With so many things to consider, choosing her engagement ring can be a daunting task. Whether you’re planning a big public surprise proposal or something with just the two of you, you want her to love the ring from the moment she opens that box. There are several ways to go about choosing a ring on your own. You could go for a classic style that is universally flattering. You could enlist her best friend to get her ring size and style. You could also consider her personal style and the type of jewellery she wears.
Something that isn’t always as easy to know, however, is the size of the engagement ring. If you’ve been doing your research, you will have a good understanding of cut, clarity, carat, and colour. While these are all important, the overall size of the ring matters as much as these factors. In this guide, we’re sharing some tips on why size matters when choosing her engagement ring, and how to determine the right size in the overall design.
What to Know About Engagement Ring Size
The cut of the diamond will affect the size of the engagement ring. But the design itself also affects the size. Brides today have more choice than ever when it comes to design and size. Some prefer smaller, minimal designs. Others go for larger, bold styles. To give you insight into size and why it matters, here are some things to keep in mind.
The design
The design is typically what determines the size. A simple design like a solitaire ring will almost always appear smaller, as it has a single focus point. Even a larger stone with a pave band will seem small. As soon as the design becomes more complex, it will look larger. That solitaire design will appear bigger with a single halo and bigger still with a double halo. If the inner or outer halo has coloured diamonds that contrast with the white diamond solitaire, the ring will look bigger still. Designs like multi-row, split-shank, halo, trilogy, geometric, two-tone, very detailed, and chunky bands can all look larger.
The stone
Stones can also affect the size. A white diamond in a round, oval, cushion, pear, or princess cut will typically appear small or proportional on a standard-sized band. A coloured diamond or brightly coloured gemstone could look bigger, especially in a cut such as marquise or emerald. If the band is fine, a larger stone will result in a bigger overall ring. A smaller stone will have a smaller appearance, even on a chunky band. A brightly coloured stone on a contrasting metal band and setting will add to the size, while a cool-toned stone on cool-toned metal will reduce the size.
The setting
On the topic of settings, these can also affect the size. Bezel settings can look smaller as they sit flush against the finger. Cathedral settings and other settings that raise the stone upwards will make the entire ring look taller. Channel settings that have tiny pavé diamonds make bands seem thicker. Even tapered shanks can give the appearance of a more prominent centre diamond.
Now for the important part… does size actually matter? The answer to this question is simple. If she wants a bigger, bolder ring, then size definitely matters. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get her a bigger ring. The tips above are a great way to add more size without a huge diamond.
At Cape Diamonds, we offer a custom ring design service that turns ideas into reality. To start planning an engagement ring that she will love, contact us today.