Blog About Diamonds by Joseph Sterling

Three alternatives to the traditional single stone diamond engagement ring.

Many years ago when diamonds became a token of love, a symbol of betrothal, people wanted to show their love by proposing marriage with a single stone diamond engagement ring. Set in a claw setting with either six or eight claws depending on the size of the diamond, and placed on a tapered knife edge shank, this is what was meant by a traditional engagement ring. Like a classic pair of earrings, the ring goes with everything and is worn all the time.

Today we are slightly more adventurous when it comes to picking out our engagement ring. It’s not unusual for a lady to want her ring redesigned for a wedding anniversary a few tears down the line. Oops, yes that was a typo, I meant years. So if you don’t want to go traditional then what are the alternatives? We’ll let me give you my three. 

It seems that a modern take on the “Diana” ring which of course the Duchess of Cambridge now wears, Princess Kate, is the halo design. This has a central diamond, and I believe an elongated cushion shape or a rectangular radiant cut is best, with pavé diamonds around the stone complimented by pavé diamonds on the shoulders. Set in platinum this looks exquisite and works particularly well on ladies with long slender fingers. 

Next for me would be the trilogy ring. This works well on a number of levels. First if your budget won’t get you the desired single stone ring you’re after then why not use that money to spread across three stones. You may be thinking this will be more expensive, but I promise you you’ll get more for your money with the trilogy. The main reason is that the price per carat is lower on small stones than on larger stones. Also I’d pick a shape which moves away from tradition. Perhaps three princess cuts, or three radiant cuts. In fact you could even mix it up and have an emerald cut centre and round outsides like what I made for this client. And there’s nothing saying you have to have three diamonds either. 

And my final alternative to the solitaire engagement ring is a nice bespoke creation. Take a look at this piece. I made this for a client who didn’t want a run of the mill engagement ring but wanted something that expressed his and her passion for Motorsport. So the concept behind this design is the exhaust pipes and the theme was the trilogy. This is what I came up with and created. Needless to say the ring was exactly what the couple were looking for. The benefits are that the client dictates the budget and they decide on design. Most importantly she got what she asked for. 

I hope this gives you a bit more creativity to help you find your dream engagement ring. I would be delighted to sit down with you and discuss designing your perfect ring. Thank you. 

If you would like an appointment, then please do call for a free consultation in our central London Hatton Garden office and we would be glad to try and help you. Our details are on the main page of the Joseph Sterling website.

Lewis Malka is a recognized expert in making diamond rings as well as being a famous jeweller to the stars. All his blogs are his own opinions. He is a member of the London Diamond Bourse (LDB). You can follow him daily on Facebook - Twitter - and Instagram.
If you would like any bespoke jewellery made, then please visit his website.