The Delfina Ring. This Victorian ring features thirteen hand-cut natural sapphires and fifty-six gorgeous diamonds. This timeless floral ring is an example of astounding craftsmanship.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
The Georgia Ring. Milgrain, engravings, filigree, and an Old European cut diamond are presented in this gorgeous Art Nouveau design. A feminine beauty.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

The Blakeley Ring. A sea blue topaz is encircled by twelve round brilliant diamonds, forming a starburst of color and light.
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Rosa Ring. A gorgeous mixed metal ring! This fun retro piece features delicate flowers and sparkling diamonds
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

The Pearl Ring. A pearl and diamond are in perfect harmony in this beautiful Victorian engagement ring.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The post Five Romantic Antique Rings appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

The post Classic Engagement Rings appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

In ancient Alexandria, alchemists devoted their lives to an outlandish task…they wanted to turn lead into gold! And who can blame them?  Who wouldn’t want an endless supply of this luxurious precious metal? Our love of gold has even seeped into our vocabulary. After all, the golden girls won Golden Globes while living out their golden years.  There was once a gold rush in the golden state where all that glitters is not gold. And everyone tries their best to live by the golden rule!

Gold implies that something is beautiful, unsurpassed, precious, and valuable, so is there any wonder why gold engagement rings are so sought after?

Gold Engagement Rings

Gold engagement rings have been highly sought after for ages. Gold is a stunning, brilliant metal that is extremely versatile. Gold engagement rings are based on a 24 karat scale. Though a 24 karat gold ring might sound desirable, it wouldn’t actually last very long. Pure gold is soft compared to other metals, and is therefore easily bent or damaged. The addition of stronger alloys creates beautiful hues of gold and helps increase its durability!

White Gold Engagement Rings

If you are looking for a sophisticated, stylish engagement ring, white gold engagement rings are a great choice. White gold and diamonds create a beautiful contrast of sparkle and shine, and it is a stunning alternative to platinum, which has a similar silver-white hue. White gold complements both diamonds and vibrant colored gemstones, opening up a world of color! Many people love the pure-white coloring of white gold engagement rings, and that color comes from the rhodium plating on white gold. Rhodium, a member of the platinum family, gives the ring a flawless finish.

Yellow Gold Engagement Rings

Yellow gold engagement rings are highly sought after for engagement rings because it makes diamonds pop and the warm, rich color goes great with many skin tones! Like white gold engagement rings, yellow gold combines pure gold with metal alloys. The percentages and metals used, however, maintain the yellow luster of pure gold. Yellow gold is most often associated with pure gold, and many choose this option to create a luxurious piece with a traditional appeal.

Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Rose gold engagement rings are a beautiful combination of yellow gold and copper, creating an appealing pink-hued tone. This mixture gives a soft, romantic look to a ring, and is a great option if you are looking for something unique.  Rose gold looks particularly beautiful with diamonds, beautifully setting off their brilliance and creating an overall glowing effect.

The post Gold Engagement Rings appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

Let Your Dress Be Your Guide

 
Are you having difficulty choosing between bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings? Don’t just pile them on—fine jewelry shouldn’t have to compete for space and attention!  The best way to choose your wedding jewelry is to look at your dress. Take cues from the amount of detailing and the neckline.
 

Detailing 

Is your dress covered in crystals and beading from head to toe? Or is it simple and unadorned? If you have a dress on the decorated end of the spectrum, it is wise to go lighter on your wedding jewelry. If not, your dress and jewelry might clash or compete for attention. Nothing should distract from your natural beauty! Simple diamond studs are a classic choice. They add a bit of sparkle around your face but they don’t overwhelm. In this situation, don’t go with a large statement piece—your dress is your statement piece!

If your dress is understated, consider yourself a blank canvas. Go with a statement piece, like diamond tear drop earrings or even a crystal belt! Allow smaller pieces to play a supporting role for whatever eye catching piece you choose to feature.

Neckline

Strapless/sweetheart

If your dress is strapless you’ll probably want some sparkle at your décolletage. Good news—you’re in the clear when it comes to necklaces and earrings! Look for a statement necklace that rests above the top of your dress, particularly if you have a sweetheart neckline. A diamond halo necklace is a beautiful option that will catch the light without distracting from the beauty of your dress. If you want to leave your neck bare, dramatic chandelier earrings are an equally stunning choice.

One-Shoulder

It’s not the best idea to wear large earrings or any necklace if you are wearing a one-shoulder dress. One-shoulder dresses create a very unique asymmetrical look, and adding a necklace might make you look lopsided. Half of the necklace would be on your skin and half would be on your dress, disrupting the dramatic cut of the dress. Beyond conflict free diamond studs and dramatic, sparkling bracelets are a great choice.

Halter

Similar to one-shoulder dresses, wearing a necklace with a halter top dress has the potential to look strange. The chain of the necklace might get tangled or lost in the straps of your dress, pulling the necklace to and fro. Overall it makes your neckline look cluttered and chaotic. Consider one-of-a-kind vintage drop earrings or more modern channel set hoops.

V-neck

If you would like to wear a necklace with a V-neck dress, take the size of the V into consideration. Straps that sit wide on your shoulders (closer to an off-the-shoulder dress) will leave your collar open for decoration. If your straps are encroaching on your neck and the V is very thin, you will want to go with a thin, short necklace such as an elegant recycled precious metal pendant.

Illusion

It is the general consensus that brides should not wear necklaces with illusion necklines. These necklines are delicate, transparent overlays that often lend a vintage feel to a modern dress. When you wear a wedding necklace you run the risk of snagging it on the illusion fabric. But don’t worry, illusion necklines are most often decorated with lace, beading, or crystals, so you probably won’t miss a necklace at all! If your illusion dress includes long sleeves, you might not want to wear bracelets because they might disappear.

Brilliant Earth Jewelry Tip

It doesn’t matter if it is 24 carat gold and covered in diamonds: brides simply should not wear watches to their weddings! Wearing a watch gives off the impression that the bride has somewhere else they’d rather be. Choose a sparkly bracelet instead!
 
 

Select Timeless Jewelry

 
Your wedding jewelry should be classic and well-made so that you will still be wearing those pieces on your fortieth wedding anniversary. Some styles are more long-lasting than others, so invest in a piece or two that will remain highly sought after for centuries. To find such jewelry, you must take two factors into account: style and craftsmanship.
 
When it comes to style, how do we know what is considered classic? The best thing to do is to look to our past. Diamond stud earrings, pendant necklaces, and dangling earrings have been popular for quite some time. If you want something timeless, lean towards sophisticated and simple rather than trendy.
 

As for craftsmanship, you want to have jewelry that will last generations! You will probably want to pass down your jewelry someday, so look for pieces that are expertly crafted and will pass the test of time. Our vintage wedding jewelry has passed that test with flying colors! Our classic rings, necklaces, and earrings were created in romantic eras of the past and they still dazzle today.

 
And just think, an antique sapphire ring could be your something old and something blue!
 

Final Thoughts

 
Let your own style shine through in your wedding jewelry selection. To achieve the best look for you, try to match your jewelry to your dress and look for styles that endure!
 
Just remember, as you’re walking down the aisle all your partner will be able to see is your dazzling smile!
 
 

The post Wedding Jewelry Style Guide appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

Art Deco Style

Art Deco is a design style that became very popular in the twenties when luxury and modernism were en vogue. Whereas the previous era of Art Nouveau style featured curving lines and soft colors, Art Deco engagement rings were bold, bright, and extravagant. Patricia Bayer, author of Art Deco Architecture, described the movement as, “an architecture of ornament, geometry, energy, retrospection, optimism, color, texture, light, and at times even symbolism.”  The unique style of this era can be seen in its architecture, interior design, art, cars, fashion, and more, much of which will be brought to life in The Great Gatsby!
 
Art Deco Jewelry

Bold, Geometric Shapes

Art Deco engagement rings often showcase prominent geometric shapes. Individual circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, and a range of other shapes interact to form beautiful, elaborate designs. Round diamonds within square milgrain frames were especially beloved, and you will often notice beautiful patterns and symmetry within Art Deco rings.

Larger Than Life

As you can see in The Great Gatsby, the twenties were all about luxury and grandiose style. Even the sky-high, dramatic Empire State Building is an example of 1920s Art Deco architecture, and jewelry design went the same route! Today we continue to be stunned by these grand, sparkling works of art. Whether they feature glittering rubies encrusted with gems or a jaw-dropping solitaire, these rings are sure to turn heads. In 1919, innovative diamond cutters discovered the round brilliant cut, maximizing the brilliance of the diamond. This cut remains extremely popular today.

Streamlined Style

The stunning geometric elements of Art Deco engagement rings make them appear bolder than its predecessors. Jewelry crafters abandoned the delicate, lacy details of the Edwardian era and the curving, pastel elements of Art Nouveau. Art Deco stood out as a daring style that employed sharp edges and bold structural elements. You will occasionally see rings from the 1920s that are decorated with filigree, but it is usually applied in wide, straight strands, adding to the linear style.

Bright Colors

Women began expressing themselves through fashion in the Roaring Twenties. The iconic flappers were known for their scandalous (i.e. knee length) sheath dresses and their chic bob haircuts. Women also began wearing makeup, primarily adding color to their cheeks and lips. This infusion of color made its way into sparkling evening gowns, headpieces, and, of course, jewelry. Art Deco engagement rings feature  brilliant rubies, emeralds, sapphires, coral, aquamarines, and more.  These colorful rings tend to be big, bright, and intricate. For those of you who have been following the previews for The Great Gatsby, you’ll notice that Gatsby’s lavish parties are full of life and bright colors.

Final Thoughts

The Great Gatsby is sure to dazzle you with the sights and sounds of the Roaring Twenties. Soak in the onscreen Art Deco wonders, and know that you can own your very own piece of history! Brilliant Earth offer stunning antique jewelry from a range of decades, including the 1920s. Take a look at our antique Art Deco engagement rings collection to find your dream Gatsby style!
 
 

The post The Great Gatsby and Art Deco Style appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

Mother’s Day is on May 12^th… you have been warned! This is the time when we get to thank our moms for everything they do. For many mothers the best gift is the sound of your voice over the phone or your presence at dinner. We must not forget, however, that moms love receiving gifts like the rest of us! If you are in search of a gift that reflects your or your mom’s eco-friendly values, take a look at our top 10 suggestions for eco-friendly Mother’s Day gifts.

1. Eco-Friendly Candles: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day

You might have seen Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products around the grocery store, but they also have a wonderful line of candles and room fresheners. All of their products are made in the USA and are Leaping Bunny certified, meaning that they haven’t been tested on animals. You won’t find sugar cookie candles or ocean-breeze room fresheners here. Meyer’s offers the soothing scents of basil, lavender, lemon verbena, and geranium. Mrs. Meyer’s says that their candles feature, “Earth–friendly ingredients and natural essential oils that blend together to fill your home with fresh scents between cleaning days.

 2. Eco-Friendly chocolate Divine Chocolate

Chocolate is meant to be a guilty pleasure, but you shouldn’t have to feel guilty about where it came from! Divine Chocolate is the only fair trade chocolate company whose farmers own shares of the company. Their product comes from Kuapa Kokoo, a farmers’ co-op in Ghana, Africa. Their mission is, “to empower farmers in their efforts to gain a dignified livelihood, to increase women’s participation in all of Kuapa’s activities, and to develop environmentally friendly cultivation of cocoa.” Give your mom some chocolate she can truly enjoy!

3. Eco-Friendly Jewelry

Eco-friendly jewelry is a timeless Mother’s Day gift. A great choice is a beautiful recycled precious metal pendant or a set of beyond conflict free diamond earrings. Vibrant gemstones or Tahitian pearls are sure to leave her speechless. You can even create a personalized sterling silver pair pendant with an engraved initial (hers or yours) and the charm that best represents her. Not only will your mother love her gift because you put time and effort into choosing just the right piece for her, she will be proud to wear beautiful jewelry that stands for social and environmental responsibility.

4. Organic Wine

Everyone is talking about organic wines! Organic farming rejects the use of pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and fungicides. In addition, organic wines must obtain a smaller amount of sulfates than traditional wines. If this is what you’re looking for, the best thing to do is to look for wines that have the USDA certified “100% Organic” label. If your mom loves biodynamic wines, look for the Demeter USA label as well.

5. Eco friendly cards: Bloomin Seed Cards and Paper.

If a heartfelt card is more in line with your budget, consider an eco-friendly card. You can look for cards that are made using recycled materials and soy-based inks, but if you want to take it a step further, consider cards printed on seed paper. These cards won’t get thrown away or shoved in a box, never to be seen again. These cards can be planted within two years of being given, and (with plenty of TLC) yield wildflowers or herbs. Instead of giving a bouquet of flowers that will be thrown away in two weeks, give the gift of growth and abundance. Whenever mom snips some flowers or seasons her dinner with basil, parsley, or chives, she will think of you!

6. Eco-Friendly Makeup: Tarte High Performance Naturals

If your mother is a makeup enthusiast, she’ll probably recognize Tarte products. What she might not know is that Tarte is very focused on what their products are made of and how they are made. While many makeup products are packed with harmful synthetic chemicals, Tarte focuses on natural, healthy ingredients. They say, “Our products are formulated without parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrance. We’re helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions one mascara at a time by creating components that are made from recyclable or post-consumer recycled material.” We love their Amazonian clay smart mascara, made primarily of nourishing Amazonian clay and natural rice wax.

 7. Eco-Friendly Skin Care and Hair Care: Josie Maran Argon Oil

If you’re looking to truly pamper your busy mom, consider this product referred to as liquid gold! In 2007, model and entrepreneur Josie Maran began her own line of eco-friendly, natural beauty products. One of her standout products is Josie Maran Argon Oil. The oil is multipurpose, 100% organic, and sold in a recyclable bottle.  It was organically grown in Morocco and is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. You can use the lightweight formula as a fast absorbing facial daily moisturizer, a healing agent for split ends and cuticles, a bath moisturizer, or as an acne treatment. Maran’s Argon Oil is cruelty free, fragrance free, vegan, paraben free, and made with organic, natural ingredients. What more could you want from liquid gold?

8. Seeds: Seeds of Change

If it’s too late to purchase a card made out of special seed paper, you can simply go to your local nursery and buy a package of seeds! Look for seeds or bulbs that are 100% certified organic and sustainable and ask the gardening experts what is best to plant in your climate during mid to late May. Planting a garden—or even a single flower—is a great bonding activity and a beautiful metaphor for your relationship. It will continue to grow through rain and shine so long as it is tended to every day.

9. Reusable bags: FEED bags

Many cities are completely doing away with disposable plastic bags at grocery stores, and many retailers are beginning to charge ten cents for each bag. Reusable bags used to be ugly walking advertisements for whatever store you scrambled to buy one from, but many companies are coming out with beautiful, eco-friendly options. FEED was started in 2005 by model and activist Lauren Bush. She wanted to help the United Nations World Food Programme’s (WFP) School Feeding Program, which helps educate and feed hungry children across the world. She designed a burlap, organic cotton bag (like those used by the WFP to distribute food) that read “FEED the children of the world.” They now offer more products, each with a set donation built into the cost. Many mothers would carry their groceries proudly knowing that your gift helped feed a child in need.

10. Reusable Water Bottle: Vapur Water Bottle

Reusable water bottles are a great way to help the environment and perfect for the mom on the go! Vapur water bottles are BPA Free and made of three layers of durable plastic. They are light weight, foldable, and rollable, which makes toting them a cinch. If your mom already loves her Vapur bottle, this spring Vapur will be launching their new MicroFilter AntiBottle, which includes a water filter built into the lid. You can dip your bottle into a creek and the filter will remove 99.99% of bacteria and microbes, making this a truly eco-friendly bottle!

Final Thoughts

Of course, the most affordable, eco-friendly gift that you can give to your mom on Mother’s day is your love. Spending time together isn’t just a gift for her—it’s a gift for both of you.

The post Eco Friendly Mother’s Day Gifts appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

 
There are two main styles of Irish engagement rings. The first is the ever popular Claddagh ring. This ring can be worn four different ways throughout a lifetime, and they make beautiful family heirlooms. The second style features mesmerizing Celtic knots. These knots are looping and infinite, representing an endless path or never-ending love. These styles are beloved as engagement rings because of their romantic symbolism and charming designs.
 
Claddagh Engagement Rings

Though rings with Claddagh-type elements have reportedly been in existence for thousands of years, the traditional Claddagh ring was rumored to be created in 1700 by a young Irish man by the name of Richard Joyce. Joyce supposedly learned his trade of crafting fine jewelry overseas, but returned home to Ireland to marry his sweetheart and set up a jewelry shop selling the first Claddagh rings. There are quite a few legends such as this, so jewelry experts continue to disagree on the Claddagh ring’s true origin. For the foreseeable future it will remain shrouded in mystery, making Claddagh rings even more desirable.

Claddagh rings follow a simple style guide. At the top of the band, two hands clasp a heart, and on top of that heart is a crown. Once again, what these three images symbolize is not official, but this ambiguity allows you and your partner to create your own meaning.
 
Claddagh Ring Styles

Simple Claddagh rings are made of precious metal and commonly include milgrain detailing around the crown. Both men and women opt to wear Claddagh rings, though the style is most popular among women.  If you want a bit of sparkle added to the ring, you can incorporate diamonds and gemstones in a variety of ways. A great way to enhance a Claddagh is to replace the heart with a heart shaped diamond or colored gemstone. If you want the true experience, look into a pink heart sapphire!

Don’t wear it the wrong way!

Those that understand how Claddagh rings work will glance at your finger and make assumptions based on how you are wearing your ring. There are four options: single, in a relationship, engaged, and married. There’s no “it’s complicated” option, so you’ll have to leave that for Facebook! As can be expected, wearing the ring on your right hand indicates that you are either single or in a relationship. If the crown is pointing toward you it means you are single. If it is pointing away from you it means you are in a relationship. When the ring is worn on the left hand, the crown pointing toward you means that you are engaged, and away from you means that you are married. If you are going to give or receive a Claddagh engagement ring, make sure that you are in the know!
 
Celtic Knot Engagement Rings

Used primarily as decoration by the ancient Celts in Insular Art (the art produced in the British Isles in the centuries following the fall of the Roman Empire), these endless knots were typically used as adornments in Christian books and statues, such as the Book of Kells. These symbols have come to represent the nation of Ireland, and they have made their way into the hearts (and onto the rings) of millions worldwide.
 
Simple Celtic Knots

A beloved Celtic knot called the trinity knot is a simple looping pattern that comes to three points and forms a triangular shape in the middle. Those three points have been said to represent a variety of things, such as earth, air, and water; life, death, and rebirth; and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Like the Claddagh ring, you can allow the three points to stand for whatever forces are most meaningful to you. For your engagement, they could possibly represent the past, present, and future of your relationship.

Braided Knots

Beautiful and complex, braided knots are perfect for the shank (the band) of the ring. They take the traditional eternity ring—a ring with a design that continues around the ring’s entire circumference—and take it to the next level by making the design itself represent infinity. If you choose a strand from the braid and follow it around the ring, you will never encounter an end.

Custom Irish Engagement Rings

If you have a unique vision of your perfect Irish engagement ring, you may want to work with a custom jewelry design expert to bring that vision to life! For Claddagh rings, a popular option is adding a heart shaped diamond or colored gemstone to the center. You can line the entire ring with diamonds, or put very small ones in the crown. A beautiful option would be to create a pave heart, the small diamonds creating a solid expanse of sparkle. Many pay homage to Ireland by including emeralds in the ring, representing the island’s beautiful green pastures.
 
If you prefer Celtic knots, try drawing your own knot that we can wrap around the band or highlight at the top. This is a great way to express your creativity! Brilliant Earth’s custom design experts will be happy to make your dreams a reality.

Final Thoughts

Alongside the shamrock and the harp, Celtic knots and Claddagh rings have become representative of Ireland. If you are looking for a way to express fidelity and eternal love, Irish engagement rings are the way to go!

Do you love Irish engagement rings? Tell us why on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below!
 
 

The post Irish Engagement Rings appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

Many couples view men’s engagement rings as an amazing way to show love and equality in a relationship. If one of you wears a ring to show that he or she is spoken for, shouldn’t both of you? Some men might be averse to wearing jewelry, but haven’t they signaled their intent to wear a ring in the near future by proposing? Why not start sooner than later? From simple styles to bands that are covered in diamonds, there is the perfect ring out there for any man who wishes to wear one.
 
Simple Men’s Engagement Rings

While women’s engagement rings and wedding rings tend to be visibly distinct, men’s rings can easily transition from engagement to wedding ring. For men who are unaccustomed to wearing jewelry every day, it is a good idea to look for something simple and unassuming. A Simple ring is perfect for a man with modest, classic tastes, and it can easily become your wedding band as you say your vows. Available in a range of precious metals, these bands are a time-honored choice.

Men’s Textured Engagement Rings

Some men love the look of a textured ring, particularly hammered and matte styles. These rings provide stunning visual interest and a contemporary, masculine look. Matte styles are a great choice if he wants something that has a more subtle shine.

Men’s Detailed Engagement Rings

For men who pride themselves on their style and want an engagement ring that makes more of a statement, detailed rings are a great option. These rings often feature milgrain, twists, scrollwork, grooves, engravings, and braids. These details can produce a variety of looks, from classic sophistication to modern patterns.  Many men choose to incorporate a nod to their cultural heritage, such as a Celtic knot or Buddhist symbols.

Men’s Diamond Engagement Rings

Who says that men don’t like diamonds? Though you generally won’t find a man walking around wearing a one carat diamond solitaire, more men are sporting these precious gems than you may think. The gems tend to be set flush with the ring, so that only the face of the diamond can be seen. This produces a subtle sparkle that draws the eye.

Customized Men’s Engagement Rings

No one knows your guy better than you do, so if you’d like to incorporate something that he loves, consider custom designing a men’s engagement ring. Brilliant Earth’s design specialists have created rings that featured sea life, Buddhist symbols, and even a rising sun. These images meant something special to the recipient, making them even more precious.

If you have an image of the perfect ring in mind—whether it has is a unique texture, detail, or it simply modifies an existing ring—our custom design experts can help make it a reality! A popular choice is to design your fingerprint into the interior or exterior of the ring, allowing him to carry your distinct mark with him wherever he goes.

Final Thoughts

Men’s engagement rings can be a beautiful way for a man to illustrate his commitment throughout your engagement. Whether it is simple, textured, detailed, or covered in diamonds, there is a ring out there for everyone. Men tend to wear a very limited amount of jewelry throughout their lives, so it’s a good idea to ask your fiancé what he wants his ring to look like. If you would like to surprise him with it, listen to your instincts. Simple bands are a safe choice, but choosing a ring that matches his personal sense of style will show how well you know him. Make sure that you never underestimate a man’s sentimentality, because many would love to receive a token of your love and affection.

What do you think about men’s engagement rings? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below!
 
 

The post Men’s Engagement Rings appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

What Does Channel Set Mean?

Channel set rings feature accent gemstones, which are small diamonds or other gemstones incorporated into a ring to add a touch of sparkle and glamour. In a channel set ring, diamond accents are placed in a “channel” formed by two strips of precious metal. Grooves on both walls hold the diamonds securely in place. When round diamonds are channel set, triangular-shaped spaces usually appear in the corners between the stones, creating a distinctive, captivating look.

Starting in the 1990s, the channel setting became an increasingly popular style in ring design. With their clean, sleek look, channel set rings are well-suited to the modern preference for straight lines and simple, elegant styles. Wider metal borders also have become more admired, due to the beautiful contrast of sparkle and reflective shine.
 
Channel Set Engagement Ring Settings

You have a number of options when it comes to selecting your perfect channel set engagement ring. Many channel set rings consist of a simple band of precious metal with round brilliant diamonds filling the channel.  Smaller accent diamonds offer a classic look, while a channel set engagement ring with larger accent diamonds is ideal for a more glamorous style.

Princess Cut Diamond Accents

If you love the channel set look but you want a seamless, diamond-encrusted look, consider choosing princess cut diamond accents instead of traditional rounds. With these gorgeous square gems, you don’t have the typical gaps between the stones, making this a very popular option.

Colored Gemstones

If you want a channel set engagement ring that has a pop of color, consider integrating sapphires or other colored gemstones into your ring, either as a center gemstone or as channel set accents. You can choose your preferred center gemstone and have it set in any of our channel set rings, or you can work with one of Brilliant Earth’s custom design experts to make your vision come to life. Our team has helped to design thousands of beautiful custom rings, many of which feature colorful channel set stones. Consider having colored gemstones set into the channel to form a sparkling row of color, or alternate them with diamonds to create a fun, unique look.

Unique Settings

Though channel set engagement rings are the epitome of classic elegance, that doesn’t mean that they all have to conform to straight, simple designs. The channels can curve and coil or they can expand and taper.

Antique Channel Set Rings

Brilliant Earth regularly offers antique engagement rings featuring a channel setting, some of them dating from as early as the Georgian Era. We find that in antique rings with a channel setting, both diamond accents and colored gemstone accents are common. Many of these accents are custom cut to perfectly match the shape of the channel. This is usually done in a way that complements other parts of a more intricate design, and often by minimizing the precious metal responsible for holding the gems in place.

How to Spot a Channel Set Engagement Ring

Differentiating between the channel setting and other diamond accent settings can be difficult. To the untrained eye, many settings look the same. When you look closely, however, you begin to see discernible variations. Take, for example, the pavé setting. Pavé, which literally means “pave,” is a setting in which accent diamonds are set very close together to produce a solid expanse of sparkle. The difference is that in the pavé setting, beads of metal fill the triangular spaces that appear between diamonds in most channel settings. These beads keep the diamonds in place and create the “paved” look.
 

The shared prong setting is easier to tell apart from the channel setting because it lacks the characteristic wide, precious metal borders. In this setting, adjacent accent gemstones share the prongs that keep them in place. An even more recognizable setting is the bezel setting, in which each stone is completely surrounded by precious metal, with only the crown of the gem showing. When compared with channel set stones, bezel set diamond accents provide a more contemporary look.

Less common options are bar set stones and flush set stones. Bar set diamonds are set firmly between small bars of metal, while flush set diamonds are completely embedded in the ring, with only the top of the gem showing. Like the bezel setting, these two options are more modern when compared with classic channel set engagement rings.

Final Thoughts

Channel set engagement rings have a beauty that will endure the ages, and the versatility to please even the most discerning jewelry lover. Do you love channel set engagement rings? Would you like to see the channel setting integrated into more of our beautiful styles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!
 
 

The post Channel Set Engagement Rings appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.

If you adore a wedding ring’s inherent symbolism—that you are connected to your partner for as long as you both shall live—you will likely love the meaning behind diamond eternity bands. Diamond eternity bands have no beginning and no end, representing a wonderful wish for the longevity of your relationship.

If you like the symbolism, but you really, really like diamonds, then you will absolutely love diamond eternity bands! An eternity ring features diamonds that completely encircle your finger for an especially dazzling look. Non-eternity diamond bands generally have an adjustment bar in the back that allows for easier resizing, but can also become visible when the ring spins on your finger. This is why many people choose the brilliant beauty and uninterrupted sparkle of diamond eternity bands.

Diamond Eternity Band Settings

The visual appearance of a diamond eternity band is largely dependent on the setting style. Pavé, shared prong, channel, and bezel settings are all exceedingly beautiful choices. Pavé and shared prong settings are dazzling options because they expose more of the diamond surface area, allowing more light to reach the diamond.

Channel set diamond eternity rings have a classic appearance and a beautiful contrast of sparkling diamonds and gleaming precious metal. On the other end of the style spectrum, a modern bezel set ring produces a particularly fun, contemporary look, as the connected bezels create the look of an endless wave.

Eternity Diamond Band Detailing

To add a touch of romantic antique style to your diamond band, consider adding a milgrain border. These delicate beads of precious metal take a ring to the next level of sophistication. Similarly, many eternity rings feature filigree or hand engraved detailing on the sides, increasing the ring’s visual interest.

Stacked Diamond Eternity Bands

If you are looking for something lovely and fashion forward, consider stacking multiple rings on one finger. This is a great option if you love contrast and flexibility. You can stack multiple diamond eternity rings, or you can mix diamond eternity bands with sapphire rings or plain precious metal bands. A stunning choice would be to stack prong set eternity rings on either side of a plain band, or one that has flush or bezel set diamonds. To create multiple looks, you can wear all of your rings together, mix up their order, or wear them individually. Your options are as great as your imagination!

Luxe Diamond Eternity Bands

Diamond eternity bands are so glamorous that many women are choosing to wear them as engagement rings. Oftentimes the carat weight of a luxe diamond eternity band is equal to a ring with a traditional center diamond—these bands can be upwards of one and a half carats! Luxe eternity rings are dazzling from every angle, and are a wonderful alternative to a traditional engagement ring.

Custom Diamond Eternity Bands

The best way to find truly unique diamond eternity bands is to create a custom design. If you are looking for a finely crafted custom ring that is both beautiful and ethical, consider working with Brilliant Earth’s custom jewelry design team. We have designed thousands of custom rings, including numerous diamond eternity bands! Choosing a custom designed ring will allow your unique vision to come to life.

Here is a list of ways you can customize your eternity ring:

• -Mix diamonds with sapphires or other unique colored gemstones
• -Add multiple rows of diamonds to create a bolder look
• -Use uniquely shaped diamonds, such as oval, princess, or marquise diamonds
• -Consider incorporating organic shapes, such as flowers or vines
• -If you love the look of one of our non-eternity rings, but have your heart set on an eternity band, we are often able to modify the ring to create an eternity version
• -Set diamonds into all three outward facing sides of your ring, creating a three sided diamond eternity band

Final Thoughts

In his novel The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho speaks of eternity, saying, “Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment.” Celebrate this moment and the love that you have found with a stunning diamond eternity band. No matter the setting, size, or shape that you choose, your ring will be a perfect reminder of your wedding day and the long term commitment you have made.

The post Diamond Eternity Bands appeared first on Brilliant Earth Blog.