Cathedral Engagement Ring with Stylized Prong Setting NCH1515

Setting refers to how gemstones are set, or mounted, into a metal band. The ring setting is meant to highlight the beauty of an engagement diamond. Style refers to the overall design aesthetic that the ring setting helps create—whether it be solitaire, halo or three stone.

Ring settings refer to the specific and more technical elements that define the different types of engagement rings, while ring styles are more general ways to categorize the look and feel of engagement rings. For example, a solitaire ring is a type of ring setting that includes only one center gem and no accent diamonds or gemstones on the band, and solitaire rings settings are considered a classic ring style.

In many Western countries, the tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the fourth finger on the left hand, (the left ring finger on the ring finger guide below), can be traced back to the Ancient Romans. They believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart, the Vena Amoris, meaning ‘vein of love’. With the heart at the centre of your emotions, this was thought to be the best finger to wear your engagement ring on. It showed to all the symbol of your Forever love and that your heart had been claimed by another. According to Chinese tradition, engagement rings are worn on the middle finger.

Focus first on determining your fiancée's style, and then finding the right metal and color to complement that style. One of the first things you need to think about when choosing a metal for a setting is the type of jewelry your future bride typically wears:
If she’s drawn to cooler hues and silver-toned jewelry, then platinum or white gold is the way to go.
Yellow gold or rose gold are good choices if she tends to gravitate toward warmer tones.
Mixing metals like white gold and yellow gold is a smart option, because it will allow her to complement any piece in her existing jewelry wardrobe.

The most popular diamond cut for engagement rings is round brilliant. Round brilliant-cut diamonds are the quintessential sparklers due to their outstanding light performance and universal shape that works in an endless number of setting styles.
But there are, of course, options for all kinds of brides. Consider a princess-cut diamond for a more angular and contemporary look with just as much brilliance as round-cut. Or, if you love vintage settings, go for a cushion-cut diamond, which boasts an elegant sparkle and old-world feel. Step-cut diamonds, like Asscher and emerald, are sleek and angular, and they also have more transparency than other cuts. Radiant-cut diamonds mimic the emerald shape but have more facets for a bigger shine.

Despite the terms being used somewhat interchangeably, each ring signifies different milestones. There are a few differences between an engagement ring and a wedding ring, but the main difference between the two is when each ring is given. An engagement ring is typically given at the time of a proposal and a wedding ring is commonly given when a couple of exchanges marriage vows.

We have some great tips and tools for how to measure your ring size. The first method explains how to figure out your ring size with our printable guide and a ring that you already own as a point of reference. The second option is the most accurate, but requires a little bit of patience as you'll need to order our free ring sizer.