Give a Halo to Your Angel
One of the most popular settings for diamond engagement rings is a halo setting, featuring a larger center diamond surrounded by a series of smaller diamonds. Halo settings are not only beautiful, but they can also be an economical choice if you desire a larger ring but have a specific budget to stay under. Halo engagement rings most commonly incorporate round, cushion, pear, or oval cut diamonds, giving you a wide range of options. While you may find halo settings in any metal, you are most likely to find them in white gold, as the silvery sheen of white gold blends with the diamonds better and gives the illusion of one larger diamond.
A Diamond Is Forever
Diamonds are both a practical choice and a symbolic one. The first advertisement campaign selling diamond engagement rings dates to 1947, marketing a the sentiment of a lifelong union with the slogan “A diamond is forever.” It may only have been a clever advertising strategy at the time, but they got the message across: as the toughest material on earth, diamonds truly are symbolic of a lasting relationship that can weather any circumstances at any time. Not only strong, diamonds are also reflective and prismatic, catching the light and sparkling delightfully. The only thing diamonds don't have in common with your loved one is that they can be bought - the love you share is priceless.
Gemstone Engagement Options
While diamond rings are the most commonly sought, traditional form of engagement rings, there has been a growing trend in gemstone engagement rings. If you're looking for something nontraditional, consider a sapphire or ruby engagement ring. Sapphires come in a variety of shades, the most common being hues of blue, but pink, orange, and colorless are all readily available. Deep scarlet rubies are the color of love and are favored by those who love intense hues. When choosing a gemstone engagement ring, consult your jeweler first about the stone's durability; many lovely gemstones are not good options for rings that will be worn daily because they chip or scratch easily. Sapphires and rubies are harder, durable stones that rival diamonds and are therefore excellent choices.
Renew Your Vows with a Diamond
You may have opted for a smaller, low-quality diamond when you first proposed to your spouse, and after a few years you find that the time is right to replace the old ring with the one you really wanted to get for them. A new engagement ring is a symbol of re-commitment to your spouse and a lovely later addition to a marriage. A bigger, more quality diamond in a nicer setting will never replace the sentiment of the original, but it will sparkle and shine just as much as your love from Day 1. Whether you're officially renewing your vows twenty years later or getting a five-year anniversary present, upgrading an engagement ring is a great way to show your love and dedication to your partner.