Choosing the perfect ring

Choosing the perfect ring Choosing the perfect ringChoosing the perfect ring
Need help selecting the ideal ring? There are a lot of important decisions to make when glancing at jewelery. This guide walks you through the basics on how to carefully and systematically start your journey to finding the perfect ring!

Style Guide 

There are many different and sometimes confusing design choices available for your engagement ring and its setting. We created the following Style Guide to help you understand and distinguish one look from another so you can select the best combination for you and your bride-to-be. Our goal at Sylvia’s Antique Jewelry is to make it simple to choose your absolute perfect ring. Our Engagement Ring Style Guide explains the many options you have when either purchasing a ring ready-made or designing a custom piece just for you.

There is a lot to think about, so take a deep breath! We recommend you start with your center stone, which will probably be the focal point of your ring. The type of setting you choose should hold your diamond securely in place and complement its fire and brilliance. Consider your bride-to-be’s lifestyle when you choose a setting; if she is the active, sporty type, you may want to choose a low profile setting such as a bezel or basket setting to make sure your stone does not become loose.

 

Solitaire

This is a classic engagement ring. The solitaire diamond is a single stone, usually held in place with a prong setting.

Choosing the perfect ring

Bezel setting

This contemporary setting has a thin border of precious metal completely surrounding the diamond’s girdle to hold it firmly in place.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

Semi Bezel

This setting has two thin borders of metal that sit either side of the stone.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

Basket setting 

This setting has interwoven prongs which hold the diamond in a basket.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

Halo

One of the most popular settings for engagement rings, the center diamond is completely surrounded by smaller gemstones.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

Three stone

A classic look for engagement rings. A larger center diamond is surrounded by smaller ones. It is said the three stones represent a couple’s past, present and future.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

Peg head 

Consisting mostly of four or six prongs, a peg head is fixed onto the ring shank holding the diamond a little higher than its setting.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

Integrated head

Following the points on a compass, this setting holds the center diamond securely with four prongs.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

Cathedral

Echoing the archways in a cathedral, the gemstone is held by an elegantly tapering setting.

Choosing the perfect ring 

 

Settings for accent stones


Channel

This smooth setting has two strips of precious metal that hold multiple stones between them for an elegant and secure look.

Choosing the perfect ring

Pavé

Held in place by small prongs or beads, the Pavé setting has dozens of tiny stones which gives the illusion of a brilliant, diamond encrusted look. 

Choosing the perfect ring

Invisible

With their mounting hidden underneath, the invisible setting showcases the brilliance of your diamond while eliminating the light blockage from prongs or bezels.

Choosing the perfect ring

Tension

This modern setting uses tension to hold your stone in place, so it looks as if it is floating.

Choosing the perfect ring

Illusion

A shiny facet around the girdle of your diamond gives it the illusion of being even larger and more brilliant.

Choosing the perfect ring

Bar setting

A U or V shaped strip of thin precious metal holds stones in place, similar to a channel setting.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

Cluster setting 

As its name suggests, a cluster setting features groups of diamonds arranged in a cluster, often multi-level above the height of the hand.

Choosing the perfect ring


BAND STYLE

Another decision you will want to make concerns the style of the band, or “shank” of the ring; that’s the actual part you put round your finger.

Do you want it to have the Low-Profile classic look?

Choosing the perfect ring

Or do you prefer a Rounded look?

Choosing the perfect ring

The Knife-Edge shank  has two slanted sides making it look sleek and sophisticated.

Choosing the perfect ring

The Euro Shank is a practical way to prevent your ring from slipping round your finger, because it is flat at the bottom and rounded at the top.

Choosing the perfect ring

Comfort Fit more to your taste? The rounded inside edge makes your ring feel more comfortable.

Choosing the perfect ring

The Bypass Shank  actually overlaps instead of being in a continuous line

Choosing the perfect ring

Whereas the Split Shank has a band that divides around the center stone.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

With so many decisions to make we hesitate to give you more, but there are some interesting ways to add detail to your ring which we think you should consider. The right finish to your ring can create an authentic vintage or antique look or make it look more contemporary.

 

Choosing the perfect ring

Filigree

This is a classic finish popular in Victorian and Edwardian times. It gives your ring that delicate, antique look of filigree lace.Choosing the perfect ring

Milgrain

Very popular during the Art Deco and other vintage eras, milgraining adds a delicate beaded look along the edge of the ring’s shank.Choosing the perfect ring

 

Hammered

This look adds soft indentations to the metal surface which gives it texture and added durability.

Choosing the perfect ring

 

Matte or satin

If a more modern finish is more to your taste, the satin or matte finish gives a soft, textured look that does not show scratches as easily as other finishes.

Choosing the perfect ring
 

If you would like more advice about any or all of these important design decisions, do not hesitate to call our expert consultants at  800-969-69308.or Email Us We can suggest the style, setting and finish for your engagement ring that is exactly right for you and your lifestyle. We look forward to helping you make the perfect selection at this exciting time!