For brides wanting something less conventional, criss-cross engagement rings are bold and beautiful without being too over the top. Similar to twisted, wrap, and swirl bands, they feature bands that wind around the finger, meeting in the middle. Some rings may feature a centre diamond, while others may have multiple pave strands that cross with metal bands to add the crossover effect.
What makes the criss-cross style a good choice for your engagement ring, you may be wondering? For starters, these rings have plenty of symmetry in their design. The rings have anything from a single band to two, three, or multiple bands, all crossing over from one side to the other. Another reason to consider this style is that it is a good option if you don’t want to go for a larger single stone design. Most have pave bands, and the design itself ensures plenty of sparkle. You can also mix metals with this style to add to the effect.
Get Inspired by These Criss-Cross Engagement Rings
To get you inspired, here are some examples of criss-cross rings to consider for your custom engagement ring design.
Triple Strand Pave
Image: stephaniegottlieb.com
This ring has a round centre diamond, with pave stones set into all three strands. Combined with the cool tones of the platinum, the effect is an elegant ring with maximum sparkle. Oval or marquise stones would work equally well.
Rose Halo Pear
Image: fascinatingdiamonds.com
For a minimal, feminine style, this ring is contemporary and simple. Two delicate rose gold bands are encrusted with pave diamonds. The bands cross over in the centre, where are halo pear diamond sits. The design of the ring means that it can be worn up or down.
Two-Tone Gold Pave
Image: longsjewelers.com
This ring features four strands that cross over each other. The bottom layer is a plain yellow gold split band. On top lies a white gold split band encrusted with pave diamonds. As the top layer features pave diamonds, the two-tone effect is subtle.
Chunky Baguette Ribbons
Image: benbridge.com
If chunky is your thing, this one is a stunner. Three wide, cool-toned metal bands cross over, with baguette diamonds set in the centre of each band. Along the edge of each band, pave diamonds are set. The effect is a ring that catches the light and the eye.
Minimal Scattered Pave
Image: kingofjewelry.com
Another great example of a minimal criss-cross ring, this one has three rose gold strands, with a more subtle crossover look. Rather than solid pave bands, tiny diamonds are scattered along the band. The ring has a slightly asymmetrical look, which is perfect for the pave diamond placement.
Twisted Rope Pave
Image: gabrielny.com
For something bold, on the other hand, this twisted rope thing is a must. The wide band splits into multiple strands. The plain gold bands have a rope look, while the pave strands are layered on top. The balance of rope and pave bands gives it plenty of texture.
Ready to start planning your dream engagement ring? Contact the Cape Diamonds team to find out more about our bespoke ring design service and let us bring your engagement ring dreams to life.