Engagement rings and wedding rings are emotionally symbolic. They are given and received at highly significant times during a person’s life and they are expected to last a lifetime. And because of this, it is essential that enough consideration is given to the style of an engagement ring. After all, they are also future heirlooms.

Traditionally, an engagement ring comprised a precious metal band, most commonly yellow gold, set with a white diamond or other single precious stone. However, following a successful marketing campaign by De Beers, the diamond solitaire engagement became the style of choice from about the mid 1960s.

One reason why a white diamond solitaire became so popular even above other solitaire gemstones was because of its symbolism. Diamond is the hardest natural substance known. It lasts forever and as such perfectly symbolises the love which is meant to unite an engaged couple.

The durability of the metal used also represents the love which is meant to last a lifetime. Gold endures longer than silver, which oxidises to a black tarnish quite quickly. And although platinum is harder, holds its shape better than the softer gold metal and does not tarnish, it is more expensive than gold, which probably prevents it from becoming the most popular metal choice.

However, the look of white metal is very fashionable and white gold is increasingly being used in engagement rings. Newer metals too, such as titanium, palladium and tungsten offer high durability at an affordable price. It is still rare to find rose gold engagement rings unless a couple decides to design their own.

Nowadays, solitaire diamonds are still very popular but there are a number of ways to make this classic style more contemporary. One way is to set the diamond into a bezel setting rather than the more classic prong setting. This smooth setting is very comfortable to wear as it does not snag on clothes.

Another way to update the classic solitaire is to vary the shape of the diamond. Princess and square cuts (both square), as well as the more exotic heart, marquise and baguette shapes all make stunning solitaires.

And more and more people are returning to the idea of setting colored gemstones into their engagement rings, as a single stone, or as part of a trilogy or cluster. And as the fashion for colored diamonds continues, blue, pink and yellow diamonds are making affordable alternative diamond solitaires. Black diamonds may even be included in an engagement ring offset with white gemstones! Pretty much anything goes as long as it contains diamonds it seems!

When you are ready to buy the most enduring piece of jewelry in your collection, make sure you take the time to select the right style.

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