Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a personal experience that requires a lot of thought and research into the jewellery your significant other loves—it's about finding something that captures your love story, your partner's personality, and their unique sense of style. At Jenna Clifford, we know how important this decision is, so we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice. And don’t worry, we promise to keep it fun (without getting too technical—unless you love diamond lingo, in which case, we’ve got you covered too).
1. Engagement Ring Styles: Find the Perfect Fit
The first step in choosing an engagement ring is selecting a style that resonates with your partner. Here are some of the most popular engagement ring styles to consider:
Solitaire: Timeless and elegant, a solitaire engagement ring features a single diamond or gemstone. It’s a classic choice that puts the focus squarely on the centre stone, allowing its brilliance to shine. Think of it as the "little black dress" of engagement rings.
Halo: If you’re looking for a bit more sparkle, a halo setting surrounds the centre stone with smaller diamonds, adding brilliance and making the mainstone appear bigger. It's like giving your diamond a glittery entourage!
Vintage: For those who appreciate a bit of history and intricate detailing, vintage-inspired rings bring old-world charm to life. From milgrain edges to hand engravings, these rings carry a sense of romance and nostalgia.
Three-Stone: Symbolising the past, present, and future of your relationship, three-stone rings are both meaningful and striking. The two side stones complement the centre stone, adding extra sparkle and significance.
Modern: For the trendsetters, modern designs with asymmetrical shapes, geometric lines, or mixed metals offer a contemporary twist on the classic engagement ring. These rings are perfect for someone who likes to stand out and set trends, not follow them.
The JC Engagement ring: An example of bold elegance, offering a wider ring setting with a striking mainstone. A signature JC engagement ring often features an emerald cut, brilliant cut, or pear-shaped mainstone (this could be a diamond, sapphire or gemstone of your choice) as the focal point, making a bold yet elegant statement. Our specialised and unique carré diamond setting is often used and adds a distinctive touch, ensuring that your ring stands out from the rest. We often incorporate baguette diamonds along the band, elongating the design and adding to the ring’s luxurious appearance. The JC engagement ring is bold, yet timeless and classic in design, destined to make a statement while remaining an everlasting symbol of your love.
2. Diamond Cuts: The Shape of Love
Now, let’s talk diamonds and other precious gemstones. The cut of your mainstone not only affects its shape but also its brilliance and sparkle. Here’s a quick rundown of popular diamond cuts:
Round Brilliant: Round diamonds are brilliant, classic, and the traditional choice. If your partner loves timeless elegance, this cut is a sure winner.
Princess: This square cut offers a modern, geometric look with plenty of sparkle. It’s the perfect choice for someone who loves a bit of edge (pun intended).
Emerald: With its long, rectangular facets, the emerald cut offers a sophisticated and elegant look. A signature choice that turns heads with its clean lines and elongated sparkle.
Oval: The oval cut elongates the finger and gives the illusion of a larger stone. Perfect for someone who wants modern elegance with a timeless design.
Cushion: This soft, square cut with rounded edges has a romantic, pillow-like appearance (hence the name). It’s ideal for someone who loves a blend of modern and vintage aesthetics.
Marquise: With its elongated shape and pointed ends, the marquise cut maximises carat weight and creates a dramatic, eye-catching look. Fun fact: it’s also known as the "navette" cut, meaning "little ship" in French. Oui, très chic!
3. Ring Settings: The Finishing Touch
The setting of your engagement ring can make all the difference in how the ring looks and feels. Here are some settings to consider:
Pavé: In a pavé setting, the band is lined with small diamonds, creating a glittering effect that adds extra dazzle to the ring. Think of it as the red carpet treatment for your engagement ring—nothing but glamour all around!
Carré: Our signature and one-of-a-kind carré setting is a distinctive design element that features small round diamonds set in-between two rows of gold that curve into line patterns, creating a sleek and sophisticated look. The carré setting can be used as part of a more intricate design, adding depth and texture to the ring. Perfect for those who want a ring that stands out while still exuding timeless beauty. This setting encapsulates our brand ethos of bold elegance and bespoke craftsmanship, appealing to clients who desire exclusivity and originality in their jewellery.
Channel: A channel setting features diamonds embedded into the band, but with a sleek and smooth look. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a more streamlined design without sacrificing sparkle.
Claw: The claw setting holds the diamond in place while maximising its brilliance. This design, often seen in classic solitaires, offers both security and elegance, ensuring the diamond is the star of the show.
Tube: For a more modern option, the tube setting encircles the diamond with a metal rim, keeping it safe and snug. It’s perfect for those who lead an active lifestyle but still want to flash some sparkle.
Pin-Set: The pin-set setting secures the gemstone with small, delicate metal pins that rise from the band and gently hold the stone in place. This setting allows for maximum visibility of the diamond or gemstone, enhancing its brilliance. Unlike the traditional prong setting, the pin-set offers a subtler appearance, making the stone appear to float effortlessly. It’s ideal for those who prefer a minimalistic yet elegant design, often seen in modern and custom jewellery.
Hammer Set: In a hammer-set design, the diamond or gemstone is embedded directly into the metal band, and the metal is hammered around the stone to secure it. This creates a sleek, flush look, often associated with durability and practicality. The hammer setting is popular in modern and unisex designs, where a smooth and secure finish is preferred, making it ideal for active lifestyles.
Making Your Choice
Choosing the right engagement ring can feel overwhelming, but remember—it’s not only about the diamonds or the technical details; it’s about the symbolism, encoded love messages and the emotional connection embedded into the design. At Jenna Clifford, we’re here to help you every step of the way, whether you’re after a minimalistic solitaire, a dazzling halo, or a vintage-inspired piece that tells a story.
Still feeling unsure and need help deciding? Visit our design studios for a personalised consultation or book a virtual appointment, and we’ll help you select or create a special engagement ring that tells your unique love story.