Cape Diamonds Blog

Designing your own engagement ring is exciting and fun. Another benefit is that it allows you to get the ring you have always wanted. Traditionally, rings were a surprise given during proposals. Although proposals are absolutely a huge part of the engagement, the ring itself does not have to be designed without your input. Today’s brides have far more say on the type of ring they want. This makes a lot of sense on many levels. Being in a position where you have had the most romantic proposal in the world, only to find that you do not love your ring is never ideal. If your significant other knows your style very well, the risk of this happening is smaller. Another reason to plan your ring is that you can make it truly yours – a style that is unlike all the usual styles out there. The simplest way to get your dream ring is to design it yourself with the help of an experienced engagement ring designer.

Designing Your Own Engagement Ring

Not too long ago, we shared some tips on what to do before planning your own ring. Today, we’re sharing some guidelines on how to design your engagement ring once you’re prepared to get started. Here are some of the top things you’ll need to consider.

The Metal

Metals for bands and settings include yellow gold (a timeless choice), rose gold (a feminine, popular choice), white gold (simple and elegant), and platinum (shiny and strong). All of these metals are beautiful in their own way. This can make it challenging to know which is best. A good tip is to consider your other jewellery. Which metals do you prefer on earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or other rings? Will you wear the ring with similar metal rings on other fingers or do you want to mix metals for something more modern?

The Stones

Diamonds are a natural choice for this type of ring, and for good reason. With a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, no other material is as strong as diamond. These stones will last forever. That doesn’t mean that they are the only stone to consider, however. You may have always loved emeralds. You may be drawn to stones such as morganite or aquamarine. You may want to add a stone with meaning, such as your birthstone. Think carefully about the colours and stones you like and consider whether they can be worn with other jewellery or with clothing or other items that may clash or work together. Remember, you are going to wear this ring all day, every day, so you want it to be a colour that works with your style. Another thing to consider is the hardness rating. Stones of 7-10 are ideal, while those at 6 or 6.5 can work, provided you take extra care to avoid damage.

The Style

Now for the fun part – the style itself. There are many, many styles out there. So many, in fact, that our blog is full of inspiration on clas, modern, feminine, minimal, unique, and bold styles. The simplest way to choose a style is to decide whether you want to go for something conventional (princess, solitaire, oval, pave, or rectangular) or something more contemporary (asymmetrical, cluster, two-tone or geometric). You could also consider elements such as band shape, symbolism, profile, setting, colour combinations or any other factor that appeals to you in some way. This can be a little overwhelming. It helps to start thinking and finding ideas of styles you like before speaking to your jeweller.

Once you have done some thinking about the factors we’ve mentioned above, you can sit down and chat with your jeweller about what you want in your ring. He will also be able to give you suggestions on what is practical and what is not and offer expert advice on diamond carats, metals, and other factors that you’ll need to consider. If you’re looking for a trusted jeweller with a wealth of experience, Joel Graham is your best choice. As the hands (and heart) behind Cape Diamonds, Joel brings his unique talent and vision into every ring designed. Get in touch with us and let us help you design the engagement ring of your dreams.

While some brides-to-be look for classic engagement ring styles, others prefer contemporary rings. Over the years, many different styles have emerged. Although some ring trends come and go, others have remained a popular choice for modern brides. In this guide, we share some of the most beautiful engagement ring styles that have a modern touch that will not lose its appeal.

A Guide to Modern Engagement Ring Styles

From boho to cluster, we’ve put together a list of gorgeous modern engagement ring styles. Here are some of the best styles to consider for your ring.

Boho

Boho rings are diverse. These rings are characterised by unique features, unusual stone choices, asymmetrical designs, and quirky elements that make them stand out from conventional designs. Many are set on delicate bands in muted metals rather than ultra-shiny platinum, yellow gold or rose gold. Some have a minimal design while others have multiple layers or elements that add complexity to their design.

Ballerina

Ballerina rings are incredibly romantic and feminine. Although this style is not new, the modern take on the ring has brought it into the new era. Many feature baguette-cut stones while others feature a combination of stone cuts. Diamonds remain a popular choice, but black diamonds and other precious stones are also used in this style of ring to add more impact.

Tiara

Another feminine ring is the tiara ring. This ring has a tiara or crown shape at its tip, with the band or stones rising at the centre. There are many different designs found within this style. Like ballerina rings, tiara rings are not a new design but instead, they have been reimagined for the modern era through the use of unusual stones or features.

Profile

Profile rings are a great way to add unique details without affecting the primary design of the ring. You could have a classic solitaire ring in a simple platinum setting, for example, which looks traditional from above. The profile detail is very ornate and unusual, however, changing the look of the ring and turning it into something magical. An example of this style is our Fynbos Collection, which brings to life the rich botanical heritage of the Cape Floral Kingdom into a one-of-a-kind ring collection.

Cluster

Last, but not least, cluster rings have also made a come-back in recent years. Yesteryear’s cluster rings featured Art Deco styles and classic designs. Today’s cluster rings are often asymmetrical and unusual in their detail. White diamonds are offset with precious stones, with colourful stones set in contrasting metal bands and a combination of stone shapes further adding to the contrast.

Whichever type of ring speaks to your sense of style, we’re here to make it into a reality. Contact Cape Diamonds today to find out more about our custom engagement rings.

Few moments are as unforgettable as the moment you are presented with an engagement ring. Whether your beloved planned a proposal that will go down in history as the most romantic event of all time or it was a deeply personal event for just the two of you, seeing that ring and hearing those words is something you will remember forever.

What happens if the ring you are given is not something you would have chosen yourself? Worse still, what happens if you know at first sight you don’t see yourself wearing it day in and day out? Being unhappy about an engagement ring may seem like the end of the world but it doesn’t have to be if you handle the situation properly.

What Happens if You Don’t Adore Your Engagement Ring?

To avoid the most romantic moment of your life turning into something awkward or uncomfortable, here are a few tips to consider if you don’t love your engagement ring.

Watch your facial expressions.

You may have had a feeling the proposal was coming or it may have been a complete surprise. Your beloved may have tried to do some research before popping the question but he may also have taken a few guesses. What you need to remember is that he is asking The Question. Your reaction is everything. Even if you are instantly disappointed, be careful not to look horrified or disgusted. This could result in a sense that it is the proposal itself that has disappointed you rather than the ring. Try to keep a neutral expression and say yes! You can then proceed to the ring discussion.

Be gentle but honest.

When having that discussion, it is essential to be honest and open about your feelings. This is a ring that you are expected to wear every day for the rest of your life together. If you are not fully happy with the style or design now, it is unlikely to grow on your later down the line. You may end up taking it off and storing it away somewhere rather than wearing it with pride. You don’t have to be harsh or unkind, however. Be honest and tell your love that you love the fact that he has thought about the ring but it is not the style you would choose yourself. You can then decide what steps to take next, as a couple.

Look at options together.

It may well be an heirloom ring rather than something he has had custom-made. If that is the case, you could look at making changes to the ring if there are parts you like. You could have the stones reset or you could look at a new band or adding additional stones, for example. If the ring was purchased as is, you could take it to a jeweller and customise it to your preferences. If it was custom-designed, you could look at redesigning the right if that is possible. At the absolute worst, most jewellers will have a return policy if returned within two weeks or less.

The most important thing is having a ring that you will love. Once you get past any awkwardness, you will be able to work together to find your dream engagement ring.

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing an engagement ring setting beyond style and appearance. With many different settings to choose from, you may be tempted to go with the one that looks the most eye-catching. While you certainly want a beautiful setting that goes perfectly with your ring design, it is important to do a quick check to see whether the setting you want will last through the years without catching on everything, causing discomfort, jeopardising the centre stone or damaging any other part of the ring. In this guide, we share some of the things to look out for when choosing your engagement ring setting.

Choosing Your Engagement Ring Setting

To decide which engagement ring setting is the best choice, here are a few questions to ask your jeweller…

Is it practical?

Can you wear your ring day in and day out? Overly complicated settings and those that have sharp edges will not be practical. Watch out for settings that can easily catch on clothing, bedding, and other materials. It also helps to consider the overall design of the ring as well as the setting. If you have a more complex design, it is best to stick to a simple setting such as a channel setting or a bezel setting. If your ring is very simple, a more ornate setting such as a lower-set prong setting. If you have an active lifestyle, it is especially important to think carefully about the setting that will be the most practical. You should also make sure that your setting can be cleaned easily.

Is it comfortable?

Most settings are comfortable to wear – especially classic prong settings, channel settings, bezel settings, and cathedral settings. Others may not be the most comfortable. Settings such as tension setting may not be as easy to wear, as these have a stone that is positioned in a way that suspends the diamond between each side of the band. Depending on the cut of your stone, the ring may not always sit easily. Make sure that your ring easily sits onto your finger without the stone digging in or touching your finger too much.

Is it durable?

You will also need to think about how well the setting will wear over time. Some settings loosen over the years, which means that stones may need to be reset. This is not too much of a problem in a more simple setting such as a prong setting, but it may be more expensive and difficult to reset a stone in a setting such as tension or channel settings. The best way to keep your ring lasting well is to regularly check the prongs yourself and take your ring in for a professional clean and check every two years. If any prong loosens, take your ring to your jeweller as soon as possible.

Is it secure?

On that note, it is important to consider the security of the ring. As we mentioned above, prongs can loosen over time with classic styles such as prong settings. In styles that use tension settings, there is a small chance that diamonds can fall out if the ring is struck by an excessive force. Although this happens on a rare basis, it is still worth noting as it means being more careful when wearing your ring on a daily basis.

Cape Diamonds offers a wide range of rings in various settings and metals. Contact us today to find out more about choosing the perfect setting for your engagement ring.