Different Styles of Engagement Rings
Are you planning on proposing this holiday season? It’s a great time for it! Families travel from across the country to be together. There is a little bit of natural magic in the crackling fireplace and holiday lights. And I’m not the only one who thinks so! December is overwhelmingly the most popular month to get engaged. A whopping 19% of all couples get engaged in December.
If you’re planning a special proposal… there’s nothing more important than the ring. It can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what your partner might like. Everyone's tastes are different and there is lots of engagement ring vocabulary. Here’s a quick breakdown of all the different types of engagement rings:
Solitaire
This is the most popular type of engagement ring. It’s a classic. The single diamond or jewel holds court here. It’s simplistic and elegant.
Halo
This style is defined by a “halo” of smaller jewels surrounded by a large, circular gem, usually a diamond. It’s sometimes referred to as a “new classic”. It’s elegant, without being too flashy.
Tiffany
The Tiffany setting features a 6 prong setting and triangle cut diamond. This style was introduced in 1886 and has been an iconic option ever since.
Pavé
The origin of this ring comes to front the French word for “paved”. In this style, the gems are set as close together as possible so that very little metal is shown. Diamonds are fitted together like the cobblestone streets of Paris. This is a super sparkly option, and center diamonds can come in many different shapes and sizes.
Cathedral
The band of this ring draws the eye up, like the architecture of a Roman Catholic cathedral. The center jewel is firmly nestled between two bands. It’s sturdy and well protected. This makes it a great option if the wearer is active and stays on the go.
Vintage
A vintage piece is a great option for a bride who loves timeless beauty and nostalgia. There is no defined style of “vintage ring”. But often they include halos and shapes that aren’t seen in newer models.
Three Stone (Cluster)
The design of this ring is made to be symbolic. The trio of jewels represents your past, present, and future togather. The gem representing “present” is the largest because that’s what is most important. Not dwelling on the past. Not worrying about the future. But all of the present moments you spend togather. It’s a great choice for anyone sentimental.
Infinity
This is another style with a bit of symbolism in it. The twisted metal and diamond band signifies the intertwining of husband and wife as they join their lives togather. It represents infinite love and endless commitment.
Channel
Small diamonds are embedded in the band. It’s a modern look that offers lots of bling.
Swirl
This ring style features a swirl of metal around the diamond. It’s usually sold as a set. As an extra perk, the wedding band comes with! It’s an artistic creative option that is always unique.
Color Accent
Who says the ring has to be all diamond?! Color accent rings typically use a different color within the band, while the center jewel is a diamond. Sapphire and ruby are the most popular accent colors.
How do you know what kind of ring your partner might like?
Pay attention to her other jewelry, and what she compliments on others. Is it understated? Artsy? Decked in bling?
If you’re completely clueless, get your partner’s friends and family to help you. There’s a good chance they’ll know her style better. Or they can find a way to bring it up in conversation more subtly than you can.
How to sneakily ask for the ring size.
The short answer: don’t.
The classic advice is to dig into her jewelry box and take one of her causal rings with you while you’re ring shopping. But this doesn’t always work. Not everyone wears rings casually. And even if they do… they probably live on their finger.
Don’t be like my brother. He (not very subtly) asked his fiance “Hey… a coworker of mine is giving away a ring for free and thought you might like it, but wasn’t sure if it would fit. What ring size are you?
After 6 years together, of course, she knew immediately what he was really asking. The surprise was pretty much ruined.
Most girls don’t know their ring size anyway. It’s not like pants where you’re constantly trying on sizes and shapes.
Don’t worry about this! It’s no hassle at all to get a ring resized.
Here's the golden rule:
When in doubt, buy a ring that's too big rather than too small. It’s much easier (and more affordable!) for jewelers to make a ring smaller than bigger.