Celebrate Your Engagement With The Perfect Ring

Women have been receiving rings as a token of betrothal practically since history began to be recorded. The earliest ones, however, were little more than a metal band and did not sport diamonds as the majority do today. The first record of a diamond ring given to celebrate an engagement dates to 1477. In that year, the Emperor Maximilian bestowed one on Mary of Burgundy, his betrothed. At the time, diamonds were so rare that only royalty and the very rich could buy them. Beginning in the eighteenth century, however, the supply began to increase. This continued into the nineteenth century, which also saw the Industrial Revolution bring more wealth to more people.

Solitaire engagement rings are the most popular variety sold. The term technically refers to a ring with a single stone, regardless of cut. However, a round cut is the most common, although there are many different ways to mount it. The round cut is considered to be optimal for enhancing the reflective properties of a diamond.

A trilogy setting is a common variant of the solitaire. These have a larger stone in the center and a smaller gem on either side. While these may all be diamonds, in the last few decades jewelers have produced several variations. The center gem can be an emerald, ruby, or sapphire, or a birthstone can sometimes be used.

If you decide on an antique engagement ring, keep in mind that the ring need only be fifty years or older to qualify as an antique. As such, many of these are set with diamonds. Those from the twenties and thirties are often art deco styles, and may also include colored gemstones. Older rings may not have diamonds at all but consist of other stones, especially those from the Middle Ages. An ornate style is also common in these rings.

Over the past few decades, princess cut engagement rings have grown increasingly popular. This cut features a flat top and is square in shape. Sometimes that are recessed into the band, but more often they are mounted with the prongs covering the stone’s corners.

Rectangular stones are often referred to as emerald cuts. They are usually faceted on the sides and feature a flat top. A marquis cut refers to a stone that is basically round, but tapering to a point at both ends. Pear shapes are more commonly used in earrings, pendants, or with other stones due to their clunky shape. A pear shaped diamond is round at one end and pointed at the other.

Many modern beliefs about diamonds are not historic traditions, but instilled by advertising campaigns launched by the major jewelers. For instance, the suggestion that a groom spend at least two times his monthly salary on an engagement ring came from such a campaign. However, diamonds have only continued to grow in popularity among prospective brides. Thankfully, diamonds are now more plentiful, affordable, and varied, which lets almost every bride add a sparkler to her hand.