With its angelic look, it’s easy to see why the halo setting is one of the most sought-after engagement ring styles. Classic yet glamorous, it flatters anyone who wears it.

Halo engagement rings are versatile and easily customisable, perfect for the bride who wants to add a personal touch to their jewelry.

 

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The halo setting features a central diamond encircled by smaller, typically pavé or micro pavé set accent diamonds. With all the smaller diamonds, it adds a stunning flashing look that draws attention to the centre diamond.

The setting can be the same shape as the centre stone or a different one entirely like a cushion cut halo around a round diamond. However, symmetry is often the best option.

Halo settings can easily be personalised with different diamond shapes, metals, and setting styles for the accent diamonds.

 

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An advantage of this setting is that it makes the centre diamond appear larger. It’s dazzling setting also helps enhance the appearance of a slightly flawed centre diamond.

The halo also helps hide the prongs that hold the centre stone in place, which is a plus for those that don’t like the look of prongs.

Another benefit is that the smaller pavé diamonds are often less expensive than purchasing one diamond of the same weight.

 

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On the other hand, however, wedding bands only work with some halo setting engagement rings so you will have to plan ahead. You would ideally need to have your wedding band made to fit around or under the engagement ring, otherwise, you run the risk of them rubbing against one another and wearing away over time.

 

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While the shape of the diamond is often the key focus in an engagement ring, the setting is just as important. How your ring is set can make or break it, so it is best to choose wisely.

A less popular yet still stylish choice is the tension setting. This unique setting has the central stone floating in between two metal bands that hold it securely, and is an unusual look for the unique bride.

 

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The tension setting is designed in a way that the diamond is tightly held in place by the pressure of the metal bands on either side. Usually, there are two tiny grooves carved into the metal where the diamond’s girdle comes into contact with it to keep the stone in place. This setting allows the diamond to appear to be floating between the two sides of the shank, which creates a mesmerising appearance.

 

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Along with the floating appearnace, the entire profile of the diamond is on show with this setting. Thus, the diamond is more visible than with other settings. The minimal metal surrounding the diamond further enhances its light reflection, making it appear more radiant.

Another benefit to this setting is that is much less maintenance than other diamond setting types, like the prong setting for example.

 

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However, it is important to note that this tension only works for hard stones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires. The stone must also be of very high quality, as any imperfections will be made even more visible through this setting. It is also an extremely specialised skill to make this setting, so jewellers charge a pretty penny for it.

Another downside to this setting is that it is difficult to resize, and having this done can actually increase the chances of the stone coming loose.

With the diamond being so exposed in this setting, it is not ideal for those that lead an active lifestyle.

 

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This setting is the perfect choice for those desiring a more modern and minimalist finish for their engagement ring. It is an unusual look that is sure to stand out from the rest.

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A classic white diamond is the traditional go-to for engagement rings, but in recent years, alternative colours have become all the rage. From pink to yellow, diamonds come in all hues.

Salt-and-pepper diamonds are trending as a unique alternative stone choice for an engagement ring. Here is everything you need to know.

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A salt-and-pepper diamond is a diamond with inclusions that appear black and white. This type of diamond can appear in a variety of shades, from light to dark grey. Some may have more inclusions than others, which will affect the colouring of the stone.

This diamond is the exact same as a normal diamond, just with a bit more character. As always, the 4 C’s apply when grading a diamond: cut, colour, clarity and carat. The 4 C’s will determine the final price your diamond will fetch.

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Eco-conscious shoppers will love this stone, as it takes fewer resources to mine than regular diamonds. They are also less expensive because they of their carbon inclusions, so they are the more budget-friendly option.

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Like any other diamond, it can be fashioned into any shape you want. Given its alternative nature, we suggest going with the aesthetic and opting for a unique setting like a bezel setting. Go for an unusual cut by shaping your diamond into a pentagon or a diamond-shaped diamond.

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As the piece of jewellery you’ll (hopefully) always have and wear, your engagement ring is highly personal. It is important to match the ring to you, and not the other way around.

While shopping from big, established brands is great and often the easiest option, South Africa has a wealth of talented jewellery designers that create incredible custom pieces.

Now more than ever, it is important to support local. Here are a few fantastic jewellers from across the country designing unique engagement rings with personality and flair.

Lorean Jewellery:

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Famke Jewellery: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFwuZotgt1z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6NtU5NpJ74/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCLRroNJrzR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Black Betty Design:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBxSYb4HjQ0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Merakije Jewellery Design:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7N1ggepng0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFo2U-8pc_g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Botanica Jewellery:

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https://www.instagram.com/p/B62nTN_ptUR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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An engagement ring is a highly treasured jewellery item, one you’ll (hopefully) have forever. It’s thus important to have your ring match your own personal style and taste. With so many designs, settings and stones to choose from, ring shopping can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to help.

While the setting, or the way the stone is secured into the ring, may not be the most important thing one thinks of, it is crucial to the anatomy of the ring. It helps determine the overall design of the ring and its durability.

A pavé setting, also known as a bead setting, is perfect for the bride wanting something a little more sparkly. It is french for ‘paved’ and it is a jewellery technique in which small diamonds are studded along the band of the ring, making it appear like a paved or cobblestoned road.

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An advantage of this setting is that it enhances a centre diamond that has a lower brilliance, cut or clarity grade. It adds extra sparkle and is technically the more economical choice, as smaller diamonds are less expensive than one diamond of the exact same weight.

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However, it is important to note that this setting is more susceptible to stone loss, and offers more small spaces for dirt to accumulate. This setting also requires more inspection and maintenance than most other ring settings.

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Picture: Pexels

Looking for an uncommon ring setting? We’ve got the perfect one. The bezel setting is an uncommon choice, and offers a highly unique look.

This setting has been around for decades, and is actually one of the oldest in the history of jewellery design. Poppy Delevigne and Mary-Kate Olsen have rocked this look.

Also known as the Rubover, this setting gives off an Art Deco aesthetic perfect for a bold bride. Here’s what you need to know.

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A bezel setting features diamonds that are completely or partially encircled by a thin border of a precious metal holding it in place. The surface of the ring is thus smooth. Also called a tube setting, it helps to accentuate the diamond and offers a contemporary look. This setting works best with round stones, but can be used on any shape from pear to heart.

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Because the stone is held securely in place, this setting is highly durable and protects the diamond very well. This is perfect for fragile stones. It also prevents anything snagging on the stone or knocking it, making it perfect for a wearer with an active lifestyle.

However, this setting conceals a large part of the stone. It can also be the more expensive option because it requires much more precious metal and is more labour intensive.

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Feature image: Pexels