Selecting an engagement ring is one of the most exciting times in your relationship. It can also be slightly daunting due to the vast amount of options! Easily one of the most emotional and monumental gifts you'll ever give, the perfect engagement ring is the symbol of a lifetime promise – you're striving for perfection. Let’s break-down the variety of unique engagement rings from design styles to settings and everything in-between!
Traditional & Classic Engagement Ring Styles
There are roughly five rings that fall into this category. They’re all very comparable but have slight differences that make each one unique!
Classic Engagement Rings
- Think: very simple design.
- i.e. A yellow gold band with a solitaire diamond stone.
Traditional Engagement Rings
- These are timeless styles (like a classic ring) but have more of a detailed design component like a pave band, etc..
- Often a platinum or white gold band.
Romantic Engagement Rings
- Feature softer shapes
- Warm gold tones
- Option to add sweet, romantic details inside of the band like engraving or add a colorful stone within a halo.
Vintage-Inspired Engagement Rings
- Often includes some kind of special detail on the band or around the stone, like a milgrain, where small beads of metal are used to create borders.
- There is often additional stone detailing like side stones, etc..
Colored Gemstone Rings
- A gemstone featuring a color vs. a classic white diamond.
- Some deeper colors to consider: sapphire, emerald and ruby.
- Some lighter colors: aquamarine, citrine and topaz.
Engagement Ring Settings
These are the top five most classic engagement ring settings. However, custom designs can combine many of these details in case your dream piece is in your head vs. listed below.
- Solitaire Engagement Rings: These rings feature a single stone situated in the center of a metal band.
- Pave Engagement Rings: These rings feature a single, central stone atop a band that has pave diamonds that go half or all the way around the band.
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Halo Engagement Rings:
These rings feature a ‘halo’ of diamonds that surround the center stone. There is also a ‘hidden halo’ option which is a circle of diamonds that are under the center stone.
- Bezel Engagement Setting: These rings feature a thin layer of metal around a center stone in lieu of prongs.
- Three-Stone Engagement Rings: These rings feature a center stone flanked by side stones.
Choosing the Right Metal for Your Perfect Ring
There really isn’t a “right” or “wrong” metal as it’s completely up to you! These are a few things to keep in mind.
Gold vs. Platinum.
- Platinum is heavier than gold.
- Gold comes with more options, like: Yellow Gold, White Gold or Rose Gold engagement rings.
- Metal color is based on your preference and/or what you usually wear! Do you like mixing and matching metals or do you like everything to be the same?
Matching Your Engagement Ring with a Wedding Band
It’s said that the engagement ring is the promise while the wedding band is the commitment.
However, there are no actual rules here! It’s all about personal preference and style to build the perfect bridal set.
- Matchy match! Opt for the same ring setting when it comes to your engagement ring vs wedding band.
- Mix it up! Go with a different metal for your wedding band!
- One Love, One Band! Some people choose an eternity wedding ring that serves as both their engagement ring and wedding band.
Explore the DRD Bridal Collections
If you’re located near Chicago, head to the DRD showroom for a consultation to view the bridal collection in-person.
If you’re not local, DRD experts are available via phone, email and face-time to show you options and discuss anything you’re not seeing online.
DRD Standards:
All DRD diamonds adhere to the gold standard of GIA grading, guaranteeing the best quality and authenticity in every stone.
Proudly based in the Windy City, DRD crafts and creates in their own factory, where hands-on dedication, attention to detail, and craftsmanship are central.
We take pride in crafting lasting jewelry with fine, ethically sourced materials, including conflict-free diamonds from carefully chosen suppliers.
Transparency and complete honesty is DRD’s core value. DRD clients know exactly what they are getting when it comes to quality and expert craftsmanship.
Custom Designs
The DRD team of GIA certified specialists can bring your custom piece to life. It’s essential that each client feels supported throughout the entire process, start to finish, regardless of budget. Quality and attention to detail are at the core of DRD. Their custom process is tailored to you and your vision.
The process:
- After the FUN design meeting, DRD designers will show you a CAD image (a digital blueprint) of your custom piece.
- TIMING is super important. DRD recommends 3-4 months pre-proposal to design an engagement ring and 4-6 months before your wedding date for wedding band(s).
- That being said, in-stock options are available if you need something quick.
The most important thing we’ll say on this page: have fun, enjoy, breathe! Yes, you're choosing/creating a tangible object so style matters but you’re also going to remember this time for the rest of your life, so make it nice!
