Whether you are choosing your own engagement ring or dropping some major hints to your other half, Oliver and J Jewellery has all your ring choices.
An engagement ring is a long-standing tradition. This dates back to ancient Egypt where the circular shape of a ring was said to symbolise an eternal cycle – an “unending bond”. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was in 1477 when the Archduke Maximillian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring.
Why Diamonds?
Diamonds have been used in engagement rings for many years. In 1652 the English writer Thomas Nichols stated that diamonds could “be used symbolically as a signification of consistency” on account of their hardness. They are a symbol of your everlasting love.
The designs.
Diamond solitaire – this is a timeless classic. This single stone ring is adaptable and can go with any wedding band or outfit. Simple yet utterly stunning.
Trilogy rings – a three stone ring can be a gorgeous option for a lady who loves to sparkle. It doesn’t have to be just diamonds. Three stones can be a combination of diamonds and other gemstones, for example sapphires, emeralds and rubies. The trilogy ring stones can be interpreted to represent the 'Past, Present and Future'. An alternative view of the three stone ring is to indicate family with the two parents as the outer stones and the child in the middle.
Cluster and Halo rings – an elegant style. The cluster and halo rings are made up of a larger stone in the middle surrounded by many smaller stones. This gives the appearance of a larger stone and can be seen in shapes such as circles, squares, stars or flowers. These rings exude classic grace and glamour for any wearer.
Which metal to choose?
When choosing an engagement ring the metal choice is one of the most important factors.
You have many choices of precious metals including 9ct or 18ct yellow, white and rose gold, platinum or palladium. Yellow gold is a classic choice and an easy to wear option. However white coloured metals have been very popular for engagement rings – white gold is a combination of yellow gold mixed with other white metals and covered in a rhodium plating.
Platinum and Palladium – These two metals are naturally white and do not require rhodium plating. Both strong and hypoallergenic, which is great for anyone with sensitive skin. Both metals are an excellent choice for a stunning engagement ring.
Diamonds and the Four C’s
1. Colour – Diamonds are graded from D, which is the most colourless of all stones with no hue to it all. Diamond colour is graded from D to Z, with Z being the most yellow.
2. Clarity – This measures the amount of natural inclusions which are in the diamond when it formed millions of years ago.
3. Carat – This is the weight of the diamond.
4. Cut – An excellent cut diamond gives the most sparkle on your finger.
And of course, diamonds can be cut into many different shapes.
Gemstones
The more classic gemstones used are sapphires, emeralds and rubies. More contemporary and unusual stones are aquamarine, morganite, tanzanite and coloured diamonds.
Sapphire is the birthstone of September and is seen as the large oval stone in Princess Diana’s ring that Duchess Kate now wears as her stunning engagement ring.
Emeralds are the birthstone for the month of May. In ancient Greece these were considered as a sacred stone of Aphrodite, the goddess of Love.
Rubies are the birthstone for July and can be considered as the stone of love.
Some of the more unusual coloured gemstones are becoming popular with the beautiful blue aquamarine, the birthstone of March. It is the Latin word for Seawater and is thought to enhance the happiness of marriages.
Morganite is a pastel coloured gemstone that is very popular with millennials. This gemstone is from the same family as emerald and aquamarine.
Coloured diamonds – Unusual and contemporary. Chocolate and black diamonds have become a popular trend and make a bold statement, perfect for those who love to be nonconventional.
Bespoke rings
If you or your partner have a specific design in mind we have a skilled goldsmith to meet all your needs. We can also combine any of your existing rings to create your very own bespoke ring.
Pop in and talk to our helpful staff to create something special.
Famous engagement rings
Meghan Markle, Mia Farrow, Elizabeth Taylor, Her Majesty the Queen, Beyonce, Elizabeth Hurley.
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