Is a Cathedral Engagement Ring Right for You? Key Things to Consider Before Making Your Choice

Recognized as a high-profile style, cathedral rings generally feature two main designs: an arching metal construction that supports the center stone or a floating style that creates the illusion of the diamond hovering above the metal band.

While this is a basic explanation of cathedral diamond engagement rings, there’s much more to understand about this stunning style and why it might be the ideal engagement ring for you.

What is a Cathedral Setting?

Cathedral diamond engagement rings vary widely, from simple settings with sleek bands to extravagant designs with two or even three rows of pave diamonds accentuating the center stone.

A common misconception is that all cathedral diamond rings are high-profile, where the center diamond sits high above the ring band. This isn’t always the case.

Although some cathedral rings are high profile, the term “cathedral” primarily refers to the band being styled to resemble cathedral arches. The diamond’s culet—or the bottom tip—can indeed be level with the band in a cathedral setting. So, don’t worry that a cathedral ring will always sit too high on your finger because that’s not necessarily true.

Moreover, many cathedral diamond ring settings can be customized to your preference, whether you opt for a solitaire cathedral engagement ring, a princess cut cathedral engagement ring, or any other style. These rings can feature prong, bezel, tension, or basket designs. The positioning of the center stones, whether low or high above the arches, is entirely based on personal choice.

Variations in Cathedral Diamond Engagement Ring Settings

Cathedral engagement rings are a timeless choice with numerous variations. Here are some features you can customize with cathedral settings:

• Diverse arch degrees ranging from slight curves to dramatic swoops framing a high setting.
• Arches can be concave or convex.
• Arch widths can be proportional to the center stone’s size.
• You can opt for solid or split band arches.

The Advantages of Cathedral Diamond Rings

There are many positives to selecting a cathedral diamond engagement ring setting, but we’ll focus on the primary benefits.

Firstly, the elegance of cathedral settings is unmatched due to the intricate details that can be incorporated. Additionally, cathedral engagement rings have more space for extra pave diamonds or metalwork, allowing for greater customization to suit your preferences.

Make sure to check the profile images of our engagement ring settings. For those with cathedral settings, we’ve utilized the extra space to add detailed elements on the sides, ensuring there are always new aspects to love about your ring.

Another significant benefit is the protection cathedral engagement ring settings offer to the center stone, particularly if the stone sits low and the arches extend to its girdle. If you desire a larger, heavier center diamond, the cathedral setting ensures robust protection and support. The natural curves of cathedral rings provide a solid, well-structured appearance and feel.

Additionally, cathedral diamond engagement rings can fit almost any budget.

The Drawbacks of Cathedral Engagement Rings

Though there are few disadvantages to cathedral engagement rings, it’s important to be aware of a couple of considerations before making a decision.

The main drawback is that some people may not appreciate the additional design features. If you prefer the center diamond to be the sole focus and favor extreme simplicity, cathedral rings might seem cluttered. This is more about personal taste than an actual con.

Moreover, your lifestyle and career should be taken into account when choosing a cathedral engagement ring setting. Since some styles extend above the finger, they might not be suitable if you live an active life or work with your hands frequently, as the stone could snag or come loose.

However, if you love this style, check the profile images of our engagement ring settings. As previously mentioned, not all cathedral engagement rings are high set. By looking at the ring profile, you can quickly determine if it’s high or low set. We offer numerous cathedral diamond rings that sit closer to the finger, ideal for those with active jobs and hobbies.

Top Cathedral Engagement Rings

So, you’ve decided that the cathedral style is the one for your diamond engagement ring. What’s next? Here are some of our favorite cathedral engagement rings to inspire your search.

Poise Basket Diamond Engagement Ring

A smooth, petite band directs all attention to the center stone in this cathedral diamond ring. The Poise basket diamond engagement ring ensures the diamond is securely housed inside a basket, giving you peace of mind that it won’t break free unexpectedly.

Weaved Cathedral Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

A thick metal band transitions into a criss-cross design at the center stone of the Weaved cathedral solitaire diamond engagement ring, adding a touch of intriguing detail without unnecessary distractions.

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Oval Plain Shank Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

The stunning halo adds more carat weight to the Oval plain shank halo diamond engagement ring without introducing numerous distracting details. The cathedral style naturally forms a basket for the diamond, offering the desired style without extra height.