The Best Engagement Rings Guide You Will Read this Year!
The origin of engagement rings
Although early archeologists mark the existence of rings during Egyptian times, engagement rings as we know it date back to the Roman Empire. Men offered their fiancées a gold ring to wear during an engagement ceremony and an iron ring to wear at home.
Some say it was Maximilian of Austria (who later became a Roman Emperor) who first proposed with an engagement ring, offering it to the Duchess of Burgundy in 1477.
The symbolism of engagement rings wasn’t so much about love as it was about a legal agreement, and we’ve come a long way from the original tale with proposal stories that make us smile or reach for a tissue.
Now, nearly 80% of future American brides receive a diamond engagement ring with proposals to make them feel much more cherished than any princess of the past.
Why propose with an engagement ring?
A long-awaited marriage proposal is a crucial moment in the story of each couple. It’s planned and prepared in detail to remain splendid and unforgettable.
Engagement rings are the tokens which bring it all together as the utmost symbol of love. The ring’s shape represents eternity because it immortalizes the moment in the hearts of soulmates.
How to choose the perfect engagement ring
Bring forth your inner James Bond and do a little investigation into your beloved’s tastes and preferences.
While all engagement rings carry strong symbolism, the detail and representation of love in each style resonate
with how the two of you see love. Here’s a list of unique engagement ring styles for women:
Why choose this style
Type
Halo
In this style, a gorgeous halo of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone.
The overall effect is stunning and always gives the impression
of a larger ring.
Solitaire
It’s no wonder the solitaire is the most popular engagement ring style.
The design is elegant and highlights the centerpiece
in beautiful details.
Three-Stone
This style features three stones which represent the past, present, and future of your love.
The best part is that you get to pick out three equal diamonds or two different
diamond cuts to flank the centerpiece.
Free-Form
Free-form rings have no set structure or shape. Creative brides love them! Some examples
of free-form engagement rings include pieces featuring center stones other than diamonds,
vintage, or Art-Deco inspired designs.
Split-shank
This is a lovely take on classic designs where the band is cleaved
into two sections, allowing for a peek of the finger, and giving
the illusion of a bigger ring.
Twisted
As the name says, twisted engagement rings showcase intertwined patterns
along the band. This is a modern and exciting design that can
come accented with diamonds or not.
Remember, the most important aspect should never be fashion trends, but
picking out a style which makes her sigh and smile every time she looks at it!
What metal should an engagement ring be?
Rose gold
Rose gold provides a different look to engagement rings, even a more romantic one. While rose gold engagement rings may seem unconventional, your loved-one can still wear them every day and make incredible combinations with other jewelry accessories.
White gold
Most white gold engagement rings are considered minimalist, but they have something to say, too. In fact, most colored stones look great on white gold, and this metal shade enhances diamond engagement rings considerably.
Yellow gold
Yellow gold gives that unexpected delight to casual looks and works beautifully when mixed with the delicate details in engagement rings. Creating an edgy-yet-elegant look with yellow gold is always fun and interesting.
Two-tone
Are you undecided between two metal shades? Consider a two-tone engagement ring and get the best of both worlds. Your soon-to-be fiancé will love how much she can use a two-tone ring to anchor her fashion looks.
