Engagement Rings from the Heart

Heart-Shaped Amethyst & Yellow Gold Ring

The heart shape is possibly the sweetest gemstone shape available. It is a popular Valentine's gift shape and is also often seen in engagement rings. After all, the idea of "giving your heart" to someone is something that never grows old, and a gemstone is a lasting heart-shaped gift, which has both commercial and sentimental value.

Heart-shaped gemstone rings have been gaining more attention lately, especially heart-shaped diamonds, because of celebrity engagement rings worn by famous people such as Lady Gaga, Rochelle Wiseman and Nicki Minaj. When it comes to engagement rings, the style most often seen is solitaires (single gemstones). With regard to settings, prongs are one of the most popular styles (see image, top). Pronged settings showcase the gemstone without too much metal hiding it or detracting from it. Whether or not to have a pronged setting may depend on the size of the gemstone and other factors. If a gemstone is on the small side, a pronged setting may not be recommended, especially for a wearer with large fingers. Heart-shapes usually require at least three prongs, but some have more. The fewer prongs there are around the gemstone, the more of the gemstone you will see, but more prongs means a more secure gemstone. It is a good idea to check the prongs of rings from time to time, to make sure that they are still secure, since prongs can sometimes snag on clothing.

Halo Design Heart-Shaped Yellow Sapphire Ring

Halo settings are another popular engagement ring style (see image, left). Halo settings are typically made of small, round, white gemstones that surround the central gemstone. However, halos can be other, contrasting colors, such as pink sapphire or other colored gemstones. A classic halo setting technique uses a colored central gemstone, such as a blue sapphire or red ruby, surrounded by a white gemstone halo. When the halo is the same color as the central gemstone, it enhances the size of the central gem. Some gemstone rings have a double halo, which makes the central gem appear even larger and draws attention to the ring. Halo settings have the advantage of providing some protection for the central gemstone.

When choosing a colored gemstone for an engagement ring, it is important to consider that this is a ring which will be worn very often, so a color that will always be loved and can be worn with anything should be chosen. This may be why white gemstones or pastel colors are popular choices. Popular colored gemstones that are available in light colors include sapphire, morganite, aquamarine, golden beryl, kunzite, topaz, quartz, zircon, and, of course, diamond. It is important to consider the preferred gem size that will suit both the ring style and the wearer's hand size before shopping for a gemstone. Some gemstone types are difficult to find in certain sizes, for example sapphire, diamond and ruby, which have extremely high prices or are just not available in large sizes. For such gem types, more creative designs are required, for example pavé gems in a heart-shaped metal design. However, this would not satisfy those who would prefer a solitaire.

If you would like to give or receive a heart-shaped gemstone ring, before setting your heart on a specific design, try taking a look at the gemstones available and most suitable styles. This may prevent a broken heart.