What better new way to ring in a new life chapter than with, well, a beautiful ring? Whether you’re on the hunt for an engagement ring or searching for the perfect set of beautiful wedding rings, selecting the perfect style is a big decision. It’s probably one of the most major jewelry purchases you’ll ever make, so you’ll want to carefully choose a wedding ring design that’ll be cherished for years to come.
Selecting a wedding ring design style, however, is much easier said than done. First of all, there are tons of different types of gems, cuts, settings, and bands to pick from—more than can be counted on two hands. Add the fact that this jewelry is designed to be worn for an entire lifetime, and the pressure can feel a bit overwhelming. Where to begin?!
Fear not: We’re here to answer every single question about your wedding and engagement ring design. Planning to pop the question soon and have no idea which cut of diamond to choose, for instance? We’ve got you covered. Already engaged and trying to pick a wedding ring design that’ll complement your existing engagement ring? We’ve got expert advice from jewelers on that too.
From engagement ring cuts and settings to the different wedding band designs to consider, plus the factors to consider when narrowing down a wedding ring design, here’s what you need to know.
Engagement ring styles
If you’re planning to propose to your partner soon and want an engagement ring to accompany the big question, it’s easy to get lost in the frenzy of different engagement ring ideas. Whether you’re picturing a traditional round-cut diamond ring or an art-deco style with a unique gemstone, there are a few things to consider when selecting from the many engagement ring styles. (Psst, if you’re only interested in wedding ring design styles rather than engagement rings, scroll down!)
The Diamond 4Cs are a solid place to start when nailing down the ideal engagement ring styles for your partner. Created by Robert M. Shipley, the founder of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), these four factors (all starting with the letter C, of course) help to characterize a faceted diamond: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Color measures the amount of a diamond’s color, on a scale of D-to-Z. (D diamonds are colorless, while Z diamonds have a light yellow or brown color, per the GIA.) Clarity, as defined by the GIA, is the relative absence of inclusions and blemishes. A diamond’s cut refers to how its facets are arranged and determines how well it interacts with light. And carat weight measures the weight of a diamond, with one carat equaling 0.20 grams. Carat weight is a major factor in how much a diamond costs, since larger diamonds are rarer and, thus, more expensive, according to the GIA. That said, the other three Cs (color, clarity, and cut) greatly affect a diamond’s value and price too, and should be considered when you’re shopping for a ring.
You should also think about whether you’d like a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond. Both options are incredibly similar—they’re both made of tightly bonded carbon atoms and respond to light in the same way—but have different origins, explains the GIA. While natural diamonds are mined from the Earth’s surface, lab-grown diamonds are (as you might have guessed from the name) grown in labs, providing a much more sustainably sourced stone.
Feeling more knowledgeable on all-things engagement rings? Read on for more info on engagement ring cuts, plus how they play into the overall vibe of all the different engagement ring styles.
Engagement Ring Cuts
The engagement ring cut is responsible for a diamond’s brilliance, scintillation, and dispersion—which translates to its brightness, sparkle, and the colors it displays, respectively, according to the International Gem Society (IGS). A diamond’s cut is not to be confused with its shape, which is how its outline generally looks from above.
As you might have already guessed, there’s no shortage of engagement ring cuts to choose from. Here’s a quick guide to all the different engagement ring cuts:
Round cut engagement ring
A round cut is probably what you picture when you think of a traditional engagement ring design, as it’s one of most popular shapes out there. This look provides lots of sparkle and a timeless look, making for an always-elegant engagement ring style. “[A round brilliant] is the only perfectly symmetrical shape and offers unmatched brilliance,” says Nicole Wegman, founder and CEO of Ring Concierge. But the beauty comes with a higher price tag: “Rounds are also the most expensive shape per carat because the diamond cutter loses the most rough diamond in the process,” she explains.
Princess cut engagement ring
A princess cut engagement ring design offers a striking square or rectangular shape and no shortage of sparkle. With a modified brilliant facet arrangement, this cut hides includes well, according to Wegman.
Oval cut engagement ring
Another classic engagement ring cut, an oval cut offers an elegant shape and beautiful display of colors when it hits the light. Bonus: They’re also less likely to get chipped. “Oval cut diamonds are our most requested because their elongated shape appears larger than their carat weight,” Wegman notes. This cut would work wonderfully with pavé and metal engagement ring bands alike. You’re in great company with this cut—Simone Biles and Hailey Bieber both have oval-shaped rings.
Pear cut engagement ring
It’s important to look for symmetry and a protective setting with this unique engagement ring cut, which resembles the shape of a teardrop. A big bonus to this style: “Pear cuts appear the largest for their carat weight,” Wegman shares, adding that “pears mask inclusions well but tend to show warmth in their tip with lower color grade diamonds.” Sophie Turner’s ring is one example (of many!) of how elegant this style looks on your hand.
