Keep in mind when selecting a setting for an engagement ring that tradition does not have to dictate this important purchase. A bride and groom are absolutely free to select what their hearts desire. In fact, it is best for the groom to be sure the bride’s personal tastes are reflected in the chosen ring since it will be worn for a lifetime.

There are plenty of ways to make sure an engagement ring is unusual. Some of the options include:

• Going for a distinct cut for the centerpiece stone – Even if a solitaire is ultimately desired, there are ways to make this type of setting distinct. Rather than opting for a traditional round-cut diamond, a pear-shaped, marquise or even a trillion can be used instead. There are many different types of cuts available and each offers its own style and beauty.
• Picking an unusual setting – Just about any type of setting is acceptable for an engagement ring. While solitaires are the norm, there is nothing wrong with opting for a three-stone or multi-stone setting. These settings, in fact, can prove to be particularly stunning if the center stone is offset with other diamonds or gemstones.

• Adding in some color – Diamonds are traditional for engagement rings, but they do not have to be the only stone considered. Other precious and semi-precious gemstones can also be used for the centerpiece or as additional stones in a multi-stone setting. Some brides, for example, like having a diamond for the center stone, but choose rubies, emeralds or sapphires as complements in a three-stone setting.
• Picking a favorite metal – Another way to distinguish a ring is to select a favorite metal. While white gold and yellow gold are standard, platinum provides a distinctly different alternative.
• Designing a customized ring – It is also possible to design a completely distinct ring online. When this option is exercised, the groom and/or bride can personalize not only the stones, but also the setting and metal. This gives rise to a ring that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Design your own ring – Select your setting design and your center stone or browse a large variety of ring designs.

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Antique style engagement rings allow buyers to produce a flawless ring with the technology available today, yet maintain the craftsmanship and elegance of the rings of the antique eras. They also allow buyers to side-step the tedious process of finding the perfect ring from the specific antique era they desire, hoping that turns up at the jewelry shop the buyer happens to frequent. When the ‘luck’ needed to find the perfect antique ring seems to much to bear, having an antique style engagement ring created is the next best option.

Three Main Eras, Many Options

The most recent era is from 1920-1930, which is called the Art Deco era. Re-creating rings from this era is a lot of fun, since it is full of geometric shapes, with sleek lines and a lot of ‘glam’. Antique style engagement ring artists can also have a lot of fun with the Egyptian, Native American and Asian themes that are also common during this era.

Finally, there is the ability to play with platinum, diamonds as well as accenting the entire look with other color-packed gems. Just like the clothing of that era, antique style engagement rings are full of life and fun! If the look desired is a little more formal, yet still having use of a more modern metals such as platinum, then the Edwardian engagement rings are the ones to re-create.

This is the era running from 1900-1920. There were some technological advances during this era that allowed artisans to use platinum for the first time. They were also able to pierce the bands, allowing for more intricate patterns in the bands and settings. This gives a buyer a lot of options in an antique style engagement ring mimicking this era. In addition to the intricacy of the bands and settings, sapphires were also a stone of choice along with diamonds, which also had the ability to be rose cut during this era.

Finally, the oldest era is the Victorian era from 1835-1900. This era really takes an antique style engagement ring buyer back in time, since even the type of gold used isn’t commonly seen in modern engagement rings. Further, diamonds were not the only stones used in this era, as pearls, opals and emeralds were also used, which are softer and not as commonly used in engagement rings today.

However, the uniqueness of the stones and metals of this era create a plethora of possibilities in creating an antique style engagement ring. In addition, the rings created in all of these eras also may come in an antique engagement ring set so that the engagement ring and wedding band flow together into one complete artistic work, thus giving the antique style artisan an assortment of choices.

If you love this article, you will also love another article written by this article’s author on diamond anniversary rings and silver diamond necklaces.

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