Engagement Ring Designs Illustrated: Part One

Have you been looking for an engagement ring that speaks volumes not only about your unique relationship but also about who you are as an individual? Finding the ultimate ring requires serious research into the available options, and the process also involves a little bit of self-discovery. To aid in your adventure, Ziva Jewels has created a list of 19 of the most popular styles and details, which we will discuss over the next two blog posts. Check out the first 10 in this first one, and begin to consider which style best personifies you.

1. Halo Round Brilliant Diamond Ring

Round Diamond in Square Halo Engagement Ring

The halo is one of the most requested and beloved additions to any ring. Comprised of Pave diamonds, the halo engagement ring encircles the central stone, typically a round brilliant, where it adds sparkle, the impression of size and interest to a ring.

2. Double Halo Oval Ring

Oval Engagement Ring With Double Halo

Very similar to the single halo ring, the double halo ring simply adds a second layer of Pave diamonds to the center stone, in this case a stunning oval diamond. This is an excellent choice if you have a limited budget but love a lot of dazzle.

3. Vintage Multi-Stone Diamond Ring

Vintage Engagement Ring With Baguette Sides

Vintage has certainly become popular in fashion again lately, and that’s probably because these designs are intricate yet demure, elegant yet luxurious. This multi-stone vintage ring tastefully decorated with smaller stones and mil-grained edges on the setting.

4. Braided Band Diamond Ring

Braided Band Engagement Ring

Effortlessly feminine, the singularly feminine look and intriguing lines of a braided diamond ring are understandably alluring. The twisting is eye-catching without requiring over sized diamonds, making it a beautiful choice for every price point.

5. Split-Shank Diamond Ring

Engagement Ring With Split Shank

A single band at the bottom gives way where the setting begins, splitting into two distinct bands. The split-shank engagement ring offers more surface area for lovely Pave diamonds and a subtle but sophisticated design for those who want something impressive but not show stopping.

6. Rose Gold Diamond Ring

Pear Shaped Engagement Ring With Halo in Rose Gold

Sweet, feminine and playful, rose gold has an old soul that plays well with the modern styles. A simple setting, perhaps one with a lovely Pave diamond halo, and a killer central stone, like an over-sized pear-shaped diamond, works brilliantly, literally, when placed on a rose gold band.

7. Three-Stone Diamond Ring

Oval Three-Stone Engagement Ring

Symbolizing the past, present and future of a relationship, the always-romantic three-stone engagement ring appeals to a wide variety of brides. You may find this is the perfect ring for you if you love classics with panache. After all, it’s versatile and timeless.

8.  Solitaire Diamond Ring

Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire

Speaking of classic, nothing beats the original in beauty, enduring appeal or versatility. The round brilliant diamond solitaire is the most well known, but you can pop in any shape or size of diamond and mix-and-match the band metal colors to suit your individual tastes.

9. Three-Stone Diamond Ring With Accents

Emerald Cut 3-Stone Ring
With Baguette Accents

Want to add more radiance to an already striking three-stone diamond engagement ring? All you have to do is splash on a couple accent stones; baguettes are always especially nice when paired with the angular beauty of an emerald cut stone.

10. Engraved Diamond Ring

Engraved Engagement Rings
With Pear Sides

Many people assume an engraved band is the same and a band with an engraving, not so! The exclusive engraved design by Ziva is an intricate carving that decorates the exterior sides of your chosen piece. It subtly enhances the beauty of any ring, and offers an alluring addition that many will admire.

While certainly one of the most exciting items one can shop for, choosing an engagement ring is an involved process that takes a great deal of consideration. In addition to selecting a ring that delights you visually, you’ll want one that symbolizes your love and fits within your lifestyle. For more ideas, visit Ziva Jewels, and be sure and check back next week, when we post the second half of our list of unforgettable engagement ring designs.

Discover Your Love’s Engagement Ring Style Secretly

It’s old fashioned, romantic and tempting, but surprising your significant other with a proposal (and an engagement ring) is fraught with difficulty. How do you know if the ring you pick will make her gush with pride or rethink her entire relationship? You do it by learning her taste well in advance. While some people think dating for a year or two or more should provide you with all the information you need to pick the ideal ring, it is rarely the case. To help you achieve your goal of surprising your true love with a stunning ring design she’ll cherish forever, here are five sneaky ways to suss out her jewelry preferences.

1. Enlist Her Friends

Bezel Set Engagement Ring With Pave Halo

The most popular way to discover your girl’s taste in diamond rings is to ask a friend or close family member, but you have to be very careful. Some friends aren’t always very good at keeping their mouths shut about a surprise and others don’t know her tastes as well as they think they do. Always ask the friend if your ladylove has specifically pointed out a favorite design or if she’s just going by her usual taste.

2. Look at Her Jewelry

Three Stone Engagement Ring in Bezel Setting With Diamond Halos

You may know she likes her coffee with four spoons of sugar and prefers to stay in rather than go out on weekends, but when it comes to jewelry you’re stumped. Go ahead and rummage through her jewelry box to get an idea of her likes. Remember, you’ll want to think about which pieces she wears regularly, not the ones she wears for special occasions. Does she prefer simple, classic and subdued for the most part? Chances are, she’ll want the same for her engagement ring.

3. Listen For Hints

Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire

Many women know for years the style of ring they want, often well in advance of even having a boyfriend. Chances are, if you’ve been together for a while she’s leaving you hints about her taste in rings. Not so much? Wait until a newly engaged friend shows off her piece. Your girl will likely gush about its beauty then turn to you and honestly critique it moments later. Pay close attention to her appraisal.

4. Ask For Help

Antique Style Engagement Ring With Pear Shaped and Round Side Diamonds

No, you’re not asking for help picking out her engagement ring, you’re asking for help picking out a friend’s. Tell your beloved that one of your buddies is planning on popping the question and his girl has similar tastes as her. Ask what she’d recommend based on her preferences. This is brilliant if she never guesses, but you have to be incredibly smooth not to give away your intentions with this plan.

5. Go Custom Made

Large Sapphire Ring With
Triangle Diamond Sides

Lots of girls want something special that showcases how unique she and your relationship is to you. You can give her a ring that doesn’t require searching jewelry store after jewelry store for something specific, and it provides her with a ring no one else has. Custom rings allow you to take what you know about your lady and turn it into a one-of-a-kind design.

Surprise proposals are less common these days, because many women have very clear-cut ideas about what their rings should look like. But you can still propose the old-fashioned way with a ring she’ll adore by following these sneaky tricks and buying the design she’ll cherish for the rest of her life. Plus, she’ll have one more thing to brag about to friends and family.

Choosing the Perfect Size Diamond

Engagement rings come in many stunning styles and designs, but when you get engaged most people will ask one question first: How big is the diamond? While carat weight isn’t precisely the same as size that is generally what they’re asking. Size isn’t the most important part of choosing a stone, but it can help you determine the look that you want. If you’re wondering what the perfect size diamond is for you, follow this easy guide to help you pick a carat weight you’ll adore for eternity.

Thin Fingers, Small Budget

Ladies with delicate or small hands should opt for a smaller stone on their engagement rings. Small hands make stones appear larger, so even a modest 1 carat diamond ring has an impressive look. If you’re working with a lower end budget, a smaller ring can also work. 2 carat diamond rings look beautiful, and if you choose one that’s just below the 2 carat mark you can save a bundle. Or, opt for a style that uses several stones for a total weight of two carats.

Wiggle Room

If you have a bit more wiggle room when it comes to your finances, you should definitely opt for a larger stone that catches the light and others’ attention. A 3 carat diamond ring looks beautiful on any hand size, and if you adore the heart-shaped diamonds it’s best to pick a larger carat weight. Heart-shaped stones appear smaller than other cuts, so it helps to go bigger. Still not impressed? Whether you choose total carat weight with several stones or one stunning big one, nobody will tut-tut your 4 carat diamond ring for being undersized.

Money is no Object

If you’re blessed with a sizable income there’s no reason to hold back when it comes to most important jewelry you’ll ever wear. Diamonds are an investment, so choosing a flawless 5 carat diamond ring is a surprisingly smart choice. While a bit over-sized for those with dainty fingers, 5 carats have a bold look and elegant design that will last through every fashion fad. Of course, if money really is no object, why stop at 5? A 10 carat diamond ring puts even the splashiest of celebrities to shame, and it’s truly wish fulfilling.

Buying a diamond engagement ring is exciting and a little stressful—in a good way. Try on and compare several diamond sizes to find the one that suits you best. Remember: size isn’t everything. If your prefer quality over quantity, get a smaller, flawless stone. If impressions count, go bigger and ignore a few extra inclusions. Your ring is up to you; so don’t let anyone else tell you what’s right.

Rings by Diamond Shape: Cushion, Oval, Princess Cut..

While engagement rings can have any sort of fancy gemstone as the central piece, diamonds definitely reign supreme. But it’s not just a matter of choosing whether you want a diamond or a sapphire. There is a whole world of diamond cuts from which to choose that can show off your personal taste and flatter your style. If you’re not certain whether you’re more of a classic round brilliant type or a boldly confident emerald cut kind of girl, here is your chance to compare the many cuts and shapes of diamonds and find your perfect diamond soul mate.

Marquise Cut

Marquise Diamond Solitaire

A less commonly seen choice, but that makes it all the more distinctive. Marquise engagement rings are stunning with their canoe or football-shaped bodies. The edges are sharp and fierce while the body is smooth and feminine, combining two beloved features into one. Consider pairing this style with a vintage design or eye-catching band.

Princess Cut

Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire

Popular not only for the name, which obviously evokes royalty, but also for its sharp edges and brilliant shine, princess cut engagement rings look fabulous alone or with accent stones on either side. Add a touch more femininity by setting it atop a rose gold band for the ultimate luxury jewel.

Cushion Cut

Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire

Probably the most popular style currently, both with regular folks and celebrities, cushion cut engagement rings have a square shape with rounded edges, which gives it a softer, more feminine look that flatters the finger. It can look square shaped and symmetrical or longer and oval shaped, and it looks fabulous in both modern and vintage settings.

Round Brilliant Cut

Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

There is no more classic setting than a round diamond engagement ring. Known for its brilliance, the round shape has been perfected over centuries to create that infamous sparkle so many adore. It’s also one of the most versatile styles, often seen with accent stones, halos, colorful gemstones and vintage settings.

Pear Shaped 

Pear Shaped Diamond Solitaire

Another hidden beauty, pear shaped diamonds are less common, but they offer a distinctive look that few others wear, offering a more unique option. Pear-shaped engagement rings can be worn with the tip pointed outwards or in, and they look great alone or with accent stones, though vintage styles look best.

Emerald Cut

Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire

Bold, confident and alluring, the emerald cut diamond stands alone. The step facets have a different style of sparkle all their own, which appear more like rays of light than a dazzle of colors. Emerald cut engagement rings, again, look best in a vintage setting, but their unique look makes them perfect for a custom design.

Radiant Cut

Radiant Cut Diamond Solitaire

With a name like that, how could anyone resist the fire and light of this showy square-shaped gemstone? Radiant cut engagement rings have softer edges but a square shape, and they have a unique faceting style that results in a similar display as the round brilliant.

Oval Shape

Oval Diamond Solitaire

Long, elegant and feminine to the core, the oval cut diamond is understandably seductive. The shape flatters fingers, making them appear thin and shapely. Oval cut engagement rings look great in any variation, but because they look larger than other stones they are best left alone.

Asscher Cut

Asscher Cut Diamond Solitaire

Sitting somewhere between a princess and an emerald cut is the Asscher cut, but don’t be fooled by that description. Asscher cut engagement rings are square-shaped with unique step faceting, but they are wholly original. They have more brilliance than an emerald and more bold style than a princess. Wear it proudly.

Some women know from the time they are young girls what type of engagement ring they desire while others wait patiently for the day the proposal comes to consider their perfect style. Regardless of whether your tastes are cemented in stone or open to suggestion, you should always know what’s available. Find the perfect diamond shape for your personality at Ziva Jewels, and spend your life wearing your heart on your hand.