They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and there truly is nothing better to show the woman in your life how much you love her.
The tradition of giving a ring to a spouse can be traced back thousands of years when the groom would present his bride with a gold ring to be worn during the wedding ceremony, and also on special occasions. The first recorded use of diamond engagement rings came in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a ring that was set with thin, flat diamonds in the shape of an ‘M’.
These days, we tend to opt for slightly more ornate rings that will usually feature a diamond or other precious stone at the centre. But what are your options when it comes to choosing that all-important piece of jewellery?
Brilliant Round Diamond
The brilliant round cut diamond may be one of the more popular options when it comes to engagement rings. The simple design needs no flourishes to display its beauty, but remains understated and sophisticated.
Princess Diamond
Another popular choice for engagement rings, the princess diamond has a beautiful purity and modesty. It is a particularly versatile shape so it can work well in any ring design, whether you choose to surround it with smaller stones or leave it to stand alone as a statement diamond.
Emerald Diamond
The Emerald cut diamond is a wonderful choice for an engagement ring which gives a unique ‘hall of mirrors’ effect rather than a brilliant shine. This diamond will sit proudly atop any band with a distinctive and luxurious gleam.
Pear Diamond
The pear cut diamond provides a pretty yet elegant stone for any engagement ring. The pear cut should be entirely symmetrical and is particularly distinctive. If you are looking for something that is a little different, the pear shaped diamond may be the perfect choice.
Oval Diamond
The oval cut diamond is a beautiful choice, as it has the brilliance of a round diamond but offers something a little different. The longer shape means that this diamond will look larger and it will complement the finger of the wearer.
Asscher Diamond
The Asscher cut diamond first appeared in 1902 when the Asscher brothers cut this new and unique shape. This is a fantastic looking diamond which features concentric squares as you look down into the stone.
Cushion Diamond
The cushion cut diamond is a lovely looking stone – a square shape with rounded corners. This would make an excellent choice for a traditional looking ring, whether surrounded by smaller stones or alone.
The engagement ring may be the most important purchase you will ever make, which is why, here at Banks Lyon, we believe that quality is paramount. All of our diamonds have been sourced after rigorous quality control and are independently certified. If you should need advice on your diamond choice, we are the experts, so contact us on 01524 38 48 58 to speak to a member of our team, or drop into our Lancaster shop to browse our selection of beautiful rings.
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