Engagement Rings Beyond The Traditional

Traditionally engagement rings tended to be similar in appearance rather than very unique and individual. Often just a small twist on an old classic can take engagement rings in a completely new direction, making them unique and original without straying too far from the traditional.  Brides that want a slightly different look for engagement rings that match their personal taste and style have lots of options to consider.

Diamond engagement rings offer a wide range of customization options. Most high quality jewelry stores and diamond merchants now offer the possibility of matching particular diamonds with settings, rather than buying the diamond already set in the band.

Another way to move engagement rings away from the traditional and into the more original is to add colored or fancy diamonds. Although the majority of diamonds are considered white or colorless, there are also colored diamonds including rare blue or green colors the slightly more common yellow to brown colored natural diamonds.  Even clear diamonds can be color enhanced through specific processes resulting in amazing, lasting colors .

Cut, one of the four c’s of diamond grading, can be used to enhance the color and natural reflectivity of the diamond.  Engagement rings that feature diamonds with multi-faceted cuts will have more sparkle and inner fire than those with fewer facets.

One cut that really enhances the color of a diamond and is a timeless classic on engagement rings is emerald cut. Engagement rings with this type of cut are ideal for larger stones as both center diamonds and accent diamonds. The cut is rectangular in shape with blunted corners and many layers or planes along the stone. These steps provide a depth to the stone and lots of color and light reflection .

Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are both traditional as well as very modern. Since the stone has the unique stepped faceting it tends to reflect light deep within the center, really bringing attention to the ring itself. A simple band often enhances the beauty of this cut.

Engagement rings aren't all about the size of the diamond, the overall design is just as important. Bands that curve, interlock or fit into each other are perfect as engagement rings and later as matching wedding rings. Some rings allow for bands over and under the engagement rings, adding a whole new dimension to the wedding set.

Thinking modern for engagement rings may also include looking back over ring designs of the past. Many of the art deco or estate types of engagement rings make terrific examples of how an old classic can become a modern fashion trend in wedding jewelry.