Not sure what that engagement ring term really means? Shopping for your dream ring can be confusing at the best of times. With so much variety on offer, it can be hard to know where to even begin. It gets even more confusing when you hear so many terms relating to styles and cuts.
To help you get a better idea of what terms are often used when referring to rings, we have put together a short engagement ring glossary.
Frequently Used Engagement Ring Terms
Some of the most commonly mentioned engagement ring terms include the following:
- Emerald. Emerald cut stones are unique. Rather than facets, they have step cuts on the pavilion and a large, open table. Rather than sparkling, the effect is a hall of mirrors, with light and dark rays clashing to add a huge amount of drama to these rings.
- Baguette. These can also be called emerald in that they are also rectangular with a flat top and step cuts. Baguettes are typically longer and a bit thinner, taking their name from the French loaf of bread. These stones are often used in 3 stone rings to flank a larger stone.
- Asscher. The asscher cut was first created in 1902, by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. This style inspired the emerald cut. It has a similar cut to emerald, but a square shape instead of a rectangular one, and larger step cuts, a higher crown, and a smaller table. The result is more sparkle than the emerald cut.
- Trillion. Trillion rings are triangular in shape, with three sides. There are a number of styles available within this cut, some with rounded corners and others with sharper corners. They are also used as side stones.
- Split shank. The band of these rings are split, usually alongside the centre stone. The result is a gently flowing band that opens out to showcase the stone more effectively. Split shank or split band rings often feature pave stones.
- Pave. Pave stones are tiny diamonds that are set into the band of a ring, or in a halo shape around a centre stone. As the stones are so small, it can often be more affordable to include a few pave stones and a single larger stone.
- Halo. This style features a centre stone that is ringed in tiny pave stones. As a result, rings in this style are especially brilliant, with light reflecting off the main stone as well as the tiny pave stones encrusted in the band.
- Princess. The princess cut was first created in 1980. Today, the princess cut is one of the most popular diamond shape. It is not quite square, and not quite round either. Instead, it is has a soft rounded square shape that is surprisingly flexible.
- Cushion. This style is very similar to the princess cut, with a rounded square shape that has no sharp edges or angles. This cut has been popular for many decades, offering a versatile cut that works well in most styles.
- Marquise. The marquise cut is symmetrical yet gently curved. With a football shape that is tapered at both top and bottom, and a wider middle this style is popular in art deco style rings. It gives the illusion of size, working well for those who want maximum impact.
- Solitaire. This simply means a single stone. Solitaires are often set simply, in a prong. Modern styles can be set into the band as well. Solitaire stones are not flanked by any other stones. Instead, the stone sits on its own, adding plenty of impact.
- Radiant cut. Somewhere between cushion and princess cuts, the radiant cut diamond has a rectangular cut that is applied to its crown and pavilion, resulting in a sparkly, lively diamond. This style works well when set with rounded or squared corners.
Get in touch with Cape Diamonds today to learn more about our unique approach to engagement ring design and craftsmanship!