FAQ’s: Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

Question: What carat size diamond do I need for an engagement ring?

Answer: If you open any fashion magazine, you’ll see that the sky’s the limit in terms of engagement ring sizes. But for an ordinary person’s budget, it’s important to balance quality and quantity in order to get a ring you are dazzled with, at a price that you are comfortable with. Intricate, complex diamond settings are obviously pricier than simple solitaire settings, so if you are choosing a solitaire engagement ring, you should concentrate your budget on choosing the best loose diamond you can afford. While the size of the stone no doubt contributes to its impressiveness, the quality of the cut matters just as much. A top-quality cut will ensure that your diamond sparkles and shines, no matter how big it is.

Question: What is the best shape for a center stone in an engagement ring?

Answer: Since the loose diamond is the main attraction in a solitaire engagement ring, you can choose any one you like for a solitaire setting. Unusual shapes like hearts or marquise diamonds look their best in a simple solitaire setting. However, if you want to be sure she will like the engagement ring, you can’t go wrong with a classic round shape.

Question: What are prongs and does my engagement ring have them?

Answer: The prongs are the small metal pieces that hold the diamond in place in the ring. Prongs are available in a variety of styles, from the classic Tiffany-style four prong ring, to unique decorative prongs that add visual interest to an otherwise simple ring. Some interesting prong styles to check out include the X-prong, petal prong, W-prong, cathedral setting and the classic four and six prong styles.

Question: How can I add some extra sparkle to a simple solitaire or wedding band?

Answer: Short of returning the ring, there are many things you can do to jazz up a simple solitaire engagement ring. Ring enhancers, or wraps, are secondary bands that are worn together with the engagement ring and add uniqueness and style to a simple solitaire ring. A diamond-encrusted wedding band can add a glamorous touch to a simple engagement ring.

Question: When choosing an engagement ring or wedding band, how do I choose a shank profile?

Answer: The term “shank profile” refers to the shape of the shank, or band, of the ring. Ring bands can come in several shapes, from more rounded to more angular. A flat shank profile lies close to the skin, while a knife-edge profile has sharper edges and a more modern look. One easy way to choose a shank profile is to match the roundedness of the shank to the diamond shape, i.e. a rounded band with a round diamond and a sharper edge for a square-cut diamond.