We love helping people choose their engagement rings, and we know that if you’re starting to look at rings, there are a million questions that come before the Big Question. Today we are going to tackle just a few questions you may have about the safety and durability of your ring.
Most engagement rings will feature a diamond that has a higher setting because when it is raised above the band, the visible sides are able to create more light, sparkle and dimension to the ring. If you have never worn a ring in this style before, you may wonder about how to keep the gem from getting damaged or how to incorporate it into your everyday lifestyle. Here are some common questions and our answers below to help you make the best and most informed choices:
- Will the diamond get scratched if it is raised?
When a stone is set higher than the band of the ring, yes it has a higher chance of getting scratched. However, the diamond is the hardest stone on earth and you can rest assured that it is strong enough to resist any scratches from daily activity. A diamond is more likely to chip before it will scratch, and chipping is extremely improbable. If this is a concern, you should make sure that the girdle of the diamond is not too thin, which can make it more susceptible to chipping (again, this would be very unlikely). Ultimately, you won’t find a tougher gem than the diamond and if you’re buying a diamond engagement ring, you can feel safe to go for a higher setting.
- What if I like the look of a raised gem but I want to consider stones that aren’t diamonds?
We recommend sapphires and rubies as options to consider if you want something different from a diamond. Sapphires and rubies are the next hardest stones after the diamond and are beautiful, durable gems that are also great for engagement rings and on wedding bands. You can certainly ask your jeweler about setting colored gems in a more protective setting for that extra step of caution.
-  What cuts are best if I worry about a raised gem snagging on clothes, furniture or surfaces?
The emerald cut and the round brilliant cut are both excellent if you want to avoid snags. Choose a cut that does not have sharp corners. Other great cuts you can look into include ovals and cushion cuts. You can also have the band be raised up on either side of the diamond, which can further protect the stone from getting caught. Note that a raised band will give the ring a slightly lower look.
It is normal to want to make sure your engagement ring will be well protected since it’s going to be worn every day. We hope this information is helpful for you!