It takes a lot to gather courage and propose. As the person responsible for getting down on one knee, you'll find yourself having a million thoughts running through your head: will they say yes? Will they try to play a prank on me even though I know they'll love me forever? Despite the endless list of thoughts in that very special moment, the good news is that picking the ring to propose with is the easy part! With a quick guide to Engagement Rings, you'll be an expert with that extra bit of confidence, knowing you picked the perfect piece for the love of your life.

Enough with the chit-chat. When talking about Engagement Rings, you need to know that while there are infinite ways to customize the ring itself, there are only three different types of designs, of which each of them has variations.

Solitaire

Classic Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring with 6-Pring Setting in White Gold

Halo

Halo Diamond Engagement Ring with Diamond on the Shoulders in White Gold

Trinity

Trinity Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold

Classic Solitaire & Fancy Solitaire

The timelessness of the Classic Solitaire ring is the perfect blend of simple and in love. The Diamond on the Solitaire does all the talking, complemented with the beauty of Gold. Any size Diamond is suitable for these Engagement Rings styles, and the truth is, you can craft the Ring in Gold, Silver or Platinum metals.

A variation of Classic Solitaire Engagement Rings is Fancy Solitaires. While there is a minor difference in design, there is a significant difference in beauty and finishing. The addition of Diamonds on the Shoulders makes for something both unique and beautiful in one. If that's not enough, simply wrap the Diamonds all around the band or step up to the Diamond glistened Halo styles.

Classic Solitaire

White Gold Classic Solitaire Engagement Ring with 6-Prong Setting

Fancy Solitaire

Yellow and White Gold Fancy Solitaire Engagement Ring with Diamonds on Shoulders

Halo & Hidden Halo

Halo-style Engagement Rings didn't necessarily come out of nowhere. Before Halos, Cluster-style Rings took the front stage. The love of Diamonds has been around for a long time, and Clusters answered the call to those who loved Diamond enamoured rings. Like many things, that style needed a fresh new look. Halo style was the answer everyone was looking for, with its idyllic shape and symmetry, something of true beauty. Halos can also have Diamonds on the Shoulders (or around the band), but it becomes more about personal choice over a standardized design.

The design and style of the Halo have been chosen by many and have stuck around. The Hidden Halo, however, has been a new introduction to jewellery lovers. It was too easy. You're able to marry the Classic Solitaires with the idealogy of Halo, placing a ring of stunning Diamonds around the prongs holding the centre Diamond.

Halo

White Gold Fancy Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds set halfway down the band

Hidden Halo

White Gold Hidden Halo Engagement Ring with additional Diamonds on top sidewall of the band

Trinity & Fancy Trinity

The Trinity-style Engagement Rings took the stage and owned all the attention for a period. While jewellers still craft this stunning design today, it has morphed to carry a significance of its own. The typical audience seen purchasing these Engagement Rings is blended families, bringing two different lives, marrying them into one. Who is yelling "Hopeless Romantic"?

Similar to the other two designs, the Trinity Rings also have their variations, including the Diamond crusted bands halfway, quarter way or all the way around.

Classic Trinity

White Gold Trinity Engagement Ring

Custom Trinity

White Gold Fancy Trinity Engagement Ring with Curved Band

The continuation...

The prestigious list of three doesn't mean there's never been or never will be other designs to be loved or once loved. Victorian style, Crowned style and many different designs were most popular. You can also have them until this day, so long as you're working with a skilled Goldsmith, anything is possible in the world of Jewellery. In addition, don't feel limited by these options. Made to Order Engagement Rings have become increasingly popular, which means, if you don't see the style you like, have yours custom made.

White Gold Unique Lotus Flower Fancy Solitaire Engagement Ring

Yellow and White Gold Art-Deco Diamond Engagement Ring

White and Rose Gold Modern two-tiered Engagement Ring

The beauty of Engagement Rings goes beyond the overall design. Specific details like Gold Colour tone and purity often play a large part in finishing. The only factors that need more thought are, firstly, the Diamonds and, secondly, the Setting of said Diamonds. You can gather a firm understanding of Diamonds using the A&A Resources Diamond Guide. For the Setting styles, you'll find an article explaining the variations and complexities soon.