The Ultimate Guide to Your “Cool Girl” Engagement Ring
With trends coming and going so quickly, it can be challenging to tell whether you'll love something for years to come or regret it a month later. While classic designs have their charm, it's understandable to want something less traditional. Welcome to the ultimate guide to the "Cool Girl" engagement ring, where I'll help you find your personal style and show you a couple of styles that I absolutely love!
The Center Stone: The Heart of Your Engagement Ring
The center stone is often considered the most important part of an engagement ring. While many people focus on the color, clarity, and size of the diamond and debate between lab-grown and natural options, one crucial decision needs to be made first: the shape of the stone.
Oval, emerald, round—the list goes on. These classic shapes are timeless, but if you're looking for something truly unique, consider exploring lesser-known shapes that can set your ring apart.
Reintroducing vintage Cut Stones
One standout option is the Old Mine Cut diamond or Old European Cut. These vintage stones have a distinctive charm that will leave your friends thinking, "There's something so unique and cool about this ring, but I can't quite put my finger on it." Vintage cut diamonds have been around long before lab-grown diamonds, but the good news is that lab-grown diamonds can also be cut to achieve this vintage look.
Old-cut diamonds add just the right amount of uniqueness to a ring, making even a simple mounting look special. If you love the classic look of an oval diamond on a gold band, consider an Old Mine Moval instead. This vintage-inspired shape offers a fresh twist on a traditional favorite, ensuring your ring stands out with timeless elegance.
Setting Your Diamond: Making a Statement
How you decide to set your diamond will significantly impact the overall look of your engagement ring. Even small details can make a massive difference in the look and feel of your ring. Here are some creative ideas to consider:
Unique Settings for a Distinctive Look
East to West Setting: If you love simplicity but crave uniqueness, try setting your diamond East to West. This unconventional orientation can transform a traditional shape into something extraordinary.
Toi et Moi: Can't decide on a single stone shape? The "Toi et Moi" (You and Me) setting showcases two beautiful stones side by side. It's a romantic and elegant choice that allows for a combination of shapes and colors.
The Beauty of Bezel Setting
I've been loving the bezel set style lately. It gives the ring a clean and smooth look, providing a beautiful alternative to the classic prong setting. Here's why the bezel might be right for you:
Versatile Width: If you prefer a heavier look, the bezel can be made wider. For a more delicate appearance, it can be adjusted to look thin and sleek.
Protection: Bezel settings encircle the stone, offering excellent protection and a modern aesthetic.
Prong Settings: Showcasing Your Stone
If you enjoy the look of prong settings, which allow more of the stone to be visible, there are plenty of options to suit your taste:
Rounded Prong: For a classic and sleek look, opt for rounded prongs. They provide a timeless elegance.
Claw Prong: If you want something more intense and striking, consider claw prongs. They add a bold and edgy touch to your ring.
By carefully choosing your setting, you can ensure that your engagement ring is a perfect reflection of your personal style.
Band Style: Elevating the Aesthetic of Your Ring
The band style is arguably just as important as the center stone, as it has the power to transform the entire aesthetic of your ring. Beyond the choice between a plain band or an accented band, there are numerous options to consider. Here are a few standout styles:
Brushed Band
While the classic polished band is timeless, there are other finishes that can give your engagement ring a unique look. A brushed metal band creates a satin finish, offering a stunning and luxurious feel. This subtle texture can add a modern touch to your ring without overpowering the center stone.
The Cigar Band
One trend I'm loving right now is the Cigar Band. This is a wide band that can be as thick as the width of the gold foil around a cigar, hence the name. It offers a sleek, understated look that provides a striking contrast when paired with a diamond. Simple yet sophisticated, the width also allows for an engraving on the inside—a beautiful and personal detail for you and your partner.
Graduated Diamonds
Diamond bands will always be a popular classic. To add a dynamic element, consider incorporating graduated diamonds. Starting from the smallest diamonds at the furthest point from the center and gradually increasing in size towards the center stone, this style creates a beautiful sense of movement and draws the eye to the main attraction. The graduated diamonds add intricate detail and elegance to your engagement ring.
Choosing the right band style can elevate the entire look of your engagement ring, ensuring it reflects your unique style and preferences.
Conclusion
Finding your perfect ring should be a fun and stress-free experience. If you take anything from this guide, let it be this: stick to your personal style and choose what you love! If any of the styles I mentioned resonate with you, that's wonderful, but if not, that's perfectly okay too. The ultimate cool girl wears whatever she wants. Remember, your engagement ring is a reflection of you and your unique love story, so make it something you adore.
