Classic style engagement rings, as the name implies, never seem to go out of fashion. Over the ages, ring trends have evolved to suit each era. Many eras such as the Art Deco and 20s brought a move towards more elaborate, bolder styles. Other eras, including more recent times, brought minimalist design to the forefront of jewellery. But classic ring styles have not changed much in this time.
What exactly constitutes ‘classic’ when it comes to diamond engagement rings, and what should you be looking for when choosing this type of ring?
A Guide to Classic Engagement Rings
Simply put, classic style is timeless, elegant and graceful. Rather than being about trend or era, it is about quality and iconic style. Thanks to famous brides over the decades, this style of ring brings to mind wearers such as Jackie Onassis, Grace Kelly, Princess Diana, Duchess Kate Middleton and other stars such as Audrey Hepburn. In engagement rings, the following elements are distinctive of classic styles:
- Simple yet striking stones. Solitaire rings are timeless, while simple cuts such as oval, heart, pear and round remain classic choices over the ages. While the ring style may be simple, the focus here is on the stone, which means that clarity, colour and carat can be higher. As long as there are no visible flaws however, you can choose reasonably priced stones that have minuscule occlusions rather than aiming for absolute perfection (which often looks the same as stones with invisible flaws, but cost far more). Choose the best quality stone that your budget allows, and pay special attention to having a cut that allows optimal sparkle.
- Beautiful band. Platinum may be relatively modern compared to gold, but this metal is certainly a classic option for the ring’s band. As it is high shine and not prone to scratches or dullness, the brightness of this metal remains consistent. It is also good for those with skin allergies or sensitive skin, with hypoallergenic properties. White gold is another option to consider, offering a soft silvery colour that has a good shine, without being too overt or bold. Coloured golds such as yellow, rose and the rarer green gold can also be considered, but tend to be more dramatic than a simpler neutral metal.
- Subtle style details. Rather than opting for any ornate flourishes, etched bands, clustered stones or other details, a classic ring means keeping the design as subtle and simple as possible. Engraved initials or dates can be placed on the inside of the band, while settings should be practical rather than over the top. The majority of brides who favour a classic style of ring prefer this style in their clothing, jewellery and other tastes, too, so a ring that is versatile enough to suit any outfit is essential.
One of the best things about having your ring custom made by a skilled jeweller is that it gives you the chance to create your dream ring. Whether you have found some ring inspiration that gives you the perfect idea for a beautifully classic design, or you would like to have an expert jewellery designer create a design that meets your preferences, Cape Diamonds is your perfect choice for a variety of engagement ring styles, from classic to many other styles.