We’re taking today’s serving of engagement ring eye candy with a side of diamonds. Yes, all of the goodies on today’s menu feature diamonds on the side – albeit in distinct styles. Adding diamonds to a ring’s sides – or shanks, if you want to use the correct jewelry anatomy terminology – is a fantastic way to further personalize a ring. There are a finite number of diamond shapes (cuts, again using proper terminology), so it’s up to the ring’s wearer and/or purchaser to make that ring truly theirs. Channel set rounds in combination with a round brilliant center stone say something totally different than, say, an emerald cut with the same small round diamonds surrounding the center and trailing down the side of the ring like sparkling stardust particles. If just depends on your preference, and of course your budget. The beauty of “side diamonds” never to be confused with side chicks, is that they serve to enhance the star of the show – and therefore your budget (side chick parallels ending now.) Adding more bling to your ring in the form of smaller stones is exponentially less expensive than adding fewer, larger stones. The smaller diamonds have the added benefit of being sparklier, so it’s quite literally more bling for your buck. But enough chit chat, let’s get to drooling.
Here, we have a princess cut center stone with invisibly set princess cut accents. The style of this ring is decidedly late 1990′s, with bold geometrics and white metal taking center stage. The main stone is a 1 carat, H/I in color and VS1-VS2 in clarity, while the accent diamonds add approximately .80 ctw more.
This emerald cut halo engagement ring takes a different approach, combining the sparkliest of cuts (round brilliant) with the lovely, Art Deco inspired step cuts of the 1.10 carat emerald shaped center stone. The addition of a halo to the diamond studded prints softens its look and makes it even more romantic.
Another princess cut uses variety to draw attention and make a big statement. There are three separate diamond cuts on this ring – the .95 carat princess cut center stone, and the round brilliant and baguette diamonds that combine for a total of 1 carat of accent stones. The ring’s profile is broader to accommodate all shapes and sizes, giving it presence on the hand but maintaining a low profile (perfect for enthusiastic gesticulators and those who work with their hands…or just wear a lot of silk blouses.)
This one I can’t stop fawning over. How perfect are the graduated bezel set diamonds?! This ring is like the embodiment of a celebratory glass of champagne, toasting to your engagement. The center diamond is a lovely 0.75ct Round Brilliant Diamond, D in color(!) and SI1 in clarity. The graduated round brilliants are G/H in color and VS in clarity, and add approximately .52ctw of ice to the ring. All wrapped up in sleek, shiny platinum.
