Diamond Rings and their Significance

Written by HeBe

Eternal Love

A diamond is the perfect symbol of happiness and beauty. It also has the ‘forever’ and timeless quality. This lovely gemstone set in a gold or platinum ring has even more significance. Your ring is a circle, without beginning, without ending, an eternal tie to bind one person to another, whether partners, lovers or friends.

Diamond Rings

It’s traditionally believed that because diamonds are able to withstand natural forces, they have a mystical quality that is transfered to the owners, giving them strength to avoid temptation and cope with adversity. A diamond has long been reputed to bring spiritual balance and insight to the wearer. There are many benefits to this most rare and valuable of gemstones with clear thinking and peace of mind among the most important. Hindus believe that offering a diamond to Krishna is a guarantee of eternal life.

A diamond ring is also traditionally used as a pledge of marriage or commitment. It’s a symbolic vow between two people who are pledging themselves to belong to and care for one another. Why is the ring always placed on the fourth finger of the left hand? It goes back to the time of the ancient Egyptians who thought that a vein rang straight from this finger in a portal to the heart.

A diamond engagement, partnership or wedding ring is a symbol of eternal love and as such is should be appropriate to and worthy of the occasion. Your diamond ring will become a part of your life, admired, touched and loved, just like you.

Choosing a diamond ring

Brilliance and sparkle are important. Desirability is next – your ring has to make an immediate impact on you - the ‘wow’ factor. Your personal preference plays a big part in your choice, there’s little point in wearing a fabulous diamond if it doesn’t suit you. There are so many lovely shapes and cuts and variations available that it is helpful to consider how your diamond will impact on your lifestyle.

choosing a diamond ring

The shape of your hand is an important consideration.   The cut, design and setting of any gemstone can make your hand look shorter or longer than it is.    Different shapes suit different fingers – a long, slim diamond set lengthwise can make your hand look thinner. If you have large, slender hands a broad diamond set horizontally can make your hand look shorter.   You will probably already know from your existing rings which shape flatters you the most.

Are you going for a massive impact statement – hold that ring up for the camera please – there’s nothing does it like a large rock!   If price is a consideration you will be able to achieve this by buying a stone that is shallow rather than deep, it will weigh less and still look fabulous.   Pear and marquise cut diamonds generally look bigger than round cut diamonds of equal weight.

How much brilliance and sparkle do you want?   As much as possible, so you need to go for a brilliant cut round.   If you like a sleek and elegant look, then the emerald cut is for you. It won’t display as much sparkle but there is a timeless and classy look to this shape.   If you want an oblong or square cut but still keeping a high degree of brilliance, then a Princess cut, Radiant or Quadrillion are the ones to choose from.

Setting and style

You’ve decided on the type of diamond you want, now all you have to do is to choose the setting. Prong or claw setting is the most usual type, the diamond will be held in a ‘basket’ and held in place with a minimum of three prongs. The advantage of this feature is that more of the diamond can be seen than with some other styles. The diamond will also be held very securely, no danger of it falling out. Setting with six prongs is the most secure, four prong settings are fitted on a lot of rings. One of the disadvantages of this type of setting is that the ring surface will not be as smooth as on other styles – the prongs sometimes get snagged on clothing if they are fitted high. The prong settings can be designed to be lower though and these are often more practical. It’s all about when you’ll be wearing the ring – if it’s for special occasions only, a high set stone is eye-catching. Everyday wear and a smoother design is what you need.

Diamond Ring with gemstone

Channel setting is a beautiful and modern design, there is virtually no metal separating the stones.   This is smooth and elegant, it's all down to personal choice.

Bead and pave setting is when the diamonds are set in tapered holes and flush with the surface of the ring.   This protects the stone and allows for more creativity in design, different sizes of diamonds can be set in this way.

Flush setting is when the diamond is set into a tapered hole and then the surround gold or platinum is pressed around the rim of the stone, this holds diamonds well and gives a very smooth and tailored look that is ideal for everyday wear.

The different settings are all lifestyle choices, how and when you’ll wear your ring – decisions, decisions!   Your diamond retailer will be happy to give you advice.