The Essential Guide

From the diamond engagement ring marking the promise of a lifetime together, to the wedding bands exchanged on the big day, bridal jewelry is a wedding tradition steeped in history and personal significance. At Hamilton Jewelers, we have over a century of experience matching couples with the perfect rings, and now we’re sharing some of our best bridal jewelry advice, including popular stone shapes and setting styles for engagement rings, and how to select the perfect wedding bands. Plus, compare natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite to help you choose the perfect gemstone for one of life’s most precious jewelry pieces.

A Brief History 

The tradition of giving engagement rings dates back to ancient Rome, where women were presented with simple rings crafted from iron, symbolizing the strength of their commitment. Diamond engagement rings gained prominence in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, setting a glittering precedent for European aristocracy. The trend continued to evolve, and by the 20th century, diamond engagement rings became a universal symbol of love and commitment, largely popularized by De Beers' iconic "A Diamond is Forever" campaign in 1947. Today, diamond engagement rings are part of many couples’ love stories, signifying the promise of a lifetime together.

Popular Stone Shapes

Start the process by choosing a center stone in the shape that most resonates with you. While the round brilliant cut is the most popular shape for an engagement ring, fancy shapes are currently trending, offering modern couples plenty of unique options.

Round Brilliant Cut: By far the most popular and timeless shape, the round brilliant cut maximizes sparkle with its 58 facets. It’s a classic choice that suits various ring settings and styles.

Princess Cut: Known for its contemporary square shape, the princess cut offers excellent brilliance and a modern look. It’s a versatile choice that complements both traditional and modern settings.

Cushion Cut: Resembling a pillow, the cushion cut combines a square shape with rounded corners. This vintage-inspired cut is known for its soft, feminine look and romantic appeal.

Emerald Cut: Characterized by its rectangular shape and step-cut facets, the emerald cut emphasizes clarity and elegance. Its large, open table highlights the stone’s color and clarity.

Oval Cut: An elongated version of the round brilliant, the oval cut offers a unique, elegant appearance while maintaining exceptional brilliance. It can make the wearer’s fingers appear longer and slimmer, creating a flattering look.

It’s worth mentioning that diamonds are not the only choice for an engagement ring! Colorful gemstones like sapphires, emeralds or significant birthstones make beautiful center stones or accent stones for an engagement ring.

Top Setting Styles 

Your diamond will be mounted into a ring setting designed to showcase its sparkle. Here are a few of the most popular setting types to consider:

Solitaire: A timeless setting featuring a single stone, the solitaire emphasizes the diamond’s beauty and brilliance. It’s a versatile choice that appeals to those with classic tastes.

Pavé: This setting involves small diamonds set closely together along the band, creating a continuous sparkle. The pavé setting enhances the ring’s overall brilliance and complements various center stone shapes.

Halo: A circle of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone, amplifying its sparkle and size. The halo setting adds a touch of glamor and can make the center stone appear larger.

Three-Stone: Symbolizing the past, present and future, the three-stone setting features a central diamond flanked by two smaller stones. It’s a meaningful, elegant choice for an engagement ring.

Bezel: In this modern setting, the center stone is encircled by a thin metal rim, offering a sleek and secure design. The bezel setting is ideal for active lifestyles and delivers a contemporary look.

Don't Forget the Wedding Bands!

Select a wedding band that complements your engagement ring for a cohesive look. Consider the shape and setting of your engagement ring when choosing a band. For instance, a solitaire engagement ring pairs beautifully with a pavé or channel-set band for added sparkle. If your engagement ring has a unique shape or design, you might opt for a custom-fitted band to ensure a seamless match. Metals should also be considered; matching the metal type ensures a harmonious, enduring combination, or intentionally mixing metals for a modern take.

Men's wedding bands have evolved to offer a variety of styles and materials, catering to different tastes and lifestyles. Traditional plain bands in yellow or white gold remain popular, but contemporary designs in platinum, titanium and tungsten provide durable and stylish alternatives. Some men prefer bands with subtle details like hammered texture, milgrain edges, brushed finishes or even small diamonds for added sophistication. Comfort-fit bands, which feature a rounded inner surface, are also a popular choice for comfortable daily wear.

Natural Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanite

When choosing the right stone for your engagement ring, it's essential to consider the differences between natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite.

Natural Diamonds: Formed over billions of years under intense pressure and heat, natural diamonds are revered for their rarity and unique origins. They are the traditional choice for engagement rings, symbolizing enduring love. 

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Created in controlled environments, lab-grown diamonds possess the same physical, chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds. They are typical more affordable than natural diamonds, perhaps allowing you to select a bigger stone within your budget.

Moissanite: A gemstone that closely resembles diamonds, moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire. It is more affordable than both natural and lab-grown diamonds, making it a popular alternative for budget-conscious couples. While moissanite is not as hard as diamonds, it still offers excellent durability and a unique, eye-catching sparkle.

When choosing between these options, consider your budget, values and desired aesthetic. Natural diamonds offer timeless appeal and tradition, lab-grown diamonds provide a budget-friendly option, while moissanite delivers exceptional brilliance at a lower cost.

Find Brilliant Bridal Jewelry at Hamilton Jewelers

Bridal jewelry is a longstanding tradition with a rich history and diverse styles to suit every taste. From diamond shape to ring setting and wedding bands, the choices are truly endless. Whether you’re drawn to vintage styles or modern, simple or opulent, you can find the perfect ring at Hamilton Jewelers.

Related Article: 5 Things to Know Before You Pop The Question