Design your stylish solitaire engagement ring

Are you in for simplicity or extravaganza?  A solitaire engagement ring defines both; it can touch simplicity with a classic design and it can reach flamboyance depending on the size of the diamond.  The options of experimenting with a solitaire ring are endless. A diamond solitaire ring is most popular as an engagement ring but if you looking to add some personality, replacing the diamond with a gemstone of your choice will do the trick. If you are looking forward to more bling, additional gemstones can be added to the band of the ring.  The possibilities are numerous for you to explore, as the solitaires come in an array of cuts, settings and metal that one should carefully examine before shopping for the ring. Choosing the perfect cut for the gemstone:The cut of the gemstone in the solitaire ring is vital as it determines the way the luster and shine of the gemstone will reflect. Round-cut being the most popular; princess, heart and pear also have their set of admirers. • Round: A round cut solitaire engagement ring is the most common style. A little traditional, the round cut gemstone sparkles like none another because of 58 facets of diamonds. • Princess: The four pointed princess-cut is second most popular as it reflects the light best and is brilliant for its size. • Emerald:  Interplay of light and dark surfaces creates a hall-of-mirrors effect in this cut. Achieve an elegant appeal with the elongated lines and dramatic flashes of light.• Cushion: A square cut with rounded corners, this cut brings out the fire of the gemstone.  The chunkier pattern limits the reflecting light, thus adding to the distinctive look of the cushion cut.• Asscher: With more brilliance than the emerald cut, the Asscher cut has concentric squares.• Radiant: Holding true to its name, the radiant cut catches the maximum rays of light. Akin to emerald cut, the facets in this square shape cut add extra jolts of sparkle. • Heart: The age-old symbol of love, the heart cut comes with standard 59 facets meaning lush brilliance and luster.• Oval: With facets as many as the round cut, the oval cut gemstone can dazzle just as much. With the elongated cut, the illusion of a greater size is created.• Marquise: Cutting gemstones in an elongated direction, with the width being narrow, creates the illusion of greater size. Marquise cut stones have the bow.• Pear: With a unique shape, the brilliance and sparkle of pear cut gemstone are just as much as the round cut. However, like marquise and oval cut the pear cut gemstones are prone to the bow-tie effect. The perfect setting enhances the look and luster:

While the cut and the gemstone of a solitaire ring is most important, do not let the setting of the ring fall below in the list of priorities. As solitaire ring for women or men work means engagement ring, they are likely to be worn every day. The setting determines how strongly the stone is helped by the metal as well as can define the way the stone looks.  A prong setting is the most common type since it holds the stone firmly in its place and allows the maximum light exposure from all the angles. Tension setting allows the maximum exposure of light.  However, if you need to resize the ring at a later date, this will complicate the process. Bezel setting offers the maximum protection to the gemstone whereas pave setting offers the illusion of a larger stone. Key points to factor in before making your final decision are your lifestyle and budget.Compliment the gemstone with warm or cool metal:

While earlier there was just a simple choice between white and yellow, the world of possibilities in  metal is increased and one can choose what suits their style best. With platinum, white gold and sterling silver being the cooler hues, the yellow and the rose gold represent the warmer tones. If you want the best of the both world, take the smart option of mixing both the warmer and cooler tones in a split shank band for example.