Ring Design
The most obvious variation between different engagement rings, even more obvious than the shape and size of the diamond, is the type of setting. The key things to look at are the type of setting and also how the diamond(s) is/are attached to the ring.
Solitaire Settings
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A solitaire setting has a single main diamond in the center of the ring in 'prime' position. Usually the diamond is a round or princess cut but anything goes. Solitaires are simple and elegant, but also put the most 'pressure' on the size of the center diamond because it's the one and only feature, as compared to say a three stone ring or ring with diamond channels (small diamonds along the band of the ring). |
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There are lots of different symbolisms given for having a three stone ring by jewellers. One of the most common is that one stone stands for the past, one stone stands for the present, and one stone stands for the future. A pragmatist may be more interested in the fact that you can cram on a whole lot more carat weight using three moderate sized stones, rather than one big one. For example, three one-third carat stones is a lot cheaper than a single full carat stone. But both have the same total diamond weight - one carat. Often the center stone is slightly bigger than the two side stones. For example, a ring might have a 0.37 carat center stone and two 0.2 carat side stones, for a total diamond weight of 0.77 carats. The side stones can also be different shapes, such as a pear shape. |
Three Stone Settings
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There are lots of different symbolisms given for having a three stone ring by jewellers. One of the most common is that one stone stands for the past, one stone stands for the present, and one stone stands for the future. A pragmatist may be more interested in the fact that you can cram on a whole lot more carat weight using three moderate sized stones, rather than one big one. For example, three one-third carat stones is a lot cheaper than a single full carat stone. But both have the same total diamond weight - one carat. Often the center stone is slightly bigger than the two side stones. For example, a ring might have a 0.37 carat center stone and two 0.2 carat side stones, for a total diamond weight of 0.77 carats. The side stones can also be different shapes, such as a pear shape. |
Rings with Channeling
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All rings can have diamond channeling or banding, where there are smaller diamonds inset into the band on either side of the main set of diamonds. These can help jazz up the appearance of the ring and also supplement the center diamond, if you can't afford to get a big one but want the ring to look showy. Often the inset diamonds are round or princess shape. One thing to be careful of with these rings is to not get deceived by the Total Diamond Weight (T.D.W.) quoted. For example, the ring at the left might have a tdw of 2 carats, but the center diamond might only be 1.3 carats, with 0.7 carats worth of smaller diamonds in the banding. |
Four Prongs or Six?
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Typically the diamond is attached to the ring using either four prongs (such as the one on the left) or six prongs. Generally speaking, each prong in a four prong ring is slightly thicker than a prong in a six prong setting. However, overall, the four prong setting lets more light into the diamond (which is always a good thing), while the six prong is often a little more secure. A securely fastened diamond is especially desirable if the wearer of the ring is active in their everyday lives. One thing that should be pointed out is that a good jeweller can set a four prong diamond much more securely than a shoddy jeweller setting a diamond in a six prong setting. |
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