When shopping for engagement rings, 86% of brides say the ring’s design is the most important factor. These brides ranked design even above the cut and clarity of the diamond!
There are so many factors to consider when buying an engagement ring. You probably already know about the 4 Cs (clarity, color, cut, and carat), the types of stones available, and the metal you would like.
You may even think you know all about choosing the right engagement ring setting, too. But have you heard of high vs. low settings?
Also known as high profile and low profile settings, these design elements totally transform the look and feel of your ring.
If you are wondering about the difference between high setting vs. low setting engagement rings, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each.
Look at a ring from the side, and you can tell by eye if it has a high profile setting. High settings feature prongs that extend up from the main band. As the name suggests, the center stone also sits higher off the finger.
A high setting engagement ring can be minimalistic or extravagant. It can feature one stone or multiple stones. But the main goal of this design element is to focus all the attention on your center stone.
A diamond ring with a setting that does not extend (or doesn’t extend much) from the band is a low-profile ring. The center stone will be located on or extremely close to the band. The setting itself mostly protects the center stone.
Where high-profile ring settings showcase the center stone, low settings shine a light on the entire ring. You can use this type of setting to show off an intricately carved band or additional stones set around the centerpiece.
There are so many important things to consider when designing your ring. Why does the look of your ring’s profile even matter? The most obvious difference between high-profile and low-profile rings is their appearance.
But there are many other reasons why you might want to consider one over the other. We discuss the four most important reasons to consider an engagement ring low setting vs. high setting next.
High-profile engagement rings are arguably the most common type of setting. That is because high settings allow light to refract inside the center stone better. That makes them perfect for showing off your brilliant diamond.
Low profile settings, on the other hand, do not allow much light to pass through the center stone. Your stone will look less sparkly in a low setting.
Additionally, wedding bands look much better with high settings. There is no added bulk or shape that your wedding band has to accommodate. And a very high-profile setting may even make your center stone look bigger than it is.
If high settings are better for showing off your center stone, you may wonder why anyone would want a low-profile ring. The most common reason brides ask for low settings is that they are better for daily wear.
As mentioned, low-profile settings offer more protection for the center stone. You will not have to worry about scuffing or scratching your diamond, even if you work a physically laborious job or wash your hands a lot at work.
Low setting engagement rings are also ideal for brides who are athletes. The ring will not interfere with your workout or sports game. You will not even have to worry about your ring setting catching in your hair or clothes.
The average couple in the US spends $3,756 on an engagement ring. Incredibly, in 2019, the average was much higher. Brides and their hubbies-to-be spent an average of nearly ,000 on engagement rings that year.
Why do engagement rings cost so much? One of the most significant cost factors is the quality and size of the diamond you choose.
As you can imagine, high-profile engagement rings are popular because brides want to show off these expensive stones. A high setting will put all the attention on the reason your engagement ring was so pricy in the first place.
Low settings may not show off your sparkly diamond as well, but they can still help you get the most out of your investment. Low-profile rings often last longer and look better than high-profile rings in the long run.
Again, this has to do with the fact that the setting protects the center stone from potential damage. Because the center stone sits within the band, it is also somewhat less likely to come loose compared to high-profile center stones.
People who want to invest in a lower-cost engagement ring now and upgrade later in life can greatly benefit from a low setting. Your ring will go for a higher rate on the resale market because it will look new despite its age.
Engagement rings can come with high-profile or low-profile settings. A high setting engagement ring will show off your sparkly diamond better. But a low setting engagement ring is better for brides with busy lifestyles.
Do you want to customize the profile of your engagement ring? Finer Custom Jewelry can help you design the one-of-a-kind piece you have been searching for. Schedule a consultation with us today to design the ring of your dreams!
Do you have a vision for your custom engagement ring, but aren’t sure how to make it a reality? Allow us to guide you through the process of how to create truly exceptional rings. Schedule your design appointment today and see how Finer Custom Engagement Rings and Diamonds will bring your vision of an engagement ring to life.
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