ENGAGEMENT RINGS FAQ
Engagement Ring FAQs
Choosing an engagement ring for yourself or your partner is no small task, as this piece will likely be worn for many years. As a symbol of unending love and marital commitment, it should be a piece that brings joy to look at and perfectly suits your personality and aesthetic preferences. Our team of experts here at Huntington Fine Jewelers has put together a guide to some of the most frequently asked questions about engagement rings and the buying process to assist you in your journey.
Why Do We Wear Engagement Rings?
As you begin shopping for an engagement ring, you may wonder where, why, and when this tradition began. The practice dates back to Ancient Egypt when it was believed that the circular shape of a ring represented eternal love. On the other hand, engagement rings in Victorian England were crafted of gemstones, wire, and silver to proclaim one’s affection. Nowadays, engagement rings represent the promise of an upcoming marriage and enduring, unconditional love. Diamonds have historically been viewed as symbols of marital love's purity and unbreakable nature.
What are the Most Common Engagement Ring Cuts?
The particular cut of an engagement ring’s center stone determines much of the piece’s overall aesthetic effect. A wide variety of stone cuts cater to a broad range of shoppers to ensure everyone can find a ring that suits them. The following are some of the most popular engagement ring cuts.
- Round: The most popular cut, making up over 75% of all engagement rings sold, the round cut is timeless, versatile, and unparalleled in brilliance.
- Princess: The princess is a bold and geometric cut characterized by a perfectly square, phenomenally modern, and eye-catching shape.
- Cushion: Similar to the princess, the cushion cut is a squared shape yet with rounded off corners for a shape resembling a pillow or cushion, hence its name.
- Oval: Feminine and romantic, the oval cut is similar in brilliance to the round cut yet features a dramatically elongated silhouette.
- Emerald: This cut is wonderfully reminiscent of the Art Deco era, characterized by a rectangular silhouette. Its parallel facets form a unique “hall of mirrors” effect that is truly mesmerizing.
- Pear Shape: Also known as the teardrop cut, this shape features an elongated shape with one rounded and one pointed end.
What are the Most Common Engagement Ring Settings?
The term “setting” refers to everything other than the center stone. A ring’s setting plays an equally influential role as the center stone in determining its style. These are the most common engagement ring settings you’ll encounter when shopping:
- Solitaire: As the name suggests, a solitaire ring features the center stone and the band.
- Three Stone: Three stone rings are inlaid with a large center stone and two accent stones flanking it on either side.
- Halo: A halo ring is created by surrounding the center stone in a row or “halo” of accent stones that increase its brilliance and make it appear larger.
- Side Stone: Side stone rings have, as well as a center stone, a band inlaid with accent stones by way of the channel, pave, bezel, or prong.
How Much Should I Spend?
You may have heard it said that the standard one should spend on an engagement ring is two months’ salary. However, for some, this can be impractical. This “rule” was developed as a marketing ploy by the DeBeers to increase sales of diamond engagement rings. How much you spend on an engagement ring should be unique to you and your partner, your income, and your convictions.
Shop Engagement Rings at Huntington Fine Jewelers
Let Huntington Fine Jewelers be your destination for a dreamy, high-quality engagement ring. Browse the selection of bridal rings available at any of our Oklahoma jewelry stores for a piece whose beauty you can trust will last a lifetime. It would be our pleasure to assist you in buying and answering any questions you may have. Request an appointment today for a personalized consultation with one of our team members, or feel free to browse our inventory online.