Traditionally engagement rings are made up of two parts: the setting and a diamond. The classic six prong solitaire style engagement ring was produced by Tiffany in 1886 and has remained a popular choice ever since. The simple but elegant style is said to be the reason behind its popularity.

Different variations of the solitaire shape and style can be found with carved and engraved bands and some bands containing side stones. Often the side stones are set in rows on either side of the main diamond. Baguette diamonds are also another extremely popular choice.

Another way to add to the overall look of the size of your diamond is to add an illusion setting. Illusion settings became popular in the 1930s and 1940s. The diamond is put on a carved centre box; some recent versions have small pave stones too.

Antique style engagement rings are also in fashion recently and often elegant filigree style Edwardian rings are chosen. Modern ring designers are also getting involves in the antique look and incorporating antique style designs into their collections.

Engagement rings chosen by celebrities also tend to vary greatly and whilst some choose ott style rocks others choose to opt for more serious and understated rings. For example Grace Kelly received a 12 carat emerald cut ring from Prince Rainier whereas Jacqueline Bouvier received a 2.88 carat emerald and diamond ring from John F Kennedy.

The diamond and sapphire engagement ring chosen by Princess Diana and the ruby and diamond worn by Sarah Ferguson sparked an interest in gemstone engagement rings.

If you are planning to surprise your loved one with a beautiful ring you should first of all aim to get a good feeling of what her personal preference will be. You may find that her immediate friends and family may b able to help you with this. If engagement has been a topic of conversation for a while you may have already been able to judge what style she’d like.

Choosing an engagement ring can be difficult. Looking at your partner’s collections of costume jewellery can help you understand what she may wish to receive. Vintage costume jewellery is a great way of experimenting with different styles of jewellery.

One month after getting engaged Sara Stocco watched in horror as her diamond Tiffany engagement ring went spiralling deep into a Minnesota lake. The ring, which was in her mouth fell and bounced off the boat floor into the lake below.

The newly engaged couple were celebrating the fourth of July by boating with friends on the lake when the incident happened. Stocco is said to have immediately begun searching desperately for the ring after she took it off to apply sunscreen. The ring fell deep into the depths of the lake which is around five feet deep.

All of Sacco’s friends that were present joined in on the search. The ring, a .89 carat Tiffany engagement ring is worth around $7000.

News soon spread regarding Stocco’s plight and people on nearby boats began searching with her. A son of an experienced scuba diver also rang his father in the hope that he could perhaps assist the search. Around thirty minutes later Geffre a sixty year old diver arrived and ordered people to move large rocks into the lake to signal where had been searched.

Over the following week Geffre made several attempts to find the ring and spent a total of fourteen hours in the lake searching. He eventually found the ring which was buried three inches under the sand twenty five feet away from where it entered the lake.

The relieved couple then decided to reward Geffre with a sum of $750 for his efforts.

“I have a lot of experience and a lot of patience. You just keep finding junk and junk, but if you stay long enough, the metal detector will pick it up,” said Geffre.

The engaged couple are getting married next July and are understandably delighted at the rings return. Stocco has revealed that she has not removed the ring from her finger ever since.

Costume jewellery can be a great way to experiment with fashion. costume jewellery rings can be a great way to add a touch of glamour to an outfit.