Jul 24, 2024

Bridal Jewelry Guide

A Journey Through History, Trends & Styles

From the first moment a couple decides to unite their lives to the exchange of vows and the celebration of anniversaries, bridal jewelry is an important, time-honored expression of love and commitment. Before you choose an engagement ring, learn more about the history of the tradition, popular styles and stone shapes and bridal set options.

Proposing marriage is one of life’s biggest moments. If you’re ready to Ask Her in Asheville, visit Spicer Greene Jewelers for excellent service and the area’s finest collection of engagement rings and wedding bands.

A Brief History of Engagement Ring Traditions

The tradition of engagement rings dates back to ancient Rome, where rings were exchanged to signify a lasting commitment. These rings were often simple and crafted from iron to symbolize the strength of the union. The giving of the first documented diamond engagement ring is attributed to Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who, in 1477, presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring upon their betrothal. This event popularized the use of diamonds in engagement rings among European nobility.

During the Victorian era, engagement ring designs became more ornate, featuring intricate details with a sentimental mix of gemstones and diamonds. The use of diamonds became more widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely due to the discovery of diamond mines in South Africa and the influential marketing campaign by De Beers in the 1940s, which coined the phrase "A diamond is forever." Today, the diamond engagement ring is a near-universal symbol of love and intention to tie the knot.

Popular Engagement Ring Types

Today, engagement rings come in various styles to suit different tastes and preferences. At Spicer Greene Jewelers, you can shop a wide selection of ready-to-wear styles, or choose your own setting and diamond for a more personalized approach. Browse our most popular styles to find the one that holds the most meaning for you.

Solitaire Rings: Classic and elegant, solitaire rings feature a single diamond or gemstone. This style highlights the stone's beauty and offers timeless simplicity.

Halo Rings: A center stone is surrounded by a "halo" of smaller diamonds, enhancing its sparkle and giving the illusion of a larger center stone. This style is popular for its brilliance and glamor.

Three-Stone Rings: Symbolizing the past, present and future, three-stone rings feature a central diamond flanked by a stone on either side. This design is rich in symbolism and sentiment.

Vintage Rings: Inspired by historical designs, vintage rings often feature intricate details such as milgrain, filigree and engraving. From romantic Victorian styles to bold art deco, vintage rings appeal to those who appreciate antique charm and craftsmanship.

Modern and Minimalist Rings: For those who prefer a contemporary look, modern rings with clean lines and minimalist designs are a popular choice. These rings often incorporate geometric shapes and unconventional settings.

The Shape of Your Love: Popular Stone Shapes

When selecting a center stone for your engagement ring, there are plenty of shapes to choose from. Spicer Greene Jewelers’ Diamond Bar allows you to select your favorite shape, carat size and price point to find the perfect diamond. Here are some of the most popular diamond shapes to consider:

Round Brilliant: Round brilliant cut diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, accounting for approximately 75% of all diamonds sold. Versatile and designed to maximize sparkle with its 58 facets (33 on the crown and 25 on the pavilion), it's a classic choice that shines bright and never goes out of style.

Princess: Square with sharply pointed corners, the princess cut is known for its modern, angular look and exceptional brilliance.

Cushion: Resembling a pillow, the cushion cut has a square shape with rounded edges, offering a high level of brilliance. It lends a romantic, feminine and vintage feel to your engagement ring.

Emerald: Featuring a rectangular shape with step-cut facets that create a mesmerizing hall-of-mirrors effect, the emerald cut is an elegant, sophisticated choice.

Asscher: Similar to the emerald cut but square, the Asscher cut is known for its deep pavilion and high crown, creating a vintage, art deco look.

Oval: An elongated shape with brilliant facets, the oval cut creates the illusion of longer, slender fingers and offers excellent brilliance.

Marquise: The marquise cut features pointed ends and an elongated shape, maximizing carat weight and giving the appearance of a larger stone. This unique, eye-catching shape is perfect for the true romantic.

Pear: Combining the best qualities of the oval and marquise cuts, the pear shape has a rounded end that tapers to a point for a uniquely elegant look.

Bridal Jewelry Sets: A Perfect Match

When selecting an engagement ring, don’t forget that the piece will be accompanied by a wedding band after the ceremony to create a stunning bridal jewelry set. Wedding bands are a tradition that originate in the 12th century, as part of church-sanctioned marriage ceremonies, and remain a powerful symbol today. A bridal jewelry set that includes both an engagement ring and a wedding band beautifully represents the union of two lives. Here are some popular approaches to the bridal set:

Classic Matching Sets: These sets feature an engagement ring and wedding band that perfectly complement one another. The bands often match in metal and design, creating a harmonious look.

Stackable Sets: Stackable rings allow for flexibility and personalization. Couples can mix and match different bands to create a unique look. This style is perfect for those looking forward to adding anniversary bands in the future.

Eternity Bands: Eternity bands feature diamonds or gemstones encircling the entire band, symbolizing eternal love. They can be worn alongside the engagement ring to add sparkle from all angles.

Contour Bands: Designed to fit snugly against the engagement ring, contour bands follow the shape of the center stone for a seamless, cohesive look.

Custom Sets: For a truly unique and personal touch, custom sets allow couples to design their rings from scratch. This ensures that the jewelry perfectly reflects their style and love story.

Find Bridal Jewelry at Spicer Greene Jewelers

You’ve found your soulmate, now find the bridal jewelry that will perfectly reflect your unique love story. These are the pieces that you’ll wear every day, and eventually pass down to future generations. The team at Spicer Greene Jewelers can help you decide on a setting, the perfect center stone shape and a stunning set that will sparkle for a lifetime.