Engagement rings are a timeless symbol of love and commitment, so it’s crucial to choose the right one. They hold immense sentimental value and not to mention, they’re a significant investment! In order to get it right and choose the perfect engagement ring, you need to consider various factors: style, metal choice, gemstone preference, and ethical sourcing. Our complete guide will explore each aspect in detail, giving you the information you need to help you make the right decision. Ultimately, you want the ring to reflect your unique style, lifestyle and values, right?
Classic and elegant, Solitaire engagement rings feature a single center stone. The idea behind the solitaire is that it draws attention to the diamond or gemstone, making it the primary focus of the ring. If you want to keep things traditional, a Solitaire is a wise choice. These rings have a timeless quality and are considered to be both understated and chic.
If you’re after a bit more pizzazz, Halo engagement rings are a great choice. They add extra sparkle and brilliance, featuring a ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones surrounding the main stone. This creates an eye-catching ‘halo’ effect. Not only do they look great, the halo element also makes the central stone look bigger. These rings are best suited for those who want a bit of extra glamour in their lives (and who can blame them, really?).
Symbolizing the past, present, and future of a relationship, three-stone engagement rings combine style and sentimental value in perfect harmony. Typically, they feature a larger center stone, with two smaller stones on either side, but stone sizes and configurations can vary. Many people choose these rings to represent milestones, such as friendship, love, and commitment. If you value symbolism as much as the appearance of jewelry, a three-stone engagement ring is an excellent choice.
Vintage-inspired engagement rings have made a serious comeback in recent years. These rings draw inspiration from times gone by, such as Victorian, Art Deco, or Edwardian eras. They’re often intricate and unique - it’s actually pretty hard to find two vintage engagement rings that look exactly the same! They offer a sense of nostalgia and romanticism, while also allowing you to express your individuality. What could be better the timeless elegance and a touch of old-world charm than a vintage engagement ring?
While some of us have a soft spot for the past, there are many that embrace the future with a gusto. Modern and minimalist engagement rings are steadily increasing in popularity and are characterized by geometric shapes, clean lines, and simplicity. Combining contemporary aesthetics with sleek metals, such as platinum or white gold, they truly give the ‘less is more’ vibe. Minimalist designs allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the ring, allowing the stone to stand out in a refined and understated manner. Modern and minimalist engagement rings are the ultimate form of sophistication.
While some of us may choose to stay on the straight and narrow, others defy traditional norms, welcoming unconventional designs with open arms. Avant-garde and asymmetrical engagement rings feature unique shapes, unexpected stone placements, and artistic elements that truely set them apart from other styles. If you’re a bold and adventurous person, seeking to express individuality, Avant Garde & asymmetrical engagement rings sure make a statement.
When it comes to engagement rings, it’s not just about the stone (no really!). Choosing the right metal for your engagement ring is important as it complements the gemstone sets the overall tone. Each metal is different in terms of properties, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Read on for the full breakdown of the most commonly used metals:
Known for its strength and purity, Platinum is a high-end, durable metal. It’s an excellent choice for those with allergies or skin sensitivities as it’s naturally hypoallergenic. Both timeless and sophisticated, platinum engagement rings are often highly valued and long withstanding.
A popular alternative to platinum, white gold offers a similar appearance with a lower price tag. It is developed by alloying yellow gold with white metals, such as silver, palladium, or nickel. With their shiny, bright appearance, white gold complements various gemstones in a way that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. It is worth noting that most 14k and 18k white gold is plated with rhodium to give it a bright white finish. Having said that, you can choose to have your white gold ring unplated for a warmer tone or replate your ring every so often when the finish wears off.
Nothing says ‘classic’ more than yellow gold. This traditional metal choice exudes warmth and is the perfect combination of timelessness and fashion. Highly versatile, yellow gold can be paired with various gemstones, creating a vintage-inspired aesthetic and an eye-catching contrast. Yellow gold comes in many shades from green undertones to peach undertones. Here at Valley Rose, our yellow gold has peach undertones, creating a neutral look to suit any skin tone.
Both romantic and feminine, rose gold has gained immense popularity in recent years. Created by alloying yellow gold with copper, rose gold has a warm and blush-colored hue, making it stand out from the crowd. Rose gold engagement rings are unique and modern, ideal for those who desire a touch of individuality and want to set themselves apart.
Most jewelers recommend 14k (58.3% pure gold content) or 18k (75% pure gold content) for engagement rings - anything lower or higher than these Karats can result in breakage or tarnishing. Jewelers are like Michelin chefs, cooking up a secret recipe for their gold alloy, mixing other metals in addition to the gold to create the perfect ring. Generally speaking, alloy recipes are customized to compliment the jewelers working process and designs.
Diamonds and rubies and emeralds, oh my! We’re not saying that the choice of gemstone in your engagement ring is the most important decision you’ll ever make, but it’s definitely up there. While diamonds are the traditional and sought after choice, there are various alternatives that all have their pros and cons. Alternative gemstones offer unique colors, characteristics, and ethical considerations. Here are some you might want to consider:
Renowned for their brilliance, durability, and timeless beauty, it’s no surprise that diamonds top the charts, year in, year out. When choosing a diamond, it’s important to consider the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The cut determines the diamond's sparkle and brilliance, while color and clarity affects its appearance. Carat weight is what determines the size of the diamond. Is it also vital that you consider whether the diamond has been sourced ethically or not. You want to make sure they are traceable with known provenance and responsibly mined.
Since Kate Middleton first donned Princess Diana’s old engagement ring, Sapphires have increased in popularity significantly. They’re vibrant and captivating gemstones and while they can be found in various colours, Sapphires are most commonly blue. Symbolizing loyalty, trust, and sincerity, Sapphires offer a unique alternative to traditional diamonds, as they add colour and individuality. They are fully traceable and their ethical sourcing ensures they are responsibly mined and cut with minimal environmental impact.
If you’ve never heard of salt and pepper diamonds, you’ve come to the right place. These gemstones are unique and unconventional, with natural inclusions and a grayish-black color with specks of white. These diamonds are distinctive and rustic in appearance, perfect for those seeking a remarkable, non-conforming ring. While salt and pepper diamonds can be ethically sourced, traceability and known provenance is crucial to ensure a minimal impact.
While diamonds and sapphires are great choices, there is a wide range of other gemstones to consider when buying an engagement ring. Emeralds, rubies, aquamarines, morganites, and opals are just a few of the precious stones to choose from. Every gemstone has unique characteristics, colors, and symbolism, so you need to find the right one to complement your aesthetic and lifestyle. Variety is the spice of life and exploring alternative gemstones allows for a truly personalized and meaningful engagement ring.
Understanding the 4 Cs allows you to make an informed choice when choosing a diamond. The 4 Cs are: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Altogether, these elements determine the level of quality as well as the value of the diamond. Confused? We don’t blame you! Some people might prefer to just go with their heart, beauty is in the eye of the beholder afterall, and these elements only matter if they are important to you. Here at Valley Rose, we recommend prioritizing cut and clarity grades over color. That way, you’ll end up with better value and higher carat weight for your budget.
Here's a brief overview of each aspect:
The cut refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light, affecting how much it sparkles. The higher quality the cut, the better the overall appearance and beauty of the stone. Well-cut diamonds reflect light effectively, creating a stunning display of brilliance.
Diamonds can range from colorless, to various gorgeous shades of yellow and brown. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds tend to be viewed as higher in value due to their their purity and brilliance.
Many diamonds contain natural inclusions or blemishes that affect their clarity as they are naturally occurring stones. The GIA grades diamond clarity on a scale ranging from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye). Higher clarity grades mean the diamond is more pure and rare.
Carat weight measures a diamond's size and is often associated with how valuable the stone is. Bigger diamonds tend to have have a higher carat weight. However, it is important to note that carat weight alone does not determine how beautiful or valuable the diamond is. Combining the 4 Cs will help you make the best decision.
As we’ve discussed, the cut of a gemstone plays an important role in its overall appearance and beauty. Different cuts showcase the stone's unique characteristics and can help you enhance your own personal style. Here are some of the most popular gemstone cuts to consider for your engagement ring:
The oval brilliant cut is an elongated version of the round brilliant cut and has grown in popularity considerably in recent years. Both timeless and elegant, its elongated shape creates the illusion of long, feminine fingers. Oval cut gemstones exhibit excellent brilliance and sparkle, allowing the ring to shine and making them a fantastic choice for engagement rings.
There’s a reason the round brilliant cut is one of the most popular choices for diamonds and other gemstones. The symmetrical shape and numerous facets allow the stone to shine to its full potential, radiating brilliance and sparkle. Offering versatility and complementing various engagement ring styles, round brilliant cut is a safe bet whichever way you look at it.
Both stunning and unique, the pear brilliant cut (also known as teardrop cut) combines the sophistication of a round cut with the novelty of a marquise cut. Featuring a rounded end and a pointed end, the beautiful and distinctive shape creates an air of individuality that can’t be matched. Pear cut gemstones are well known for their brilliance and can add a touch of sophistication and playfulness to any engagement ring.
The marquise brilliant cut is an elongated shape with pointed ends, resembling a boat or a football. The shape creates an illusion of larger size, which effectively means you’re able to maximise the carats weight (which is a win in our opinion if nothing else!). Marquise cut gemstones exude elegance and refinement with a hint of individuality.
The cushion brilliant cut (also known as the pillow cut) features a square or rectangular shape with slightly tapered, rounded corners. Combining the brilliance of a round cut with the vintage charm of an antique cut, this cut allows the diamond to do the talking. Romantic and soft in their appearance, cushion cuts are perfect for those who desire a vintage-inspired engagement ring but still want to encompass a sense of modernity.
Characterized by rectangular facets arranged parallel to the gemstone's edges, it is safe to say that the emerald step cut is nothing short of stunning. Showcashing the gemstone's clarity and color, creating a mirror-like effect, this style is sure to catch the attention of everyone in the room. Emerald cut gemstones are both understated and timeless, encompassing a beauty like no other.
A blend of modern and vintage, the radiant brilliant cut combines the brilliance of a round cut with the geometric shape of an emerald cut. Aesthetically, this cut features cropped corners and a square or rectangular shape. The cut allows for truly exceptional brilliance, combining both old and new to create something distinctive and special.
Nothing says new-age like princess cut. The princess brilliant cut is a square or rectangular shape with sharp, angular corners. With numerous facets that maximize brilliance and sparkle, princess cut gemstones are both modern and contemporary, ideal for those with a minimalist style and chic aesthetic.
When selecting an engagement ring, ethical sourcing should be at the top of your priority list. You need to ensure that your chosen engagement ring has been crafted with responsibly sourced materials and made by workers who benefit from fair labor practices. Here's are some reasons why ethical sourcing is a big consideration:
Mining practices should always be ethical. When you choose an ethical engagement ring, this means that responsibility to these practices has been prioritized. With responsible practices, diamonds, gemstones, and metals used in the rings are extracted in a manner that minimizes environmental impact and maintains fair labor standards. Ultimately, responsible mining practices seek to protect not only local communities and workers, but the environment too.
Ethical engagement rings should come with certifications or guarantees that verify the origin and ethical sourcing of the materials used. The SCS Sustainably Rated Diamond Standard for diamonds or certifications for fair trade and fairmined gold are reputable sources for these certifications. Having these guarantees ensures transparency and provides assurance that the stone you purchased has been sourced with ethics in mind.
Supporting sustainable initiatives within the jewelry industry is extremely important and choosing an ethically sourced stone should be your due diligence. Everyone should be in support of fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible environmental practices. Doing your part helps create a more equitable and sustainable future for both the workers and the planet.
Custom engagement rings are not only special, they’re one of a kind, just like you. To create a ring that’s truly unique, you may want to consider working with a jeweler. Creating a custom ring enables you to choose the metal, style, cut and gemstone and also add intricate details that would be otherwise hard to find. A roundup of the benefits include:
Uniqueness: There’s nothing like having a one-of-a-kind ring on your finger. Custom engagement rings can be created to reflect your unique personal style and tell the story the love shared between you and your partner.
Tailored Design: Working with a jeweler allows you bring your vision to life, especially if you’ve been struggling to find the engagement ring you’ve been dreaming of. Every element of the ring can be customized, even down to the tiniest detail like engravings.
Symbolic Details: If you want the opportunity to incorporate symbolic elements that hold personal significance, custom engagement rings allow this. You can turn old, meaningful jewellery into new, include beloved family heirlooms or incorporate meaninfulness dates or messages.
Quality Craftsmanship:Creating a custom engagement ring is truly an art form. The meticulous work that goes into bringing them to life takes a high level of skill and attention to detail, meaning that the final result is likely to be something spectacular. Both you and the love of your life deserve spectacular!
If you’re interested in a custom engagement ring, reach out to our team at Valley Rose: help@valleyrosestudio.com
Ultimately, choosing the perfect engagement ring is a monumental decision in life. In order to find a ring that represents your love, values, aesthetic and lifestyle, it is important to do your research and explore various styles, metals, gemstones and ethical considerations. No matter which ring you choose, whether it be a platinum solitaire, a unique vintage ring or a custom-made creation, the love and commitment behind the ring is what matters most of all. With careful consideration and attention to detail, you can find the perfect engagement ring that will be treasured for a lifetime. An engagement ring is more than a piece of jewellery, it is a symbol of hope, trust and enduring love as you embark on your next phase of life together.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Follow this chart to see where the necklace will fall. All necklace sizes are described on the product pages. We suggest getting a piece of string and measuring necklace on your neck to ensure best fit.
To keep your jewels looking their best please keep these tips in mind to extend the life of your pieces.