Engagement Ring Stone Choices and Engagement Ring Stone Cuts   

Engagement Rings  

There are many types of engagement rings to choose from. From pear shaped engagement rings (described later) to cushion cut engagement rings and many in between. And not only are there diamond stone engagement rings, but other nice stones are being used for engagement rings now. It can be overwhelming. Before saying more about the choices, here's a bit of history you might be interested in.

Engagement rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand because, in the past, it was believed that a special vein is located at the third finger of the left hand. It was called the vena amoris, the vein of “love”, it was said to run from the middle finger and directly to the heart. Also called bethrothal rings, engagement rings have been used throughout the centuries to mark engagements.  The endlessness of the circle  signifies perfection, oneness, without a beginning - without an end.

Bethrothal is from the Anglo-Saxon word "troweth”, meaning truth. Betrothed means giving truth or reality to a promise or pledge and an engagement ring becomes an outward indication to everyone that a woman has promised love to only one man. More than just pieces of jewelry, engagement stand as a symbol of a promise to love, commitment, fidelity, eternity and honor.

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald 

Diamond is the widely preferred choice of gem for an engagement ring. The diamonds known beauty, durability, strength and value is also translated as a symbol for love, commitment, devotion and passion. Although diamonds actually come in vast array of colors ranging from colorless grades, bright yellow which gradually darkens to red and even black, still the most common are the colorless grade to symbolize a love that is pure.

Ruby (Red), the birth stone for July, being the typical color for romance is also a popular choice among couples getting engaged. The color of good luck in Chinese, it is often presented at weddings. The shade of red symbolizes confidence and power.

Sapphire (Blue), like the one presented by Prince Charles to Princess Diana and eventually (just recently) presented by Prince William to Ms. Kate Middleton, represents youth, spirituality, loyalty and peace. In the medieval times, royals wore sapphire around their necks as a shield against harm.

Emerald (Green), the birthstone for March and when translated, means “precious”. Ancient  Egypt and Greece believes Emeralds aid in seeing the truth despite clouded emotions. Green also is a symbol of nature and fertility.

Round, Marquise, Heart and Pear Cut Engagement Rings 

Couples often opt for round cut diamonds or gems. In fact, round cut diamonds account for 75% of the worlds diamond demands, the law of supply and demand thus dictate for round cut diamonds to be more expensive than other cuts. The classic round shape is the most popular. It is a symbol of traditional romance, honesty and faithfulness. The idea that a circle has no beginning and no end adds to the romance of a round.

Marquise is a classic cut for gems. Close to an oval but only slimmer, its shape gives it an illusion of actually being bigger than it actually is. This cut indicates opulence.

Heart, considered to be a novelty, nevertheless is an elegant option.  Beautiful and nostalgic, it still is one of the most common shape ladies prefer as a symbol of pure romanticism.

Pear shaped engagement rings are similar to a droplet but more closely resembles a droplet. Being half oval and half marquise, it is pointed at one end and rounded at the other. It makes a lady’s hand look slimmer. It is said that women who choose to have this cut for a ring is a trendsetter.