How To Choose An Engagement Ring Style Guide
How To Choose An Engagement Ring Style Guide

Our Expert on How to Choose the Right Engagement Ring for Your Style

Words by Jody Hume | 6.10.17
If choosing something to wear for the rest of your life isn’t enough to cause anxiety, we’re not sure what is. Sure, some brides have always known exactly what type of ring, dress and hand-lettered place cards they want, but if you’re fickle, have eclectic style or didn’t grow up with a dream wedding in your head, the choice can be daunting. To break down some of the most popular style choices — including the history behind them and the brides they’re suited for — we asked our Fine Jewelry & Watches Pricing & Authenticity Manager, Anna Rasche, to give us the lowdown. She’s studied Archaeology, received her Graduate Gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America and is completing an MA in the History of Design & Curatorial Studies at Parsons (with a focus on jewelry, of course), so it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about jewelry history. Read on for her tips on which style might be right for you.
The Halo Setting

5.52CT Diamond Engagement Ring, $48,995; Tiffany & Co. Soleste Diamond Engagement Ring, $7,595; Platinum 1.49CT Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring, $6,545

Perfect for:
Diamond maximalists, over-the-top feminine brides.
The history:
The halo — a center diamond surrounded by a border of smaller gems — is actually quite an old concept, but what is so new and exciting about it is the proportion. You’ll find diamond cluster rings dating back to the 18th century, but the surrounding diamond borders were much larger. Advances in diamond-cutting technology and stone-setting techniques are what allow for the delicate halo look we know and love today.
Why to choose it:
The surround can add importance/size to your ring without adding a lot of extra $$$.
The Solitaire

4.13CT Princess Cut Engagement Ring, $99,495; Cartier 1895 Diamond Solitaire Ring, $2,995; 5.01CT Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, $39,995

Perfect for:
Classicists, brides who love minimal jewelry but also diamonds.
The history:
The ubiquitous prong-set solitaire was actually perfected by Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of Tiffany & Co., and his team, who released the design to the public in 1886. It’s meant to show off a diamond to its maximum potential, with no interference or distractions created by a heavy or complicated mounting.
Why to choose it:
You literally can’t go wrong with this. As I said, it’s been a classic since 1886, and even if your style evolves over the years this ring is still going to make sense with everything.
The Art Deco Design

Platinum Ruby & Diamond Art Deco Ring, $3,795; Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring, $3,995; Platinum Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, $21,995

Perfect for:
Vintage lovers, brides who love the history behind a piece of jewelry.
The history:
Art Deco refers to a design period between WWI and WWII, and is an absolutely fabulous moment in the history of jewelry. Deco engagement rings generally use platinum or white gold, and feature big diamonds, intricate geometric designs and bold splashes of color provided by sapphires, rubies, emeralds, onyx and other gems. At The RealReal we have both original Art Deco pieces and deco-inspired rings that capture the spirit but have been made in more recent days (nothing wrong with that!).
Why to choose it:
Art deco pieces are perfect for lovers of art and history, and those who want something truly one of a kind.
The Crossover Band

Cartier Trinity De Cartier Diamond Ring, $7,500; Cartier Diamond Trinity Rolling Ring, $1,795; Cartier Trinity De Cartier Diamond Ring, $8,995

Perfect for:
Minimalists, low-profile brides.
The history:
These are a fun update on traditional bands — everyone from Cartier to David Yurman has their own take on this concept.
Why to choose it:
If you’re part of the “I don’t want it to look like an engagement ring, but I still kind of want an engagement ring” crowd.

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