Solitaire Engagement Rings | Design aspects to consider

All attention is on your center stone which is why it is the most important factor in a solitaire engagement ring.

The best types of gemstones to use are diamond, sapphire and ruby. Learn more about diamonds and gemstones here.

Keep in mind what size will be wearable for everyday. This factor changes depending on the wearer, as some people have smaller and shorter hands than others.

We are certified gemologists and take great care in sourcing gemstones from trusted suppliers. Offering our customers a unique opportunity to view a hand-picked collection of stones that suit their specific needs and preferences.

There are a handful of different claw styles to choose from, each giving a different overall look to your engagement ring.

For example, a bezel setting can give off a sleek and sharp finish and double claws lean towards an antique look.

The shape and colour of your gemstone or diamond should also be considered when deciding on claw finishings.

Bear in mind that your claws are holding your stone, they need to be made thick enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. Fine claws might look good, but may cause trouble down the line.

The profile of the band should be chosen to compliment the shape of the center stone as well as the claw/prongs.

For example, emerald-cut and other square shaped gemstones tend to suit flat bands and round and oval shapes tend to suit rounded bands.

A half round band makes the ring look finer compared to a flat band of the same width.

Flat bands are more modern, especially when paired with a fine bezel setting. If you are after an antique or classic look, a half round band will work best.

The shoulders of a ring is the part where the setting or mount meets the band.

Sometimes shoulders are necessary for strength and other times they are there for decoration.

Fine shoulders reaching up to the setting can create a fine look while maintaining strength. The shoulders can have a slight gap adding faint detailing or they can be solid.

Currently it is more common to not have shoulders on a solitaire engagement ring, as it can been seen as old fashioned. In this case, the setting or mount should have substantial contact with the band to ensure it is secure.

All engagement rings should be made with either platinum or gold no less than 18ct in purity.

18ct gold is 75% gold, the added 25% is a mixture of silver, copper and other metals. These added metals make the gold stronger and workable as pure gold is too soft. A lower percentage of gold, for example 14ct or 9ct may tarnish and dis-colour over time which is why 18ct gold is the best to use.

18ct gold is available in yellow, rose and white. Generally choosing the same colour metal as the jewellery you or your partner already wear is a good start. Otherwise matching the colour to your skin tone is ideal.