Guide to Designing the Perfect Engagement Ring
Designing your engagement ring should be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life and we are here to make sure you love every second of it. From choosing your ideal center stone to crafting the perfect setting, every part of your engagement ring is 100% up to you.
Start with The Center Stone
Generally, the first decision you have to make when designing your engagement ring is selecting the center stone. The most popular center stone choice is a diamond, known for their durability and brilliance. Diamonds come in various colors and cuts. At Lauren B, we have our own exclusive inventory of loose diamonds and gemstones to choose from.
While some people come into the ring designing process knowing exactly which shape they want, others need help narrowing down their options. At the end of the day, everyone has a different preference and/or reason for choosing their center stone shape.
To help our clients narrow their choices and ultimately make a decision, learning what makes each shape unique is helpful. Some shapes are more alike than others while some are very different.
Round Brilliant
Round Brilliants are the most traditional and easily recognizable of all the diamond shapes, securing their stop in the top 3 most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings each year. They are also the only shape that (should) have perfect symmetry! With 58 facets, round diamonds are the most brilliant cut and also the most expensive.
Oval Shape
Oval shape diamonds are the most popular and most requested diamond shape with no apparent signs of losing their #1 spot in the diamond engagement ring category.
This elongated diamond shape provides abundant finger coverage with a longer length measurement than other fancy-shaped diamonds. Despite the generous finger coverage, the oval cut diamond appears delicate and dainty with a slimming effect on the finger.
Radiant Cut
The radiant cut is considered one of the most brilliant diamond shapes available for purchase. 70 intricate facet cuts create ample opportunity for light reflection creating a dazzling, sparkly effect that perpetually catches the eye.
Radiant cuts are a popular option for those who love the shape of an emerald cut but desire the brilliance and sparkle associated with the round. Available from square to more elongated, radiant cuts are an incredibly versatile and popular cut.
Cushion Cut
Cushion cuts have a long history and will always be popular. They are considered the modern model of the old mine cuts. Cushion cut diamonds come in both square and rectangular shapes, with an array of length-to-width ratios that change the overall appearance of the diamond.
Cushion cut diamonds are ultra-feminine, soft, and delicate with a pillow-like shape and great brilliance. The soft shape of this cut and its substantial surface area on the finger is what has made them so popular over the centuries.
Pear Shape
No two pear shaped diamonds are cut the same so if you’re looking for something unique, a pear shaped diamond is the center stone for you! This center-stone shape provides optimal finger coverage and will appear larger than most other shapes. They have a distinct appearance with its teardrop outline and pointed tip.
Emerald Cut
Emerald cut diamonds are both elegant and sophisticated with excellent symmetry. Their step-cut faceting set them apart from almost every other diamond cut on the market.
Emerald cut diamonds lack the fire and brilliance of other shapes. However, the elongated shape allows for larger flashes of sparkle when light rays reflect through them. Length-to-width ratio is very important for emerald cuts because they vary so drastically and will give you dramatically different appearances.
Designing the Setting
Now that you have chosen your center stone, you can move onto the setting. While there are several different types of settings, the first choice you have to make is how high or low you want the center stone to be set.
Invisible Gallery™
At Lauren B, one of our signature settings is our Invisible Gallery™. This setting features an opening on the underside of the center stone allowing for it to sit as low as possible on the finger.
1.73 Carat Round Solitaire Invisible Gallery Ring
Floating Setting
The next setting option is the floating setting. This entails prongs shooting out from a complete band to encompass the center stone.
2.70 carat Round Lab Diamond Two-Tone Solitaire Ring
Cathedral Setting
The highest setting option is a cathedral setting. Cathedral rings slope gracefully towards the halo or basket holding the diamond. A cathedral ring will also give a more structured look and can feel more secure on the hand.
2.36 carat Round Lab Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Deciding Where You Want Diamonds
After you have confirmed your center stone and setting, the next step is to decide where you want diamonds! Are you opting for a completely solitaire engagement ring? Or do you want to add some diamond detailing to the basket and/or band?
Pave Band or Plain Band?
To be or not to be, that is the question? Or in this case, diamonds on the band or no diamonds on the band? There is no right or wrong answer, it is simply a matter of preference and comfort. Some people want to maximize their brilliance and sparkle while others are looking for that minimalist appearance.
Halo Setting
Most people know going into their appointment whether or not they want a diamond halo. However, if you are still on the fence, opting for a halo is a great way to make your center stone appear larger without going over budget.
Three-Stone Setting
If you’re interested in a three-stone ring, the next step is deciding which side stones you want. There are some side stones that compliment certain center stone shapes better than others, but ultimately the decision is yours.
If you want something more unique than classic, you can opt for a five-stone ring or even a seven-stone!
More Design Options
Depending on the setting option you choose earlier (Invisible Gallery™, floating, or cathedral), will determine where else you can put diamonds on your ring. For instance, if you choose an Invisible Gallery™ ring, you have two options: a pave band and a diamond wrap around the stems.
However, if you opt for a floating or cathedral setting, there are more places to put diamonds. Floating and cathedral settings can have pave prongs, a Signature Wrap, a Hidden Halo™, pave between prongs, and/or a fully encrusted basket.
What are You Designing?
Designing your engagement ring is supposed to be one of life’s best moments. Whichever style you choose, Lauren B can help you pick the perfect stone and setting to create your dream engagement ring. Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated design consultants.
In the meantime, browse our Instagram and Pinterest for design inspiration!
