The cathedral engagement ring style is perfect for those who enjoy a little attention. The cathedral setting ring features a pair of graceful arches that rise up from the bar to lift the ring head and secure the diamond, creating a look and shape reminiscent of a cathedral.

This cathedral setting style ring is easily recognizable compared to other engagement ring settings — not only for its high cathedral setting but also for the triangle gaps in the arches.

It is the arches and not the high setting that defines a cathedral engagement ring; lower-setting cathedral rings are sometimes available.

One of the most widely-enjoyed advantages of the cathedral setting is that it makes the center diamond appear larger.

This is because the cathedral setting arches elevate the diamond, bringing it closer to the eyes of the viewer. And although the difference in distance is minimal, by lifting the diamond away from the ring, it naturally looks both bigger and brighter. 

The price difference of a cathedral setting ring is not much more significant than other engagement ring settings, but you get the benefits of a more prominent diamond.

The cathedral setting can be customized to different styles or specific preferences and may incorporate prongs, tension settings, bezels, etc., for securing the stone.

That said, the arches that flank the diamond and give the cathedral setting its name do offer some additional support, and the wider band also helps reinforce the structure of the ring.

Cathedral setting engagement rings are a timeless classic.

Cathedral setting rings are more common as vintage and heirloom engagement rings but are now gaining more popularity due to their raised cathedral setting that emphasizes the extra brilliance of the center diamond.

The arches allow for more space for extra smaller diamonds. This traditional option can be customized to each individuals liking for a more modern look.

Cathedral engagement rings offer a nearly limitless range of options for meeting any style preference, and personal taste should always be the primary consideration when selecting a stone.

That said, there are some diamond shapes that seem particularly well suited for a cathedral setting. Engagement ring shoppers often pair cathedral settings with the following diamond shapes:

Round: A round diamond is uniquely well-suited for cathedral style settings. Because round diamonds have more fire and brilliance than any other diamond shape, the cathedral setting’s ability to lift the diamond and allow more light to pass through it only enhances these already-stunning features. 

Cushion or Princess: These symmetrical shapes sit nicely flanked by the curvature of the two arches from the cathedral settings, creating an elegant architectural look.

Oval: Oval-shaped diamonds benefit greatly from the size-enhancing qualities of the cathedral settings. This can help even smaller oval diamonds stand up and stand out.

Additionally, cathedral engagement rings pair nicely with accent diamonds, further accentuating the importance of the central stone.

The benefits of the cathedral engagement ring style are elegant and provide more prominence to the center stone with additional support.

The cathedral settings style of ring is right for you if you’re looking for an accentuated center stone without having to invest too much into its design.

The cathedral setting is versatile and allows for a more traditional and simpler style or the ability to customize and add various stones and metals in the extra space of the cathedral for a more decorated look.

The versatility of this engagement ring is great for someone whose looking to stack their rings as well.

The style of this ring may not be right for you if you work with your hands a lot, as the raised stone is more prone to getting caught.

The ring also has more crevices to work with and may need more frequent cleanings.

Cathedral engagement rings can be exceptionally eye-catching, but finding the right one for your significant other can take some work. If you’re interested in making a cathedral settings diamond part of your engagement, consider the following steps:

Set a budget for your Cathedral Engagement Ring: It can be easy to go overboard when buying an engagement ring, but starting your new life together deeply in debt from overenthusiastic spending is not a great idea. Before you begin cathedral ring shopping, determine how much you are willing and able to spend, and then set a budget for your purchase. Having a budget will help you narrow down your options and make it easier to find the right ring. 

Measure the engagement ring size: Engagement rings should be beautiful, but they also need to be comfortable. Measure the finger that will be wearing the cathedral ring and have this information on hand as you shop. If you’re planning on surprising your significant other, getting their ring size may prove difficult — consider secretly borrowing a ring from the recipient and tracing it onto a piece of paper and then comparing the tracing to a ring-sizing chart.

Select the shape of your diamond: With the size and the budget in hand, now it’s only a matter of choosing your center stone. Diamond experts can help you find a stone that’s a perfect match for your cathedral engagement ring. 

Consider custom options for your cathedral settings engagement ring: Many jewelers offer custom options, such as engravings. Determine whether you want to explore any of these options before finalizing the ring.

Follow through with the cathedral engagement rings with Clean Origin. The cathedral engagement ring is a unique and captivating setting and is absolutely perfect for those who want a little more distinction.

If you’re ready to find the right one to represent your love, shop cathedral setting engagement rings today.