Buying an engagement ring can be overwhelming when you get sucked into the details of diamond shapes, settings, metals and size vs price comparisons. A round engagement ring is one of the best choices if you want something timeless that will look good for decades to come.
Diamonds with a round shape have great brilliance and work well in a variety of settings from minimal to intricate. They also tend to pair nicely with wedding bands for men and women.
While the design is important, factors such as diamond cut quality, carat size, setting height, metal type and budget also play a role in the final outcome.
Another thing to note is that modern shoppers have more options than ever due to the rise of lab grown diamonds. They allow people to get similar diamond formations at possibly lower prices while having the chance to customize the size, quality and other aspects.
This guide will help you navigate your options and make sure that you don’t pay for unnecessary things while getting all of the essentials for your perfect engagement ring.
Why Choose a Round Engagement Ring?
The round brilliant cut was designed in a way that allows for maximum brilliance. This means that ideally cut diamonds will reflect light that enters the stone back out again at optimal angles so that they shimmer nicely.
The round cut diamonds can also be made to fit a variety of settings including:
• Solitaire
• Halo
• Pavé
• Three stone
• Bezel
They tend to go well with yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum.
Don’t Overlook Cut Quality in Favor of Carats
When purchasing a round engagement ring it’s important to keep in mind that carat size is just the measurement of weight, not the dimensions. For round brilliant cut diamonds the width and depth are more relevant to how they will look.
It’s also important to examine cut quality when shopping for round diamonds since they can lose some of their brilliance if the angles are off. For the best value it’s better to select a round cut diamond with good cut quality than to go for a larger carat size that looks similar but has less sparkle and depth.
Shop for Lab Grown Diamonds if You Want Bigger Size Options
If you want to get a bigger center stone for your engagement ring but don’t want to spend an unreasonable amount of money it might be worth looking into lab grown diamonds. They are man-made stones that have the same atomic structure as regular diamonds, but tend to be lower in price and offer more flexibility in terms of size.
Either way, make sure that the diamonds that you purchase (lab grown or regular) come with certification from a professional organization so that you know exactly what you are getting.
Look Into Settings That Suit Your Lifestyles
One thing that people tend to forget when buying an engagement ring is that it has to be comfortable to wear on a daily basis.
While a high set solitaire style band may look amazing, it also poses a greater risk of getting caught on clothes and hair. On the other hand, lower settings may be preferable for people with active jobs that have to work with their hands.
It’s also important to examine how the settings will interact with a potential wedding band.
Prongs will expose more of the diamond surface which increases the sparkle, but bezels will keep the stone nicely framed in metal and add to the overall elegance of the ring.
Another thing to consider is how much the band itself will add to the overall appearance of the ring. Thinner bands can make a huge difference in how big the center stone appears. Halo settings and some six prong solitaire styles also tend to enhance diamonds.
Diamond Shape Affects the Final Appearance
Unless you go for a baguette or other shaped diamonds, all stones will have the same width/length ratio. This means that two one carat diamonds can appear slightly different depending on which cut they have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are round diamonds good for engagement rings?
Yes, they tend to be one of the better choices due to their brilliance, shape and versatility in terms of settings.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Lab diamonds have the same atomic structure and chemical composition as regular diamonds, but differ in terms of formation and price.
What setting makes a round diamond appear bigger?
Thin bands, halo and some styles of six prong solitaire can make a round diamond look slightly bigger.
Should I prioritize cut or carat?
Both are important, but a well cut round brilliant diamond will have more sparkle than a poorly cut stone of bigger carat size.
