Cathedral Style Engagement Rings Explained
WHAT IS A CATHEDRAL STYLE ENGAGEMENT RING?
This setting features a center stone flanked by metal arches from the shank. These elegant arches give this setting its name; they are reminiscent of the arches and doorways in gothic-style cathedrals. Cathedral style engagement rings can employ prongs, bezels or tension setting to secure the center stone, depending on the wearer’s preference.
Cathedral-style rings provide endless design options, from the height of the center stone to whether you want the band simple or embellished. The space between the arches and the shank is another element that can truly capture your personality. You can leave it empty for those who prefer a minimalistic aesthetic or decorate it with filigree patterns for those that love vintage. Gemvy’s Round Channel-Set Vintage-Inspired Halo Diamond Engagement Ring is a perfect example of how cathedral style engagement rings are versatile and can incorporate your taste in various ways. No wonder Cathedral rings have been a popular choice for decades!
PROS AND CONS OF CATHEDRAL STYLE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
It’s easy to be overwhelmed when shopping for the perfect engagement ring. Apart from the pressure to find the one that captures your sentiments of love, the options are endless! If you have decided to go for the classic and traditional aesthetic, Cathedral rings are a great style to go for, but like all rings, there are some things you might need to consider before making this important purchase.
PROS:
I. Cathedral-style engagement rings have an elevated setting that elevates the diamond, making it appear larger and, in some cases, brighter.
II. The setting provides extra security to the center stone, which is especially important if you use stones like opal or turquoise, which are relatively softer.
III. The space created underneath the arches can be another place to express your creativity and style, from intricate metalwork to additional diamonds or gemstones.
IV. Cathedral settings are versatile, from the metalwork to even the use of thin or thick bands, depending on your preference. As well as the height of the prongs.
V. This is also a popular choice of style for those who love to stack rings; your wedding ring can slide underneath the high cathedral setting of your engagement ring.
CONS:
I. The open arches and gaps in the cathedral setting can be challenging to maintain, as dirt and oil can start accumulating over time in the crevices. Therefore, it’s necessary to clean them more frequently.
II. High arches can snag on clothes, furniture, and other objects, damaging the stone or the ring.
III. Cathedral-style rings require suitable craftsmanship, best if it’s hand-assembled as polishing under the prongs is impossible otherwise. When hand-assembled, the ring’s hard to reach areas can be polished before putting it all together.
NON-CATHEDRAL STYLE VS. CATHEDRAL STYLE
Once you have weighed the pros and cons of a cathedral-style engagement ring, you can proceed to shop! There are endless engagement ring designs, and that can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for cathedral-style engagement rings, you might even come across rings that look eerily alike to the cathedral setting. What’s the difference between a cathedral and what you might call non-cathedral rings?
Some non-cathedral engagement rings also have prongs like cathedral rings, but the distinction lies in that these prongs extend from one point of the shank rather than two points like in cathedral-style rings. This non-cathedral setting is also known as a floating setting as the center stone resting on the prongs looks as if it’s floating. This means that there is less metal around your center stone.
Gemvy can illustrate the difference between the cathedral engagement ring style and the rings with non-cathedral settings. The 2.9MM Round Channel-Set Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring clearly shows how the prongs reach up to hold the diamond through one point of the shank. In contrast, the Unique Bright Set Pavé Double Prong Side Diamond Ring perfectly embodies the elements of the cathedral setting, which you can see through the prongs reaching the diamond through two spots on the shank, creating arches.
There are several other settings and styles available that you will come across. Which one is right for you? How do they compare to a cathedral setting?
I. Tiffany Setting:
Compared to the Tiffany setting, with a cathedral-style engagement ring, the diamond is raised by two arches and held with prongs. In contrast, in a Tiffany setting, the centre diamond is lifted and carried by four or six prongs, without the elegant arches and gaps created by cathedral settings.
II. Trellis Setting:
In a Trellis setting, the prongs interweave and cross over each other, supporting the center stone; however, as you will know by now, Cathedral settings have arches that do not cross over each other.
III. Prong Setting:
A simple prong setting holds the diamond up with prongs but not arches like the cathedral band. This is just another setting in the vast collection of non-cathedral rings.
CATHEDRAL-STYLE ENGAGEMENT RING TYPES
If you believe that Cathedral Style Engagement rings are perfect for you or your partner, you will be interested in seeing the versatility of the design of this setting. Gemvy carries a large variety of cathedral style engagement rings that will surely capture your heart. The cathedral style can be incorporated with several other settings, demonstrating the versatility of this particular style.
I. Cathedral Solitaire Ring
Gemvy’s Custom Designed 4-Prong Solitaire Modern Cathedral Engagement Ring is a stunning example of a contemporary engagement ring design with a unique solitaire. If you are interested in finding a traditional engagement ring design with a subtle twist, this solitaire is the right design for you or your partner.
This engagement ring setting helps make an elegant statement; the halo surrounding the center stone flanked with the help of cathedral-style arches adds more brilliance without the extra cost. The Vintage Style Floral Halo Engagement Ring at Gemvy incorporates the arches, height, and halo to elevate the engagement ring design.
III. Low Profile Cathedral Ring Style
If you’re worried that the height of the cathedral setting makes it more susceptible to snagging, some low profile cathedral settings can help you with this fear. Gemvy’s Tapered U Cut Petite Pavé Cross Diamond Engagement Ring shows how a cathedral setting can incorporate a lower profile when needed or desired.
IV. High Profile Cathedral Ring Style
Typically, Cathedral style settings have a higher profile, allowing you to get creative. Incorporating metalwork in the gap created by the high arches can provide a vintage look if you desire. The Modern Vintage Style Pavé Set Halo Diamond Engagement Ring at Gemvy, a high-profile cathedral ring, incorporates subtle criss-cross and subtle metalwork under the arch, striking a balance between traditional and contemporary designer jewelry.
V. Unique Cathedral Ring Setting
Gemvy carries several one-of-a-kind ring designs that can be perfect for those looking to merge tradition with the out of the ordinary. The Two-Row Micro-Pavé High Profile Unique Round Halo Engagement Ring is a perfect example of how cathedral-style settings use vintage-inspired elements within a contemporary ring style.
VI. Vintage Cathedral Ring Setting
A vintage Cathedral setting is prevalent in heirloom engagement rings. Gemvy’s Round Channel-Set Vintage-Inspired Halo Diamond Engagement Ring is perfect if you are a bride who gravitates toward this style. The Vintage style illustrates more freedom of creativity for buyers.
Cathedral Style Engagement rings are perfect for the bride that gravitates toward tradition and elegance with a contemporary twist. Cathedral rings are versatile, so you can be sure to find the ring that best encapsulates your love for your partner. Several elements on a cathedral-style ring can be customized to your preference. You’ll also be happy to know that Elongated Shapes, such as oval or even marquise, look graceful in a split shank, although all cuts can be used. Even the band can be customized by adding embellishments in terms of filigree and additional gems. It is vital to note the importance of finding the right place to buy your cathedral ring setting, especially when purchasing a cathedral-style engagement ring. Try to find a place that allows for yearly clean up fees, as this setting traps dirt and debris.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR CATHEDRAL STYLE ENGAGEMENT RING
If you have decided that a Cathedral Style Ring is the right one for you, you must learn to take care of it! Despite providing a more secure structure to your center stone, this engagement ring setting can be challenging. Apart from making sure that you take the ring at least once a year to a reputable jeweler to be cleaned or polished, you need to check on the prongs every few months. Also, typically, this setting has high profiles and thus can snag and be uncomfortable if you are doing some outdoor activities.
Engagement rings are inherently sentimental, so the setting or style you go for depends entirely on you or your partner's taste. It is essential to consider whether ring settings are suited to your lifestyle. However, you will be happy to know that the distinctive appearance of the cathedral-style engagement ring carries style and grace that will remain popular for another decade.
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