An engagement ring is a powerful symbol of love, designed to be treasured for a lifetime. And beyond its emotional value, this type of ring is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. From the center stone to the smallest detailing, each element plays a crucial role in its beauty, durability, and brilliance.
When the time comes to seek this precious symbol of love, understanding the anatomy of an engagement ring will help you find the right choice for you. Here’s everything you need to know about what makes an engagement ring truly special.
The Key Components of an Engagement Ring
1. The Center Stone: The Heart of the Ring
At the core of every engagement ring is its center stone. While it’s typically a diamond, it can also be a sapphire, emerald, or another precious gem. The center stone’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight (the 4Cs) determine its brilliance and overall value. A well-cut diamond maximizes light reflection, creating that signature sparkle.
When shopping for an engagement ring at Verstolo we present you with a variety of Verstolo-approved diamonds and guide you to select your perfect stone based on what’s important to you. We go beyond the 4C’s and help you understand the nuances of each stone.
The diamond shape dramatically influences the ring’s overall look. Some of the most popular diamond shapes
include:
- Round Brilliant: The classic and timeless shape, known for its unmatched sparkle.
- Oval: Elegant and elongating, this increasingly popular shape offers a larger appearance than round diamonds.
- Pear: A teardrop-shaped diamond with a slimming effect on the finger.
- Cushion: A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and a vintage, romantic feel. Right now elongated cushions are trending!
- Emerald: This step-cut diamond with long facets reminds us of art deco glamor and is trending among New York brides.
At Verstolo, we customize your ring with any diamond shape and setting you desire. From classic round solitaires to elegant oval diamonds and vintage-inspired emeralds, your engagement ring will be crafted around the center stone you love most.
Stunning pear-shaped engagement ring with a tapered micro pave band and diamond detailing
2. The Setting: Securing the Beauty
The setting is just as important as the center stone as it’s designed to showcase its beauty and your personal style. It includes all the parts of the ring except for the main diamond, and it determines the overall look of the ring. Some of the most popular setting styles include:
Prong Setting:
Small metal claws grip the stone, allowing the stone to sit securely in the setting. Our rings typically feature four-prong designs, but we also offer six prong, double claw prongs and compass prongs for a unique touch, as seen on this stunning radiant engagement ring. Prongs are very important not only for the security of the stone, but also for design. At Verstolo we make our prongs as delicate as possible without risking the security of the ring – it’s a true art and very important for the overall look of the ring. When you look down at your ring, you want to see the diamond first, not the prongs!
Hidden Halo Setting:
Hidden halos bring a unique touch and a small detail for the bride to be. This setting is a great way to incorporate a little more sparkle without taking away from the center stone. You can see its subtle brilliance in this dazzling diamond engagement ring featuring a wide micro-pave band.
Pavé & Micro-Pavé Settings:
Tiny diamonds are set closely together along the band, creating a continuous sparkle. With micro-pavé settings, the stones are usually smaller and closer together, creating a seamless effect.
For a classic pave design, we recommend this round brilliant engagement ring featuring a wide band and an elegant pave diamond basket.
Oval solitaire engagement ring featuring slim pave band set in Platinum
Basket:
A basket is the metal framework that secures the diamond, designed to resemble a basket. This structure not only holds the stone securely, but also adds essential support and stability. When people refer to a high or low-set ring, they’re often talking about the basket.
We custom-design each basket to fit the client’s selected center stone perfectly, eliminating unnecessary gaps for a sleek, seamless look. This tailored approach also ensures that the engagement ring will sit flawlessly flush—like a puzzle piece—against any wedding band they choose in the future.
3. The Band: The Foundation of Style
The band (or shank) is the part of the ring that encircles the finger. It can be crafted from various metals, including gold and platinum. The band’s width and design influence the ring’s style, whether it’s classic, vintage, or modern.
When considering the band, remember that there are no wrong options. Whether you love the sleekness of thin bands, the airy feel of split shanks, or the dazzling brilliance of three-row micro-pavé bands, it all comes down to your personal style and preferences.
Our signature three-row micro-pavé engagement ring
4. The Side Stones: Extra Brilliance
Side stones add depth and extra sparkle to an engagement ring. They also add more finger coverage, giving the ring an overall bigger look. One of the most popular arrangements is the three-stone setting, featuring a center stone flanked by two smaller gems. This setting historically symbolizes the past, present, and future. It’s also an opportunity for clients to put a unique touch on their classic engagement ring.
Emerald diamond flanked by two cadillac side stones
5. Other Engagement Ring Components
- The Head: The top part of the setting that holds the center stone in place, including the prongs or bezel.
- The Gallery: The space beneath the center stone that is visible when looking at the side of the ring. It often features decorative elements like filigree, hidden diamonds, or intricate metalwork.
- The Bridge: The area at the bottom part of the gallery, below the center stone, that connects both sides of the band. Some rings feature intricate detailing or hidden diamonds in this space.
- The Shoulders: The upper sides of the band that lead up to the center stone, often featuring accent diamonds or engravings.
How to Recognize a High-Quality Engagement Ring
Buying a ring that is so significant can be overwhelming. With so many options on the market, you’ll need a discerning eye to find superior quality. Here’s what to keep in mind when searching for your ring:
- Exceptional Diamonds: The 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) should be carefully balanced to maximize brilliance.
- Precise Craftsmanship: The setting should hold the stone securely while allowing optimal light exposure. Each detail should be perfectly refined and designed for the center stone.
- Finely Polished Metalwork: A smooth, even finish with no visible imperfections ensures long-term durability.
- Comfortable Fit: The ring should feel comfortable on the finger without sharp edges.
Create Your Custom Engagement Ring with Verstolo
Choosing an engagement ring is a deeply personal experience, and there’s nothing more empowering than to create your own design to reflect your unique love story.
At Verstolo, we work closely with our brides-to-be to create custom engagement rings. From selecting the perfect diamond to crafting a setting that brings you joy, we are with you every step of the way to bring your dream ring to life.
The process begins with a free consultation, online or in our NYC showroom. You will be involved in all aspects of the design process, and you’ll review the 3D renderings prior to production. Our talented jewelers will meticulously craft the diamond ring you’ve envisioned.
Explore our engagement ring collection to find inspiration and book your appointment with us to begin designing your perfect ring. Let your love shine bright with Verstolo!
