Which Engagement Ring Do I Choose?
When its time to pop the Q, choosing an engagement ring is no small task. What ring will make the moment perfect? the stye? the design? the stones? the 'wow factor'?
When its time to pop the Q, choosing an engagement ring is no small task. What ring will make the moment perfect? the stye? the design? the stones? the 'wow factor'?
To assist with the conundrum of all conundrums, we have put together a guide that explains all of the options available to you, outlining what is popular, what the celebs are wearing and hopefully making this very important purchase just a little easier.
Solitare
Presenting a single diamond on a plain band, solitaires are the most coveted and popular engagement ring style with undeniable elegance and a simplicity that ensures your chosen diamond takes centre stage. With such minimalist appeal the focus of a solitaire ring becomes the diamond itself, making it's shape, size and quality that bit more apparent; something to consider when choosing this style. Most solitaire rings feature a central setting with four or six claws that proudly present the diamond and are often the preferred style for lovers of subtle and low-key jewellery. When customers come to our showrooms with little idea of their perfect ring, the solitaire is always our first recommendation; a timeless classic that celebrates the diamond, guaranteed to never go out of fashion.
Diamond Band
Diamond band engagement rings proudly present the centre stone with the added luxury of shoulder sparkle. This simple addition can have varying degrees of impact on the aesthetic of your ring, depending on the size of diamonds used and their size ratio to the main diamond. The subtlety of the band and the manor in which the diamonds are set will also determine the style of the ring. A thin, dainty band made with claw or pavé set diamonds can give a gentle dose of sparkle and add to the intricate feel of the ring, exaggerating the main diamond. A wider, channel set band will give the ring more presence, bridging the gap between the centre diamond and the setting itself, creating more unity within the piece and a chance to introduce other diamond shapes such as small princess and baguette cut diamonds into the piece. A diamond band design can completely re-invent a ring’s identity, elevating it to new levels of glamour and extravagance. So if you love traditional engagement rings but want an extra touch of flair, a diamond band ring could be the one for you.
WHO HAS A DIAMOND BAND RING? Blake Lively, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Julianne Hough, Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Reese Witherspoon, Ivanka Trump, Blac Chyna, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga.
BOND TIP: If you want to increase the perceived size of your centre diamond, choose a minimalist ring with small diamonds in the band, the contrast in size then accentuating the centre stone’s size.
BOND FAVOURITES: Our most popular diamond band rings are the LUCIA, HARMONY, VALENTINE and BELLE settings.
Halo
If you’re looking for class with a whole load of flash; look no further. Diamond halo's are the ultimate way to load up the luxury with diamonds on diamonds, next to more diamonds #yesplease. With an intricate layer of diamond melee encircling the centre stone, they are extremely popular for the girl that wants size and glamour! Fast becoming one of the most popular engagement ring styles, they exaggerate the size and shape of the centre diamond meaning your choice of diamond shape becomes very important. One of the best things about halo rings is their ability to make a more modest stone look larger, meaning customers can get more wow factor! for their money, you could even go for a double or treble halo setting!!
WHO HAS A DIAMOND HALO RING? Cardi B, Parsi Hilton, Katherine Heigl, Jessica Alba, Carrie Underwood, Natalie Portman.
BOND TIP: Larger diamonds in the halo will add more size and presence to the ring so if you're looking to add some serious presence, consider the size of the halo along with the centre stone.
BOND FAVOURITES: Our most popular diamond halo rings are the ICE CRUSH, HEPBURN, MELODY and VALENCIA settings.
Multi-Diamond
When one diamond just isn't enough! Balance and symmetry are the name of the game with multi-diamond rings. We take the centre stone and accent it with two, four or more additional diamonds that add glamour and style to the piece. A trilogy of same-shape round and princess cuts diamonds are the most popular combinations whilst other pairings are also extremely popular. Pear cut and tapering baguette diamonds will graduate down the band beautifully whilst trilliant diamonds give a sharper and more defined look.
WHO HAS A MULTI DIAMOND RING? Meghan Markle, Perrie Edwards, Adele, Sofia Vergara.
BOND TIP: Paying attention to the facetry of diamonds will add to a ring’s balance. Step cut outer diamonds such as baguette cuts work perfectly with Asscher and Emerald cut centre stones because light reacts in a similar way within the diamonds.
BOND FAVOURITES: Our most popular diamond halo rings are the LUNA, ARIA, CELINE and CIELO settings.
Vintage
The style for the true romantic, vintage rings are a throwback to a bygone era. Recreating the styles of the past they exude the intricate details, shapes and styles of the period; 1920s to the 1970s, including Art Deco, Retro and Mid-Century designs. Vintage jewellery pieces can include: gemstones, mixed metals, hammered and rustic finishes, engraved detailing, heavy settings, significant metal framing, very elaborate designs and geometric lines and shapes. They radiate personality and can be unapologetically dramatic; perfect for those who love bohemian, chic and an antiquated style in their jewellery.
WHO HAS A VINTAGE RING? Kate Moss, Sandra Bullock, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson, Alexis Bledel.
BOND TIP: Simple engraving detail and mill grain edging can add a vintage feel to your ring without making significant changes to the ring’s design.
BOND FAVOURITES: Our most popular diamond halo rings are the ART DECO, SIENNA, DAISY and EMILY settings.
Coloured Diamonds
Whilst engagement rings are classically known for white, bright sparkle, not everybody’s dream ring is made with a white diamond. In recent years we have seen a surge in popularity for coloured stones, most noticeably coloured diamonds. Diamonds come in an array of colours, the more rare the colour, the more expensive to buy. Yellow diamonds are most popular, often seen in cushion and radiant shapes and work wonderfully when accented by white diamonds. Cognac, champagne and brown diamonds also provide a unique colour alternative and cost less than white stones. Red, orange, blue and green diamonds are by far the most rare and expensive of all colours and represent some of the most expensive diamonds on the planet including the Blue Moon, Christie’s ’The Orange’, Graff’s 100 carat vivid yellow, the Zoe and the Oppenheimer Blue diamonds.
WHO HAS A COLOURED DIAMOND RING? Anna Camp, Draya Michelle, Heidi Klum, Carrie Underwood, Anna Kournikova.
BOND TIP: When buying yellow diamonds pay attention to the colour grade of the stone. 'Fancy yellow' stones have a softer tone whereas 'intense' stones are heavier, darker and will cost you more. You will save money buying colours with brown hues in them such as Cognac and Champagne.
BOND FAVOURITES: The DOLCE setting has accenting half moon diamonds beside the centre stone which works perfectly when pairing coloured and white stones.
The HEPBURN double halo ring made with yellow and white diamond halos is also extremely popular.
Gemstones
Coloured gemstones are an iconic and adored addition to fine jewellery. They afford us the chance to wear beautiful, much loved colours and the sheer wealth of options within the gemstone market means that elaborate, colourful jewellery can be made to suit any palette and budget. Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald are know as precious gemstones (along with diamonds) and are the most well known and popular gems for engagement rings. Where coloured diamonds can command extreme prices, lovers of coloured gemstones can often decorate their engagement rings without the hefty diamond price tags with other gemstones available that can even rival the beauty of white diamonds. such as white sapphires.
WHO HAS A GEMSTONE RING? Ashlee Simpson, Katy Perry, Jessica Simpson, Liz Hurley, Kate Middleton.
BOND TIP: The colour preference of the wearer should lead your decision on a gemstone ring. Pay close attention to her birthstone as this may also indicate their gemstone preference.
BOND FAVOURITES: Pear cut ICE CRUSH halo and the VOGUE three stone ring made with blue sapphires are very popular, along with the VALENCIA ring made with pink sapphire.
Unique
Some would say that there is no substitute for a classic engagement ring, but a uniquely inspired, bespoke design can often translate levels of effort and sincerity that more traditional designs might not, after all who wouldn’t love a ring that was envisaged, designed and created JUST FOR THEM?! Taking the time to work closely with a designer on a personalised ring is something that will not go unnoticed and won’t be forgotten. Once the design is realised, the process of choosing the diamond (or gemstone(s) also injects more affection and personality into the piece, with the recipient knowing that each and every decision was carefully thought out and considered during the engagement ring’s creation.
WHO HAS A BESPOKE ENGAGEMENT RING? Emily Ratajkowski, Scarlett Johansson, Fergie, Emilia Bechrakis, Nicole Richie.
BOND TIP: Don’t be shy! If you have elaborate ideas, be sure to convey them to your designer. They may not all work perfectly but the more input you give, the more personalised the ring can be. We find that a close working partnership with our customers and their input of concise ideas leads to the creation of something truly one of a kind.
BOND FAVOURITES: We have made some truly unique and one-of-a-kind engagement rings, take a look at our social media pages and website gallery to see them. (@bond_jewellery)
An engagement proposal is a moment that most girls have dreamed of their whole life. This is a huge step in a relationship, so, throw in a beautiful diamond ring and the promise of lifelong love and it becomes one of the best days of people’s lives. Getting the ring right is ofcourse extremely important so ask her friends, take note of her hints, keep an eye on those instagram likes and when you’re ready to talk bling, be sure to give us a ring :)