Photo: A sterling silver engagement ring is perfect for a surprise proposal
You’ve finally found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Congratulations! Now you have to find a ring that is just as special, a sterling silver engagement ring.
Buying an engagement ring can seem like an overwhelming task. To keep it simple, your search should focus on a sterling silver engagement ring which matches her finger shape, with a stone cut to match her personality.
In this article we discuss how to:
1. Match the central stone shape of your sterling silver engagement ring to her finger
2. Match the central stone cut of your sterling silver engagement ring to her personality
We love sterling silver engagement rings & you should too!
We love sterling silver engagement rings and you should too! Since you don’t need to ask anyone for ring advice your proposal to her can be a complete surprise.
Trust us, surprise is still important and one of the first things everyone asks her after you get engaged is, “Were you surprised?” You can feel them waiting for her to say, “Yes!” so that they can giggle with glee and tell you congratulations.
Sales of sterling silver engagement rings with cubic zirconia stones (sometimes referred to as temporary or placeholder rings) have skyrocketed in recent years as more prospective grooms seek to eliminate the risk of buying the wrong natural diamond gemstone ring.
Sterling silver engagement rings offer other benefits too. Sterling silver engagement rings with cubic zirconia central stones can be an exceptionally good substitute for diamond.
Silver engagement rings don’t cost the earth and grant you some breathing space after the proposal is accepted to shop for the forever ring together. This is the ONLY way of ensuring she gets a ring which perfectly suits her tastes.
Sterling silver engagement rings also make great travel companions as there’s no need for costly insurance or to worry about heartbreaking diamond loss or theft.
Finally, a sterling silver engagement ring may save her from unwanted advances or workplace harassment.
So having understood the benefits of silver engagement rings lets now discuss how to select stone shape and cut to best match her.
1. Shape Matters Most
Even before the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat), you must know what shape your future fiancée loves. Shape indicates the actual geometry of the stone, as opposed to cut, which relates to the angles of the facets in the stone.
The first thing you need to do is to establish her hand shape, taking into account the length and width the fingers as well as the overall size of the hand.
Unless she’s got the perfect long, slender fingers, certain ring styles may not be especially flattering on her.
Below are some tips for different finger and hand types:
Short fingers: As a rough guide fingers which are shorter than the palm are considered as “short fingers”. To help short fingers appear longer, look for elongated shapes, like oval, pear, emerald, or marquise.
Stay away from a large square shaped sterling silver engagement ring as the proportions will reinforce a squatty appearance and not be flattering.
A narrower ring band is also recommended because it will help create an illusion of length.
Chubby fingers: These fingers are perfect for a bold statement ring. A thicker band will also minimize the appearance of wider fingers. Find a style that does not show too much skin on either side of the ring. Stay away from typically thin (i.e. 2mm) ring bands.
For stone shapes look for wide stones of larger carat size, i.e. oval, square (cushion cut) or celebrity size emerald shape/cut stone. Avoid narrow stones, marquise for example.
Long fingers: If she is blessed with long fingers then most styles and diamond shapes will look great.
While round shapes will obviously suit don’t dismiss fancy square (cushion or princess cut) or rectangle (emerald cut) shapes. With long fingers, you have a lot of leeway to be wild and daring.
As the fingers are already long it may be best to avoid shapes that further enhance length or make the finger look disproportionately long. An example is a thin marquis cut. Also remember to keep the band width in proportion to the stone size. Too wide a band will attract attention away from the stone to the band.
Small hands: A simpler design with a smaller diamond will look large on small hands. Stay away from statement rings, wide bands and oversized central CZ stones.
Look for small round cut or princess cut shapes.as these shapes will keep the overall stone / hand proportions in proper order.
Large hands: Large hands can easily take attention away from a ring if it is too small, so the objective should be to find a larger stone or a more attention-grabbing design.
With large hands comes the opportunity to be creative with bulky, chunky ring styles being suitable. Don’t be afraid to go for flamboyant cocktail-ring styles as large hands can carry them off with style.
For stone shapes, large rectangle or square shapes tend to work best i.e. large cushion or emerald cuts. From an accent perspective halo settings can help accentuate the perceived size and wider or split shank ring bands are particularly suitable.
A little detective work may also be useful. Look at the rings she currently wears and also check out her jewelry box as both provide clues on shapes she feels comfortable with.
Illustration: Which diamond shape will your future fiancée love? Her fingers hold a clue.
2. Match central stone cut to her personality
Is she a Serena Williams or Pippa Middleton type of girl? While the cut of the central stone of your sterling silver engagement ring is less important than the shape (which matters most) below are some suggestions on matching stone cut to her personality.
The Round Cut
This will always be the most timeless and classic shape. The round cut and shaped sterling silver engagement ring is perfect for a girl with traditional tastes. If you are really clueless about what she likes, go for the round cut because it’s hard to go wrong with it.
She is: classic, elegant, traditional
Wear it with: pretty much anything!
Who’s wearing it? Alison Brie, Miley Cyrus, Mila Kunis, Kate Mara and Felicity Jones
Photo: If you are really clueless about what she likes, go for the round cut sterling silver engagement ring – because it’s hard to go wrong with them. [SOURCE: Luxuria Diamonds]
The Princess Cut
The name says it all. The princess cut sterling silver engagement ring is perfect for a trendy girl. The cut is edgy and contemporary, yet still feminine and delicate.
She is: stylish, fun-loving, ladylike
Wear it with: a mermaid gown
Who’s wearing it? Kate Bosworth, Hilary Duff and Snooki
Photo : A square shape princess cut sterling silver engagement ring perfectly suits smaller hands. [SOURCE: Luxuria Diamonds]
The Oval Cut
Oval cut diamonds are for the girl who appreciates tradition, but also wants to express individuality. Think Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton. They also make a woman’s finger look longer and more slender.
She is: a risk-taker, innovative, classic-with-a-twist
Wear it with: a long-sleeved backless gown
Who’s wearing it? Blake Lively, Victoria Beckham, Kate Middleton and Serena Williams
Photo: An oval shape sterling silver engagement ring with split shank looks good on short fingers. [SOURCE: Luxuria Diamonds]
The Pear Cut
Perfect for the girl who likes to do things “her way” the pear cut sterling silver engagement ring is creative and slightly non-traditional. The wearer is a girl with focus and strong character.
She is: unique, adventurous, independent
Wear it with: a crop-top and long skirt
Who’s wearing it? Katherine Heigl, Victoria Beckham and Elisha Cuthbert
The Cushion Cut
While this antique, romantic design cut originated in the 18th century, it has recently once again become popular. The cushion (or pillow) cut sterling silver engagement ring is great for the girl just slightly on the edge of convention.
She is: effortless, glam, a secret-romantic
Wear it with: an A-line dress with super long train & crystal embellished shoes
Who’s wearing it? Kim Kardashian, Bar Refaeli and Sofia Vergara
Photo: A square shape cushion cut sterling silver engagement ring with halo is a great choice for chubby / wider fingers. [SOURCE: Luxuria Diamonds]
The Asscher Cut
The asscher diamond can be seen as a 21st-century update to the emerald. It’s square-shaped and more sparkly. The asscher cut sterling silver engagement ring is ideal for the girl with vintage tastes, but also with modern flair.
She is: feminine, a vintage-lover, fashionable
Wear it with: your grandmother’s re-worked vintage gown
Who’s wearing it? Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow and Pippa Middleton
The Marquise Cut
This is for the girl who loves attention and who’s not afraid to stand out. A marquise cut sterling silver engagement ring screams to be seen and is perfect for a girl with a flair for drama.
She is: dramatic, outgoing and sexy
Wear it with: a super-fitted sheer and lace gown
Who’s wearing it? Portia de Rossi, Ashlee Simpson and Christina Milian
Photo: Thin shapes such as the marquise cut best suit short fingers to help short fingers appear longer. [SOURCE: Luxuria Diamonds ]
The Radiant Cut
The radiant cut is somewhat a cross between the round brilliant, princess, and asscher cuts. The radiant cut sterling silver engagement ring is for a girl just as unique as this cut is. The cut is also a good choice for active girls who prefer a square shaped diamond.
She is: infatuated, a diva, a big personality, impatient and a little reckless
Wear it with: a strapless ball-gown style with layered tulle
Who’s wearing it? Jennifer Aniston, Khloe Kardashian and Drew Barrymore
The Emerald Cut
The ultimate vintage cut, an emerald diamond is sophisticated and exudes old-world glamour. The emerald cut sterling silver engagement ring is perfect for the girl who is confident, organized and loves all things classically creative.
She is: confident, minimalist, flawless
Wear it with: a sleek sheath with cape
Who’s wearing it? Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and Amal Alamuddin
Photo: Big hands deserve big diamonds. For large hands large carat size square or rectangle shape diamond or diamond simulants are preferable. Seen above is a 8+ carat emerald cut sterling silver engagement ring from Luxuria Diamonds. [SOURCE: Luxuria Diamonds]
Educate yourself on ring styles before you shop
You’ve finally found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Now you have to find a ring that is just as special.
Before you start shopping it’s important you understand that not all sterling silver engagement rings are of the same standard and that shopping for a sterling silver engagement ring is very similar to shopping for a diamond ring in that you must educate yourself on ring styles and stone cut.
Photo: Not all CZ sterling silver engagement rings are created equal. Buy her a good one because she will want to show her friends.
Buying an engagement ring can seem like an overwhelming task. To keep it simple, your search should focus on a sterling silver engagement ring which matches her finger shape, with a stone cut to match her personality (see above).
If you are unsure a little detective work may also be useful. Look at the rings she currently wears and also check out her jewelry box as both provide clues on stone shapes and cuts she feels comfortable with.
If you are still at a loss go with a the timeless classic of a round cut and shaped sterling silver engagement ring because it’s hard to go wrong with that!
Follow the above guidelines and she will say Wow! Start shopping now.
Want to learn more?
To learn more about the Luxuria Diamonds story please click below
Learn five reasons why the trend of proposing with a sterling silver engagement ring has skyrocketed in recent years
View our 5-Step guide to selecting a cubic zirconia engagement ring the right way
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