safe way to design an engagement ring. To some it feels timeless, a forever style, while others will find it to feel dated. If you fall into the latter group, you will probably favor a non-cathedral setting (on the right).

Once we determine the type of setting you want, we’ll move onto the style of ring that speaks to you. While many prefer a solitaire diamond ring for its timeless elegance - a single stone being the sole focus of the ring, others are drawn to side stones. Still a timeless option, multiple stones allow you to infuse extra detail and meaning to your engagement ring.

Band Details

The band is the foundation of your ring and can dramatically influence its overall style. A thicker band tends to feel a bit more daring, while a delicate band offers a more understated, feminine look.

If you’ve had your sights set on a razor thin band, great! That is our specialty. We like to think we have set the perfect “goldilocks” band width that feels delicate but still has enough strength to stand the test of time.

Additionally, you can play with the shape of your band (also referred to as shank). Flat, half round, comfort, knife edge, tapered, graduated, uniform - all shapes you will want to carefully consider. And then there are details like pave diamonds, engraving, or filigree work to further personalize your band. These intricate touches can make your ring truly unique, especially when working with a designer to customize every detail so it has meaning to you.

Wedding Band Preferences

The next consideration is whether you’ll want your wedding band to sit flush against the engagement ring or if you prefer a gap. This decision may impact the setting height and diamond positioning on the band

Keeping your wedding band style preference in mind from the beginning can ensure a seamless and cohesive engagement ring design. But if you have no idea what your wedding band preference is yet, don’t worry. The beauty in your ring stack being fully your own is that you’re writing your own rules when it comes to how your rings will fit together and there’s no right or wrong direction.

Other Considerations

The above factors should give you a great foundation to build from. There are, however, plenty more considerations when choosing or designing your engagement ring. Here are just a few that come to mind:

Band metal- solid gold or platinum setting vs. two tone setting
Diamond cut, clarity, color, and carat- also known as the 4Cs
Prong orientation and prong finish

Customization

A well-established, reputable designer will work with you to ensure every detail aligns with your vision and tells your unique story. I take great pride in my hands-on approach to designing unique rings in partnership with my clients, where you maintain control over every big and small, VERY important ring detail. Your ring should not only reflect your love but also encapsulate your distinct style and personality.

The right designer will relieve you of any stress in the decision making process and ensure that the entire experience of custom designing is tailored to you. This should include educating you and allowing you to explore different possibilities, ensuring it is a fun and meaningful experience. You can learn more about my custom design process here.