Six Hallmarks of Modern Engagement Rings

Here’s the Lowdown

What do you picture when you picture an engagement ring? Unless you’re had your head under a rock for the last half-century, it’s probably a single, prong-set diamond hovering high above a simple band. While that style might remain a classic, modern engagement rings have a lower profile, with the stone(s) set closer to the finger, making them more practical and wearable throughout the day. Bring it on, sweater season!

Lowest profile open gallery or fully recessed

Only gallery stacks flush, fully recessed doesn’t.

Mid profile recessed diamond.

Doesn’t stack flush

Mid profile with prongs that come from the side of the band.

Doesn’t stack flush

Higher but still low profile.

Prongs come for the top of the band.

Stacks flush.

Mind the Gap

Whether you’re building a super-sized stack or just looking for a set that doesn’t have an awkward gap in the middle, modern engagement and wedding rings are designed to sit flush against each other. Jewelers often offer a number of “matching” options that run the gamut of simple gold to diamond decadence. That means plenty of flex that you can dress up or down, stack high, or switch out by the day. It’s like a modern mood ring. Only classier.

The Thinnness

While most things these days are all about the thiccness, engagement rings are kind of the opposite. Historically, the metalwork of engagement and wedding bands tended to be pretty chunky. But with the advent of technology, modern metallurgy, and just some damn fine craftsmanship, rings today are trending toward the “barely there”. You’ll find whisper-thin plain gold bands, the micro-est micro pave diamonds, and everything in between.

Here at Frank Darling, you can customize your band thickness, choosing from 1.35mm, 1.5mm and 1.8mm, so no matter how much junk you like in your ring trunk, you’ll be golden.

Free and Clear

Remember that classic solitaire we mentioned above? While that oh-so-identifiable prong setting is definitely a can’t-go-wrong move, modern trends are toward a smooth bezel, which wraps your choice of diamond in a thin rim of metal, keeping it low-profile, secure, and snag-free. Half-bezels are also tres chic—and give you a more open and airy look that’s still about a clean line.

Dimmer Switch

We know. You like sparkle. Who doesn’t? But like most craveable things in life, a little sparkle goes a long way. Over-the-top, double-pave-halo-eternity settings may have had their moment in the not-so-distant past, but too much pave can turn into little more than a high maintenance mess. Instead, turn to a modern half-pave band, a slim single halo, or even a hidden halo—all great ways to hint at the sparkle you crave while keeping things a little more understated.