If you want a flattering engagement ring, it can be hard to know what type of style is best. With such a massive variety of styles, choosing a ring can be overwhelming. There may be designs you’re already considering, or you may not even know where to begin. Although there are many other factors to consider when it comes to rings, how it looks on your finger is one of the most important factors of all. This is something you will wear every day, which means that you should feel happy with the look now, in a year, in a decade, and for the rest of your married life.
Knowing which designs are best for your specific finger length, width, and skin tone will help when you plan your custom engagement ring. But looking at designs that are universally flattering will also help you choose a ring that looks good from the moment you slip it onto your finger. For surprise proposals, choosing a universally flattering ring is also essential.
Choosing a Flattering Engagement Ring
Choosing a universally flattering ring comes down to three main factors: the overall design, the cut of the stone, and the metal used in the band and setting. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure a flattering engagement ring.
Designs
Best choice: solitaire, pavé, three-stone or five-stone, tiara, split-band, and smaller halo designs
As a general rule, classic and simple designs will suit every bride-to-be. As soon as rings become more complex, there is a greater chance that they may become too big for smaller fingers or too small for longer fingers. Chunky, wrap-around, multi-row, larger twist, big double halos, ballerina, and other styles that add height up to your first knuckle can all be too big. Likewise, very thin bands can make wider fingers look larger.
Timeless solitaires with pavé bands will never date, while trilogy rings add balance with a larger centre stone and smaller side stones. Five-stone rings can also be ideal as they have a similar gradient. Tiara rings are subtle, with a chevron look. Just make sure that the design is simple, without too many stones. Halos are always flattering, as long as the halo itself is not too bulky.
Cuts
Best choice: elongated shapes that balance the finger without making it look longer or shorter
Larger square shapes, emerald-cut, and other cuts that make fingers look wider, thinner, longer, or shorter are best if you’re looking for cuts specific to your fingers. Assuming that every cut will be flattering can lead to making a choice that doesn’t always suit your hand. A smaller cushion or princess cut can be flattering for everyone, but this will depend on the overall design and the size of the stone. An emerald-cut may make short fingers look shorter as the size is too overwhelming. Likewise, a larger Asscher cut can also be too big for shorter fingers.
Shapes such as oval, marquise, and pear suit every finger. Round cuts are also flattering. These cuts give rings the right balance, whatever the size of your finger.
Metal
Best choice: platinum or white gold
While warm-toned metals like yellow gold and rose gold suit many skin tones, cooler-toned metals will always be a universal choice. Platinum has a very high gloss, while white gold has a softer look. These metals work with every ring design, with a timeless, classic look that suits everyone.
Looking for advice on choosing the right ring? Contact Cape Diamonds and let us help you design your dream ring to suit your style.