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There are so many options to consider to make an engagement ring look bigger than it actually is. Instead of breaking the bank trying to get the biggest and best diamond, we’ve put together this helpful guide on how to make your engagement ring look bigger.
Add a Halo
A diamond halo features one or multiple rows of small, round pave diamonds surrounding the center stone. A diamond halo can be added to any shaped center stone and can make the center stone appear (up to) a full carat size larger, depending on the carat size. This is what makes it a popular styling option to maximize your engagement ring budget.
At Lauren B, we have multiple different types of halos, both visible and invisible from the top view of your engagement ring. The classic halo features one row of pave diamonds surrounding the center stone.
2ct Oval Lab Diamond Yellow Gold Halo Engagement Ring
Next we have the double halo, which features two rows of pave diamonds surrounding the center stone. The double halo is only seen from the top view of the engagement ring.
1.00ct Fancy Intense Yellow Oval Diamond Double Halo Ring
Similarly, we also have the Double Edged Halo. The double edge halo engagement ring features rows of diamonds surrounding the center stone with one row on the top, while a second level on the side surrounds the center stone.
0.96 ct Oval Diamond Halo Three Row Band Engagement Ring
Last but not least, we have our signature Hidden Halo™ style. A Hidden Halo™ engagement ring features two rows of pave diamonds concealed beneath the center-stone with the top row peaking out every so slightly. A Hidden Halo™ engagement ring is a great way to add a bit of dimension to your center-stone while still keeping it as the main attraction. Unlike a traditional halo where the stones go around the center-stone, in this style the diamonds are more concealed.
1.51ct Oval Diamond Hidden Halo™ Engagement Ring
Consider Elongated Shapes
Elongated shapes are exactly what they sound like—shapes that appear longer on the finger. There are several elongated shapes: ovals, pears, emeralds, radiants, hybrid step-cuts, and some elongated cushions.
These shapes are great options for clients who want to maximize their center stone budget as they maximize finger coverage, therefore looking bigger than non-elongated shapes of the same carat weight.
1.96ct Radiant Cut Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
1.76ct Emerald Cut Diamond Super Slim Band Engagement Ring
1.80ct Oval Diamond Super Slim Band Engagement Ring
Look at Ratio Rather than Carat Weight
Similar to the idea of elongated vs. non-elongated shapes, making sure you know about the proper ratios for each shape is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your diamond.
Every shape has a different ideal ratio. For a more in-depth look at the ideal ratio for each shape, check out our Buyer’s Guide to learn more! Additionally, you can learn more about diamond ratio in general on our education page.
The two diamonds below are the exact same carat weight however, their ratios are completely different thus making one look smaller and the other look larger.
Opt for Our Super Slim Band
Our Super Slim bands are specially made by hand with compressed metal that helps create a durable yet delicate setting. All Super Slim bands measure 1.5mm wide and come in solitaire or pave.
Our Super Slim band can fit with any shape or size. With such a thin band, your center stone is bound to look bigger than it really is!
Disclaimer: we recommend only opting for a Super Slim band if your center stone is 5 carats or under.
1.40ct Cushion Cut Diamond Super Slim Engagement Ring
1.50ct Oval Diamond Super Slim Band Engagement Ring
1.62ct Radiant Cut Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire
Consider a Three-Stone Ring
A three-stone engagement ring is exactly what it sounds like—an engagement ring with three gemstones instead of one. Unlike a diamond duo, a three-stone ring has one center stone flanked by two smaller, identical side stones.
Three-stone engagement rings are a great option to consider if you are trying to make an engagement ring look larger due to the fact that the style effectively maximizes finger coverage; instead of opting for a larger center stone, the side stones add to the appearance of the main gemstone.
If you’re having trouble picking side stones for your three-stone engagement ring, read our blog about which side stone options pair best with each shape. Otherwise, you can check out some of our most popular styles below.
1.61ct Emerald Cut Lab Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
1.55ct Oval Lab Diamond Invisible Gallery™ Three-Stone Ring
1.68ct Lab-Grown Radiant Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Keep Your Ring Clean
When a diamond builds a layer of grime on its surface, the stone’s sparkle begins to dull, interfering with the natural reflective process. A dirty diamond may appear cloudy or develop a brownish tint. While infrequently cleaning your diamond will not harm the stone, a dirty diamond may be underwhelming in appearance.
Diamonds are naturally sticky. This gemstone will attract dirt, grime, dust, and fingerprints fairly quickly. Hand washing, an unintentional messy makeup application, or sudsy showers can interfere with the beauty of your diamond.
Regularly cleaning your diamond engagement ring will ensure your precious stone remains in tip-top shape both aesthetically and functionally.
If you want a quick tutorial on how to clean your engagement ring, watch our Reel on Instagram.
Would You Consider Any of These Options?
If you’re having trouble designing your dream ring while staying on budget, our Design Consultants will be more than happy to show you how you can optimize your engagement ring without having to cut too many corners.
Schedule an appointment below or check out our website for inspiration.