Choosing an engagement ring is a major decision for every bride. For those with active lifestyles, it’s even more important to consider how your ring will fit into your daily activities. While many styles are ornate and stunning, they may not always be practical if you are always on the move, at the gym, enjoying other sports, or doing anything else that requires working with your hands. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some engagement ring styles that might not be the best fit for your busy lifestyle and share some alternatives to consider instead.
Choosing Engagement Ring Style for Your Active Lifestyle
Some of the least practical types of engagement rings for your busy lifestyle include the following:
Tall Settings
Rings with tall settings, such as cathedral or prong settings, can be particularly impractical. These styles tend to snag on clothing and other materials, making them a less practical choice if you are physically active. The taller the setting, the more exposed the diamond or gemstone is, which not only increases the risk of snagging but also makes it more prone to wear and tear that could potentially damage the stone.
Intricate Bands
While beautifully detailed bands with intricate designs are without a doubt spectacular, they aren’t the best choice for those with active lifestyles. These designs often include smaller stones that can be easily loosened during physical activities. The intricate details can also trap dirt and grime, making them difficult to clean without professional help, which may be more frequently needed compared to rings with simpler designs.
Pave Settings
Pave settings feature a band that is studded with tiny diamonds or other gemstones. These can also pose a problem for active individuals. The small stones are held in place by little prongs, and with enough impact, they can come loose or even fall out without you noticing due to their tiny size. Frequent maintenance checks are required to ensure the stones stay secure, which can involve time and effort if you have a busy, active life.
Soft Gemstones
Rings that feature soft gemstones like opal or pearl are not a good choice if you wear your ring on a daily basis and do anything that can cause wear and tear. With a low hardness rating on the Mohs scale, these stones are more prone to being scratched or chipped compared to harder stones like diamonds. If you play sports or do other physical activities, you could easily damage these delicate stones.
Safer Styles to Consider
What styles should you consider instead? If you’re always on the go but still want to wear your engagement ring daily, styles with lower profile settings or more secure features are the best choice. Bezel settings are designed with a metal rim that encircles the stone while flush settings have stones set into the band of the ring. These styles provide better protection against impacts and reduce the risk of snagging. If you prefer more ornate styles, the simplest option is to invest in a secure case for your ring so that you can remove it while you’re at the gym or doing anything that could put your ring at risk.
At Cape Diamonds, we offer a collection of ring styles as well as a bespoke design service that helps you create a ring that suits your style as well as your lifestyle. Contact us now to start planning your dream engagement ring.