What are the Best Emerald Engagement Rings?
It might be unfair to say that there is a ‘best’ and ‘worst’ style for engagement rings, and they are all so beautiful that it would be tough to decide in any case. Regardless, today we’re looking at the best emerald engagement rings* but it’s not a beauty contest. We’ll be taking into consideration settings, shapes, and styles which best suit the emerald gemstone.
Setting
The setting is simply the term for how the metal of a ring is used to hold the gemstones in place. Examples of settings include claw settings – arguably the most common. In claw-set rings, the setting metal, usually some type of silver, gold, or platinum, is formed into small claw shapes which are spread around the stone to keep it secure. Typically, 4-claw settings are the most common, with claw settings ranging from 3 claws for asymmetrical gemstones, right up to 12 or more claws for more elaborate rings.
Another common setting is called a collet setting, also often referred to as a bezel setting. With this setting, the metal of the ring creates a slight lip around the edge of the gemstone in order to keep it in place. Collet settings are very secure, and are usually utilised in a ring where the gems sit quite low to the band. The collet setting is also often used to set supporting stones, the closeness of the metal to the gemstone allowing the focal gemstone to stand out more.
Which is best: The claw setting is the more classic choice for an emerald engagement ring, as it allows more light to get into the stone, letting its internal facets stand out more. The collet setting and the claw setting can be seen on a lot of antique emerald engagement rings, where they adapt depending on the style of the ring
Cut
When referring to the cut of a gemstone, it’s generally the shape of the gemstone that’s being ascertained. Common cuts for engagement rings are: round, square, princess, cabochon, oval, marquise, and pear-cut. The ones that sound simple are simple: round is round, square is square etc. The princess cut looks square at a glance, but the difference comes from its internal facets. The facets of a princess-cut stone are very clearly defined, like a repeated pattern within the stone.
The cabochon cut is very unique from others; its surface is one smooth, uninterrupted gemstone with no hard cuts or facets. Cabochon gemstones are rarer to come by, but have something of a cult following of those who greatly admire their uniqueness and beauty. Marquise-cut gemstones are a kind of kite shape, a very popular choice that has a timeless aesthetic and the pear-cut gemstones are – well – pear-shaped.
Which is the best: The best cut for you is entirely dependent on the style of engagement ring that you like. Marquise cuts, princess cuts, and square cuts all look modern and stylish, while round cuts, cabochon, and oval cuts are more traditional and timeless.
Style
The style is the most important part of what makes an engagement ring perfect for you. There are modern styles, like halo rings, and branches of design like Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Victorian, and vintage rings. The cut and the setting of the gemstone all play a part in dictating what style it is, as well as its overall age and any history it might have.
Antique emerald engagement rings such as those made in the Art Deco style are often cut with angular cuts like the baguette cut – a rectangle – or a square cut. While their setting style changes, the metal used is most frequently white gold or platinum. Cool-toned metals are key elements of the Art Deco style, and tend to look quite timeless.
Older rings, such as those made in the Victorian style, feature hand-cut stones that are very unique, since they are not mass-produced and perfectly cut by lasers like the gemstones of today. Popular elements of the Victorian style are cluster rings – where the central stone is surrounded by a selection of smaller stones. This style is great for someone who wants a statement engagement ring, since a lot of existing examples of these rings are large and ornate.
Which is best: This element of choosing your engagement ring couldn’t be more subjective. Those who are fans of modern styles will be most interested in modern rings, with Art Deco rings acting as a helpful backup of styles that are coming back into fashion. People who want something that has a traditional timelessness to it will like vintage designs more, with claw-set, round-cut diamonds and yellow gold.
Whichever style, cut, and setting appeals most to you, you can’t go too far wrong with an emerald engagement ring. They’re beautiful, with colouring that’s tough to beat, and they have a certain uniqueness about them that’s sure to make your ring the talk of the town.
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