Pear Diamond Engagement Rings
How To Choose The Perfect Engagement Ring
The giving or receiving of a ring upon becoming betrothed goes back to the most ancient civilizations. However, these were usually just a simple band of metal rather than the elaborate gems modern brides consider today. The oldest known diamond rings was bestowed in 1477 by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian to his fiancee, Mary of Burgundy. Diamonds were then very rare and only the richest could afford them. But during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the supply increased dramatically. Average income also increased during the Industrial Revolution. The combination of the two factors allowed diamonds to be purchased by more people.
Solitaire engagement rings are the most popular variety sold. The term technically refers to a ring with a single stone, regardless of cut. However, a round cut is the most common, although there are many different ways to mount it. The round cut is considered to be optimal for enhancing the reflective properties of a diamond.
A popular variation on the solitaire is the trilogy ring. This style has a large center stone with two smaller stones flanking it. These are normally all diamonds, but in recent times there have been many variations. Sometimes the center stone is a ruby, sapphire, or emerald. The bride’s birthstone is also sometimes used.
If you decide on an antique engagement ring, keep in mind that the ring need only be fifty years or older to qualify as an antique. As such, many of these are set with diamonds. Those from the twenties and thirties are often art deco styles, and may also include colored gemstones. Older rings may not have diamonds at all but consist of other stones, especially those from the Middle Ages. An ornate style is also common in these rings.
Princess cut engagement rings have become very popular in recent years. A princess cut is flat on the top and square in shape. The stone may be set so that it is flush with the band, but the usual mount has prongs that cover the corners of the stone.
Emerald cut stones are rectangular in shape. Typically they have facets along each side and a top that is flat. The marquis stone is fairly round, but it will taper into a point at each end. Pear shaped cuts are rounded at one end and sharply pointed on the other end. They are more often made into pendants, earrings, or set among additional stones since their shape is not considered an attractive solitaire.
Many modern beliefs about diamonds are not historic traditions, but instilled by advertising campaigns launched by the major jewelers. For instance, the suggestion that a groom spend at least two times his monthly salary on an engagement ring came from such a campaign. However, diamonds have only continued to grow in popularity among prospective brides. Thankfully, diamonds are now more plentiful, affordable, and varied, which lets almost every bride add a sparkler to her hand.
How 1.5 carat Pear Shape Diamond Engagement Ring Looks
