Engagement Ring Style Guide
Here at Vinciguerra Jewelers, we offer a wide selection of contemporary and traditionally styled engagement rings, wedding bands, fashion jewelry, and more. Our pieces can help commemorate a special occasion and make any day extraordinary.
Get inspired by learning more about diamond shapes, ring styles and settings, and types of metals below!
Diamond Cuts
Round Diamonds
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Round diamonds are one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. With nearly 60 facets designed to maximize light return and sparkle, this dazzling shape has proven to be extremely versatile and timeless.
Oval Diamonds
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A scintillating twist on the classic round, this elongated shape can create the illusion of a larger size while exhibiting a similar fire and brilliance. Oval diamonds are highly versatile and remarkably elegant.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
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Soft rounded edges differentiate cushion cut diamonds from more angular square or rectangular shapes. Refined over centuries from the old mine cut, cushion cut diamonds are a timeless, romantic choice.
Princess Cut Diamonds
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Princess cut diamonds are known for their contemporary style and sparkle, making them widely popular. Most commonly square with four pointed corners, princess-cut diamonds feature over 70 facets which create exceptional fire and scintillation.
Marquise Diamonds
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Marquise shaped diamonds feature dramatic pointed ends with a curved middle, creating a larger surface area than any other diamond shape. This unique cut maximizes perceived size while elongating and flattering fingers. Dating back to the 18th century, this romantic shape offers a regal elegance that stands the test of time.
Pear Diamonds
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Pear cut diamonds feature a rounded edge tapering to a point at the opposite end, forming a symmetrical teardrop shape. Similar to an oval cut, this elongated shape flatters fingers while showcasing the stone’s distinctive sparkle.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
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Emerald cut diamonds are popularly treasured for their understated elegance and striking silhouette. The shallow pavilion and open table accentuate the clarity of the stone, while the rectangular facets offer subtle reflective shimmer.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
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Similar to an emerald cut, asscher cut diamonds offer brilliant shimmer. Featuring a square shape with cut corners, this shape is uniquely chic in a contemporary setting and perfectly complements vintage styles.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
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When you combine the elegant glamour of the emerald shape with the fire and brilliance of the round, you get the radiant cut diamond. This chic, angular shape with gently trimmed corners offers a unique and modern allure.
Heart Shaped Diamonds
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Heart shaped diamonds shimmer with two symmetrical halves, creating a bold and romantic look. A modification of the pear shape, this feminine shape is cut with precise symmetry to showcase the diamond’s sparkle.
Engagement Ring Styles and Settings
Solitaire Engagement Rings
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Solitaire Engagement Rings
A classic and timeless style that showcases a single diamond. Solitaire engagement rings highlight the beauty of an engagement diamond. While the round brilliant diamond is the most popular stone for solitaire engagement rings, any diamond shape is a beautiful centerpiece in this classic setting.
Sapphire Engagement Rings
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Sapphire Engagement Rings
For those who dare to be different, sapphires are a stunning alternative with a pop of color. The most popular sapphire rings shapes are round, oval, and cushion. Sapphire rings can come in an array of different colors such as blue, yellow, green, orange, pink, brown, red, and clear. Often, sapphire engagement rings have diamond accents.
Three Stone Engagement Rings
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Three Stone Engagement Rings
A three stone engagement ring showcases a dazzling trio of stones for when one diamond isn’t enough. Also known as a trinity or trilogy ring, the round center stone is usually set higher and is paired with complementary side stones to highlight the (usually) larger center stone and add depth to the ring.
Prong Setting
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Prong Setting
The most common type of engagement ring setting, the prong setting features slim metal arms that securely cradle the diamond at the girdle. It lifts the stone high above the band, allowing light to enter and exit the diamond from all angles for maximum brilliance, fire, and sparkle.
Halo Engagement Rings
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Halo Engagement Rings
This ring has a central gemstone or diamond surrounded by a “halo” of smaller stones to enhance the ring’s brilliance and make it appear larger. A halo ring design blends classic elegance and vintage style with a modern twist. Single halo rings feature one halo of accent stones around the center stone, and double halo rings encircle the center stone with two rows of diamonds.
Pavé Setting
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Taking its name from the French word for “paved,” a pavé engagement ring is when the band is encrusted with stones. The gemstones are set as close together as possible so that little or no metal is shown, giving the appearance of a solid diamond surface.
Vintage Engagement Rings
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Vintage Engagement Rings
For the one who loves vintage style or has a kinship about a certain era, an antique or vintage engagement ring (or a new ring that’s inspired by vintage design) is the way to go. Vintage ring styles include Art Deco, Victorian, Edwardian, and Retro/Mid-Century, to name a few.
Cathedral Setting
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Cathedral Setting
The cathedral setting adds height and elegance to an engagement ring. The shank of the ring curves upwards to resemble the tall, graceful arches of a cathedral, elevating the center stone above the band.
Composite Engagement Rings
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Composite Engagement Rings
Composite Engagement RingsCreated with several diamonds (often two or three smaller ones) fused together, composite engagement rings are a stunning choice that creates a larger diamond cluster. With a composite engagement ring, you get a larger looking diamond at a lower cost.
Channel Setting
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Channel Setting
A channel setting is when gemstones are embedded into a channel, or groove, within the band so the gems are bordered by two rows of metal. They can run along the entire band of the ring to extend the brilliance of the center diamond.
Bezel Setting
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Bezel Setting
A bezel setting is when the stones sit in the metal rather than being held in with prongs. The flat surface exposes only the crown, or top, of the diamond. This makes the bezel setting an appropriate style for those seeking a low-set engagement ring.
Types of Precious Metals and Alternative Metals
Titanium Rings
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Titanium Rings
Titanium’s strength, durability, and lustrous beauty make it an ideal choice for jewelry. Classic titanium colors are gray and black. Titanium is highly resistant to dents and bending but also light, making it a great choice for those who may not like wearing rings. Since it’s a pure metal, it is hypoallergenic.
Tungsten Rings
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Tungsten Rings
Tungsten is a very dense metal, making it so strong that it can’t be bent once forged. Considered the most durable, it resists corrosion and requires little maintenance. Tungsten has a steel-gray to tin-white color but is also available in many tones and can be polished to a very lustrous finish.
Stainless Steel Rings
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Stainless Steel Rings
Stainless steel is less likely to rust and corrode than regular steel and other metals. It has some chromium which prevents rust or stains from appearing. It is available in different finishes and platings which can add a unique look to stainless steel bands. Since it’s not a pure metal, stainless steel is not hypoallergenic, but it may be safe for some people with sensitivities.
Yellow Gold Rings
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Yellow Gold Rings
Gold is naturally yellow in color, however, since pure gold is very soft, it is usually alloyed with silver or copper to bring out its natural warmth. Yellow gold boasts the rich hue for which gold is famous, and its luster is beautiful. Yellow gold is 75% fine gold and 25% alloys added to strengthen the metal, making it suitably durable for everyday wear.
White Gold Rings
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White Gold Rings
White gold has a similar silvery-white appearance to platinum, making it another stunning choice for jewelry. It is generally not suggested for those with a nickel allergy. Due to its rhodium plating, white gold should regularly be re-plated to maintain its color.
Rose Gold Rings
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Rose Gold Rings
Rose gold is a lovely alloy of gold and copper, with a lustrous blush-pink tone. The more copper added to the alloy, the rosier the gold will become. The copper in the alloy lends strength, so it is a durable choice that does not require extra maintenance.
Gold Rings
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Gold Rings
Few metals capture the heart like gold. A traditional choice for all types of jewelry, gold is the most easily worked of all metals because it is naturally very soft and malleable.
Platinum Rings
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Platinum Rings
Platinum is a naturally lustrous silvery-white, and because of its beauty and hypoallergenic status is a sought after metal for jewelry. While being less malleable than gold, platinum requires very little maintenance, as it is corrosion resistant and does not tarnish. Platinum is strong, durable, and its bright white shine never fades—qualities that make it the perfect metal for everyday wear.
Sterling Silver Rings
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Sterling Silver Rings
Similar to gold, silver in its purest form is soft and delicate. In order to be used for jewelry, it is often combined with metal alloys to increase its strength. Sterling silver can range from bright white to grayish-white and can have a matte or shiny finish. Sterling silver can be plated with gold to change its color. Silver tarnishes, so store your sterling silver engagement ring in tarnish-preventive bags in a cool, dry place.
St. Louis Jewelry Store
Here at our family-owned jewelry store, we are committed to providing friendly customer service and high-quality jewelry services. Let us help you find the perfect engagement ring or special piece of jewelry today!
