An engagement ring is a timeless symbol of love and commitment. It’s a profound declaration of everlasting devotion, a tangible embodiment of promises whispered in the quiet moments of intimacy.
For centuries, the exchange of engagement rings has symbolised the promise of a shared future, a covenant sealed with precious metals and precious stones. It’s a practice that transcends language barriers and spans continents, a universal testament to the power of love to transcend time and space.
However, choosing the perfect engagement ring is no easy feat, as the abundance of engagement ring designs can be overwhelming.
This engagement ring guide will help you understand the different engagement ring designs, from the classic solitaires that have adorned the fingers of generations to the avant-garde designs pushing the boundaries of conventional beauty.
Overview of gold engagement ring designs
Since the ancient Romans started exchanging engagement rings as a symbol of commitment, these objects have come a long way. The early engagement rings were made of iron.
Then, gold engagement rings became more popular as the Roman Empire expanded and gained prominence during the Renaissance.
Today, gold engagement rings remain popular. They feature a gold band and a precious gemstone (which could be a diamond, ruby, emerald, or sapphire).
They come in different designs and styles to cater to individual preferences. Some of the most common gold engagement ring designs are:
Solitaire gold engagement rings
Solitaire engagement rings are simple, elegant pieces that feature a single prominent gemstone set on a plain gold band using prongs.
The simplicity of the solitaire gold engagement ring means that it shifts the focus to the mounted gemstone, allowing you to showcase the beauty of the gemstone.
Also, solitaire engagement rings never go out of style. Though fashion styles and trends keep changing, these simple but fashionable engagement rings are always in fashion.
Halo gold engagement rings
The word “halo” may make you remember the round band of light over a saint’s head in religious images.
Halo gold engagement rings have a gold band and a central stone surrounded by a circle of smaller gemstones. The smaller gemstones around the big centrepiece create a dazzling effect that enhances the beauty of the gold engagement ring.
The halo setting can make your centre stone look bigger. The sparkling circle of gemstones around the centrepiece also makes the halo setting add a sense of luxury to engagement rings.
See the Princess Tall Engagement Ring, an 18k gold engagement ring with a circle of round diamonds around a mesmerising oval blue sapphire. The band is available in yellow, white, and rose gold. So, besides getting a high-quality, durable gold ring, you get to choose a colour that matches your style.
Three-stone gold engagement rings
Want an engagement ring that symbolises your journey together as a couple? Go for the three-stone engagement rings. These gold engagement rings feature a gold band and a trio of gemstones set in a row, representing the past, present, and future.
The two side stones can complement and enhance the beauty of the central stone, especially in designs where smaller stones flank a larger middle stone.
Split shank gold engagement rings
A split-shank gold engagement ring is a gold band that divides into two at the shoulder before meeting the centre stone setting.
The splitting band gives the impression that the ring is more elaborate. This design adds a unique touch to the traditional design of engagement rings.
See the elegant Ring Verveine, an 18k white gold band that splits into two separate strands as it approaches a square-cut sapphire surrounded with diamonds.
Twisted shank gold engagement rings
A twisted shank gold engagement ring is a gold band that splits into separate strands that twist while approaching the centre stone setting. The twisted shank design adds sophistication and a romantic feel to the traditional plain gold band.
Overview of diamond engagement ring designs
While a gold engagement ring is a gold band with any gemstone as the centre stone, a diamond engagement ring is any metal band with a diamond as the centre stone.
The first diamond engagement ring was commissioned in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria for his bride, Mary of Burgundy. But it was in the Victorian era that diamond engagement rings became popular.
Then, De Beer’s “A Diamond is Forever” advertising campaign of the early 1940s made diamond rings the go-to rings for engagements. Today, there’s a slew of diamond engagement ring designs to match different preferences.
Some of the most popular diamond ring designs are:
Solitaire diamond engagement rings
The simple solitaire diamond rings feature a plain metal band and a solitary diamond. Solitaires can have different diamond cuts and shapes. The main thing is that there’s just one diamond mounted on the band.
An example is the elegant She Said Yes Diamond Engagement Ring, which has a brilliant display of a round 2k diamond set on an 18k gold band.
Pave diamond engagement rings
The pavé diamond ring is a solitaire engagement ring that also features tiny diamonds along the metal band. That is, in addition to the big diamond centrepiece, small diamonds cover the surface of the band, creating a more sparkling effect.
There are three types of pave diamond engagement rings, depending on how much of the band the tiny diamonds cover.
- Full pavé: The whole of the band is covered.
- ¾ pavé: Three-quarters of the band is covered.
- Half pavé: Half of the band is covered.
See this beautiful Emerald Premium Solitaire Engagement Ring featuring an exquisite emerald cut diamond as the centrepiece of a yellow gold band lined halfway with tiny round diamonds.
Three-stone diamond engagement rings
Three-stone diamond rings feature three precious stones set in a row on a metal band. The three stones are usually diamonds. However, you can have other gemstones (like rubies) flanking a larger diamond.
Three-stone engagement rings are popular because of what they symbolise, as they represent the past, present and future of the couple’s relationship. Having three diamonds instead of one adds to the sparkle, enhancing the beauty of the ring.
An example is the Henriette Diamond Engagement Ring. The exquisite piece with three beautiful rectangular cuts of white diamonds set on a durable 18k gold band will bring out the subtle elegance of any outfit you pair it with.
Halo diamond engagement rings
Halo rings feature a circle of smaller diamonds surrounding a larger centre diamond. The smaller diamonds add to the ring’s sparkle, enhancing its overall beauty.
Channel-set diamond engagement rings
Channel-set diamond rings feature diamonds set into a channel along the band, creating a sleek and elegant look.
The channel/groove is cut into the shank of the engagement ring, and small diamonds are placed side by side in the channel. The channel holds the diamonds so they flush with the surface of the shank, leading to a smooth look.
With the diamonds placed side by side each other, the diamond-set diamond ring creates a continuous line of brilliance.
The Premium Gold and Diamond Engagement Ring is a timeless piece with a 1.5k white diamond as a centrepiece flanked on either side by four smaller channel-set round diamonds.
The continuous brilliance and fire of the side stones add to the elegance of the bigger centre stone to make this engagement ring design stunning.
Bezel-set diamond engagement ring
The bezel-set diamond rings feature a centre diamond whose edges are surrounded by a metal rim, giving it a sleek and modern look.
The bezel setting is like a small metal cup with a slender rim. The diamond is placed inside the metal cup, and the rim is folded over the diamond and polished.
If you want the highest security for your diamond centrepiece, bezel-set diamond engagement rings are for you.
First, it is one of the most secure settings. Since the diamond sits in a metal cup that folds over it, there is no chance of it falling out. The cup also keeps the diamond from being scratched or chipped as you wear the ring.
Tension-set diamond engagement rings
Tension set rings hold the centrepiece in place by the tension created by the two ends of the metal band.
The metal band is left open at the top. Small grooves are cut in the face of each end, where the sides of the centrepiece will slightly sink into.
Then, the opening of the band is widened, and the gem is placed between the two ends. When the band is released, its two ends close on the diamond, applying enough pressure to hold the stone in place.
The tension setting creates the illusion that the diamond is suspended in the air, resulting in very attractive and intriguing diamond engagement rings.
Vintage diamond engagement rings
Vintage engagement rings draw inspiration from designs from historical periods, especially the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro eras.
These rings capture elements influenced by the prevailing fashion and artistic movements of those past eras and add a modern touch to create extremely stylish engagement ring designs.
They feature intricate details like engraving, filigree work, milgrain, and more. These details make vintage engagement rings statement rings for very stylish individuals.
Can I customise my own engagement ring?
Yes, Aquae Jewels lets you customise your own engagement ring. While we have different styles of engagement rings in our collection, we understand that you may have a unique design in mind, and we’ll work with you to bring it to life.
Customising your own engagement ring can be a richly rewarding experience, as it gives you a bespoke piece that matches your personal preference.
The process of customising your engagement ring is as follows:
Initial consultation
Customising your engagement ring begins with discussing your ideas and preferences with us. This will help us understand your desired style and any specific element you may want.
Gold and stone selection
When customising your engagement ring, you’ll have the freedom to tweak the band’s metal, the central stone, the stone’s setting, and the ring’s style.
The band’s metal
While different metals are used in crafting the bands of engagement rings, gold is more popular, as it has been a symbol of enduring love for centuries and is a durable and long-lasting metal suitable for jewellery for everyday wear.
Thus, our engagement rings are made from only gold. However, you can choose the gold colour, as we offer yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold ring metal.
The central stone
You can also choose the gemstone you want as the focal point of your engagement ring. You can select a diamond centrepiece or other classic gemstones like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds.
When you select a particular type of stone for your engagement ring, you’ll also want to select the shape of the stone. For example, with diamonds, you can choose whether you want the stone to be round, oval, pear, heart, marquise, etc.
The stone’s setting
Another design element for customising your ring is how the stone is mounted on the band. You can choose any of the different settings—prong, bezel, tension, etc. Know that the setting affects not only the security of the stone in the band but also the sparkle of the stone.
The ring style
Lastly, you can decide the unique characteristics of your ring. For example, will you want a classic plain band, a split shank, or a twisted shank? Will you want to complement your centrestone with other precious stones? Do you want stones anywhere on the band?
Preliminary design and 3D Modeling
Based on your input, we’ll create a preliminary digital design. We’ll share the design with you for review and refine it until it meets your expectations.
Then, we’ll create a 3D model of the refined design to give you a more detailed view.
Cost estimation
We’ll give you a no-obligation cost estimate based on the chosen materials, design, and labour involved.
Approval
Lastly, we seek your approval of the final design and cost. If you approve, you can make a deposit, and we’ll proceed with creating your bespoke engagement ring.
Also read: Aquae Jewels’ Gold and Diamond Designs: Redefining Luxury In a New Way.
How to choose the right engagement ring
If you’re having trouble choosing an engagement ring, the following will help you:
Your partner’s style
You want to make sure your partner will like the engagement ring you give them. So, pay attention to your partner’s style preference.
Do they prefer classic engagement rings? Then, you should go for the timeless elegance of a solitaire engagement ring.
But if they like rings that easily catch people’s eye and get them noticed, you may consider more exquisite pieces like halo rings.
Your partner’s lifestyle
Certain styles are more durable than others, making them more suitable for active lifestyles. So, considering your partner’s lifestyle can help you choose the right engagement ring.
If your partner has an active lifestyle or works with their hands frequently, choose a design with greater durability.
In this regard, more durable bezel-set rings will be more suitable than the less durable tension-set rings.
Also read: Can You Wear 18k Gold Everyday?
Gemstone quality
The quality of the gemstone directly impacts the beauty of the engagement ring. This is because higher-quality gemstones generally exhibit more brilliance, fire, and scintillation, enhancing their beauty.
So, select a quality gemstone if you want to choose a ring that your partner will cherish for generations.
For example, when buying diamond engagement rings, consider the 4Cs. Go for a diamond with a suitable carat, good cut, high clarity, and relatively colourless.
Takeaway: Choose the perfect engagement ring for your partner
Engagement rings have come a long way. Today, gold and diamond engagement rings are the most popular engagement ring designs. These engagement rings come in several styles, from simple solitaire rings to more sophisticated halo rings and very bold vintage rings.
While the abundance of engagement rings can make choosing the right one overwhelming, considering your partner’s style preference, lifestyle, and the gemstone’s quality will help you make the right choice.
So, where do you get that perfect engagement ring? You can’t go wrong by choosing Aquae Jewels for your gold or diamond engagement rings.
We offer some of the most beautiful engagement ring designs you’ll find. All our pieces include only high-quality diamonds and other precious stones. Also, they’re all crafted from high-quality 18k gold (which is better than pure gold for jewellery because of its perfect blend of sparkle and durability).
We also create bespoke engagement rings, allowing you to customise your engagement ring to your heart’s desire.
For an engagement ring that is meticulously crafted to capture timeless beauty and captivating brilliance, explore our gold and diamond engagement rings collection today!