Credits: www.diamondmansion.com
Sometimes it takes little effort to add a special touch to your ring: a small embellishment, a detail, an engraving and immediately the jewel changes its appearance, acquiring personality and visibility.
Here are my suggestions:
HALO
The halo is a variant of the solitaire setting and consists of a thin frame of gems (usually very small colorless brilliant cut diamonds, but not necessarily) arranged in pavé. The setting can be single or double:
Credits: www.bluenile.com Credits: www.bluenile.com
The support of a frame is intended to add sparkle to the entire jewel and gives the illusion that the central diamond is larger.
Of course, it is not compulsory to have a diamond as a center stone and you can indulge yourself with creativity: you can opt for a combination of central diamond and diamond halo, or you can introduce some liveliness and create contrast with a central colored gem (sapphire, ruby, fancy diamond, morganite, tanzanite, etc.) and a halo of colorless diamonds, or a central colorless diamond and halo of colored gems. There is really plenty of choice!
Credits: www.jamesallen.com Credits: www.kwiat.com
Credits: www.sylviecollection.com Credits: www.diamondmansion.com
Even cut and shape of the central gem may be different from those of the halo gems:
Credits: www.bluenile.com
Credits: www.heidigibson.com Credits: www.heidigibson.com
In recent years, the “hidden halo” has become rather popular. This halo is not placed around the central gem, but below it (therefore it is visible only laterally).
This inner halo is a finesse and offers extra sparkle in a very delicate way. This extra touch will make your ring sparkle from all angles, giving the impression of a brighter jewel.
Furthermore diamonds composing the hidden halo can be set on a metal whose color is different from the rest of the jewel:
Credits: www.brides.com Credits: www.diamondmansion.com
Credits: www.diamondmansion.com Credits: www.diamondmansion.com
The halo looks really good on all hands (especially if a simple solitaire looks bare to you) and with central gems of any shape.
Keep in mind that the addition of precious stones naturally involves a higher budget and, moreover, it requires regular care and checks over the years.
As a final note, I would like to point out that some halos are slightly “bulky” and require a wedding ring shaped around the curve of the setting itself. Therefore if you want to wear this kind of engagement ring together with a straight wedding band, be sure to talk to your jeweler when purchasing the engagement ring, not afterwards!
Credits: www.charlesandcolvard.com
Bryce Dallas Howard wearing the ring gifted by her husband Seth Gabel.
Credits: Bryce Dallas Howard Instagram / www.engagementringbible.com
Olivia Wilde and her ring received from her ex partner Jason Sudeikis.
Credits: www.larsenjewellery.com.au
Sophie Hunter, her husband Benedict Cumberbatch and her beautiful engagement ring (maybe a Tiffany Legacy?)
Credits: www.debebians.com
BRIDGE ACCENT
Credits: ecksand.com
Credits: www.jamesallen.com
The “bridge accent” is an element that characterizes and highlights the bridge (i.e. the part where the band metal and the setting meet).
Typically it is a small diamond, or a colored gem, or a delicate decoration. Whatever detail you choose, its characteristic is that it can only be seen by tilting the ring, from a somewhat secret perspective and makes the ring truly special.
It is not unusual to notice this detail in antique rings, but it is making a huge comeback on the new collections lately.
If you love little, precious, intimate details, you should really consider this option.
SHOULDERS DETAILS
Obviously we are not talking about a jacket, but about a ring feature that, starting from the central gem sides, hangs down and rejoins the rest of the metal band. To make a long story short, shoulders support the setting and raises the gem upwards.
Among the most frequent details on the shoulders, we propose:
– small sets of pavé (but also the minimalist version with two or three small diamonds on each side is adorable). In this case, please remember the importance of maintenance, so be sure to have the diamonds checked from time to time by your trusted jeweler;
– filigree, engravings, empty spaces or other metal processing techniques (such as hammered metal, edging, etc.) that immediately give a romantic atmosphere and are very much in line with the vintage trend;
– twists: if you do not want to add supplementary costs with extra diamonds, or risk your ring having that slightly austere style typical of engraved jewelry, you can play with shapes. It can result perfect, if you want some new details, but not overly flashy.
Credits: www.engagementringbible.com
Credits: www.serendipitydiamonds.com
Credits: www.serendipitydiamonds.com
If you love filigree, engravings or twist, keep in mind that dust and dirt will lurk more easily in these small spaces, so we suggest to frequently book a professional cleaning with your jeweler.
DECORATIVE BAND
If you are very romantic, it would be nice to add dome decorative details on your band. In particular, I talk about filigree and engraving, which would make your jewel truly special and unique.
Decorative settings are rather common in antique or vintage rings and need a specialised maintenance because they are delicate and predisposed to collect dirt.
Credits: Marion Rehwinkel Jewellery / www.facebook.com Credits: www.engagementringbible.com
PAVE’
“Pavé” is a French word that means “paved”, in fact this is how the setting is made: placing little diamonds (brilliant cut, round shape and all of the same carat and color) on the metal band and fixing them with prongs (each prong should be touching at least three stones), or with a small amount of molten metal between each stone.
The diamonds chosen for this type of setting are generally round and very small, so that’s why they do not steal the show to the central gem.
However, since the setting is a bit elaborate, we recommend to rely on expert and trusted jewelers for its realization.
This sophisticated “field of light” is an excellent way to add sparkle without breaking the bank.
Credits: www.bluenile.com
Credits: Margaret by Jean Dousset / champagnegem.com.it
Pavé can be made of one or more rows, straight or twisted, with diamonds or coloured gemstones:
Twisted pavé rows.
Credits: www.bluenile.com
The wonderful engagement ring that Clizia Incorvaia has received from Paolo Ciavarro.
Credits: gazzettadelsud.it
Sources:
www.theknot.com
www.engagementringbible.com
www.naturaldiamonds.com