Engagement Rings: Diamond Solitaires vs. Complex Settings - Which is Right for You?

In all likelihood, an engagement ring is the most important jewelry purchase you will ever make. You've found that one special someone; now, you must find one special ring to represent the bond between yourself and your future spouse. One of the biggest things to consider when picking out an engagement ring is the style: Do you want a simple diamond solitaire, or a fancier setting?

The diamond solitaire is a classic style, and remains the ring of choice for many, if not most brides-to-be. As the name implies, a diamond solitaire lets the central stone sit alone in its own setting. Such a design allows the beautiful stone to show off all of its brilliance to the world.

Among solitaire settings, the most common is the prong setting, which uses four or six metal prongs to hold the central diamond in place. Such a setting allows light to enter the gem from all sides, contributing to the sparkle from every angle. Another popular setting, the bezel, uses a solid rim around the diamond to hold it down. This tends to restrict the stone's brilliance and to make it look smaller, but the flat, secure hold is perfect for very active people.

One of the newest setting styles is the tension setting, which uses thousands of pounds of pressure to hold the gem in place. It is also known as the 'invisible setting' because there are no prongs or rims to block light from entering the stone, which creates unparalleled brilliance. Note that tension settings also tend to be more expensive than other options.

Want a little more pizzazz? Consider an engagement ring featuring two or more side stones. Having other diamonds set into the band or around the setting can add plenty of sparkle to the ring. Adding more stones does tend to make the ring more expensive, though, and it does little to make the central diamond appear larger.

If you find the diamond solitaire to be entirely too simple, try the pavé setting, made up of multiple diamonds set into tiny holes. Tiny beads made from the surrounding metal hold the little stones securely in place. This complex setting can make the ring appear to have more, larger diamonds than it actually does. Pavé settings are often more expensive than solitaires with one larger stone, though.

Ultimately, the best choice for an engagement ring is whatever the bride-to-be prefers. Consider her lifestyle, her current jewelry preferences, and what would look and fit best on her hand. Every woman prefers a different setting type and a different style, and some even opt for rubies or sapphires. For every bride, there is a ring out there to match her unique style.