While any engagement ring coming from your beloved is sure to please, it’s safe to say that girls really do get excited at the prospect of a larger engagement ring. Now, that doesn’t mean that all girls love larger stones, we here at PJD have seen enough brides and engagement rings to know that there are as many brides as engagement ring styles, but desiring a certain type of ring is a harmless pleasure we can all take part in. And while most of us can only afford so much, there are a few things we as budget conscious shoppers can keep in mind when looking for engagement rings that can help make your ring (or your lovely lady’s ring) seem larger.

1. The Cut

First on the list, the cut has a big influence on the brilliance of the ring and thus can impact the overall perceived size of the ring. Contrary to what most people believe, the cut refers to the craftsman’s skill and ability to cut precision angles and facets on a diamond and not the actual shape of the diamond. The better the diamond cut, the more likely the diamond will catch the light as it moves about the wearer’s fingers and the bigger it will appear. That said, it is said to be true that some shapes such as the ever-popular princess cut are known to be more amenable to complex facets, but we love all shapes and would rather focus on the importance on cut rather than something like shape.

2. Prong Setting

Also important when attempting to maximize your diamond look, the prong settings can affect the size of the diamond. Prongs, the metal claws used to grip the diamond, have become a very integral part of the engagement ring’s design. Contemporary designers have taken advantage of prongs as yet another element to be redesigned to enhance the diamond’s beauty.

Most people overlook such a subtle design element, but for those looking to increase their ring’s size, shop for thinner, smaller prongs. The smaller the prongs attached to the rings, the bigger the diamond will seem. Also, consider the number of prongs used to set your diamond. Typically, engagement rings come with 4-6 prongs, but it depends on the shape of the diamond and embellishments.

3. Light Colored Metals

Next, consider choice of metals. Experts suggest that couples shop for lighter coloured metals, such as platinum or white golds. As they are lighter, they are likely to catch their own reflection easier than their rose gold and yellow gold counterparts.

I struggle with this one, as I am one of those modern gals who enjoys the look of a rose gold band very much, but some designers such as Michael M, create absolutely precision cut marvels in several different coloured bands including 18-karat rose, yellow, and white gold and platinum including this stunner from their Trinity collection.

4. Halo Setting

To almost everyone’s delight, choosing a halo setting is an optimal choice for those looking to make their engagement rings seem larger. After a wonderful resurgence in popularity, the halo engagement rings are widely adored by both modern and traditional brides. For those few unfamiliar, the halo setting is a micro-pave of diamonds that encircles the center diamond. From afar, the setting and the center diamond are indiscernible. To an observer, the halo setting looks as though it is part of the center diamond and looks monumental.

Of course, this is another suggestion that heavily relies on taste, so it doesn’t suit someone who dislikes halos, but for those open to halos, Tacori has several splendid halo engagement rings including some in their RoyalT collection.

5. Three-Stone Rings

Last, consider shopping for a three-stone engagement ring. Similar to the effect of a halo setting, the additional side stones help mask the true size of the center diamond and make it seem as though the ring is larger than it really is.

Noam Carver has an exquisite line of three stone rings in their 3 Stone collection. The rings in this collection feature side stones that are smaller than the center stone, but three-stone rings can come in three same sized diamonds if desired. Both styles are highly complimentary to your engagement ring.

That’s it! These are just a few suggestions that can help those serious about affordably getting more size bang for their bucks, but since a lot of ring shopping is subjective, we’re confident that shoppers can find various other ways of enhancing the appearance of an engagement ring.

Your Turn!

What are your suggestions for a larger looking stone? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!