Cathedral Engagement Rings: Explained

An engagement ring that remains timeless is essential when the time comes to pop the question. Cathedral-style engagement rings are renowned for their classic and elegant look, the setting is known for its metal arches mimicking the beautiful arches of a cathedral. This setting maximises the stone’s brilliance while ensuring the diamond sits perfectly next to a wedding ring. 

Shining Diamonds’ informative guide covers everything you need to know about cathedral engagement rings.

What is a Cathedral Engagement Ring?

A cathedral engagement ring features a mounted centre stone just like any other engagement ring. However, when glancing at the side profile of the ring, you will then notice that the centre stone features two beautiful arches, one on each side of the setting, centring it and lifting the diamond up off the band. The arches connect the ring band and the gallery of the centre stone setting, creating this impressive cathedral shape. Most cathedral engagement ring settings feature a prong setting. However, it is possible to see them in various settings, including halo designs and bezel settings. The prong setting is by far the most popular choice as it exposes more of the side of the diamond and allows more light to hit it from different angles. This results in more scintillation and sparkle from the diamond as it allows more light to disperse through the stone. 

Are Cathedral Engagement Rings in Fashion?

Yes, cathedral engagement rings remain popular among couples due to the ring’s traditional appearance and ability to sit better with various wedding ring styles. Many vintage engagement rings have used this style, but more modern-style engagement bands use the cathedral setting for its practicality. The beauty of a cathedral ring is that it is available in most ring designs and there are new exciting patterns and delicate details which can be added to your cathedral-design engagement ring. It includes a little heart shape in the gallery so that your partner will always see it each time they reach for something wearing the ring. 

What Shapes Work With a Cathedral Engagement Ring?

Round, cushion and princess cut are the most popular shapes to select for your cathedral engagement ring. However, it is becoming more popular to choose a fancy shape with this style of setting to allow wedding rings to tuck under the engagement ring stone and sit together beautifully. It provides excellent support for the centre stone while the arches accentuate the beauty of the diamond with a light tapered angle pointing towards the centre stone emphasising its carat weight as the main vocal point. 

Why Buy a Cathedral Engagement Ring?

There are many reasons why you should buy a cathedral engagement ring, such as:

• A cathedral engagement band is versatile, allowing for various customisation options to select from, including solitaire, shoulder set and trilogy-style settings.
• You can easily stack a cathedral ring with other rings (wedding rings and eternity rings)
• You want a ring that accentuates the centre stone, allowing it to shine bright and beautiful.

Can I Create a Custom Cathedral Engagement Ring?

Yes, you can. Shining Diamonds’ bespoke service allows you to create a one-of-a-kind cathedral engagement band for your proposal. Our in-house experts and jewellers will work with you from the first concept to the finished product. We’ll ensure your dream engagement ring becomes a reality and is an excellent way of telling your individual love story.

Tips for Caring for a Cathedral-Style Engagement Ring

Like any engagement ring, you should regularly clean it to ensure the diamond and ring setting remain sparkly. When caring for your cathedral-style ring, you should:

• Use a soft brush, mild soap and water to clean your engagement ring.
• Place your ring in a padded jewellery box or fabric-lined pouch when not worn.
• Visit your local jeweller annually to inspect the setting and prongs are all intact.
• Avoid wearing your cathedral engagement ring when doing manual activities (gardening, DIY, sports).

Ask the big question with a mesmerising cathedral engagement band from Shining Diamonds. Whether you buy your ring in-store or online, you are guaranteed our signature first-class customer service by our helpful diamond experts. Start your cathedral engagement ring-buying journey today by booking an appointment at our Hatton Garden, Brighton Lanes or Birmingham Jewellery Quarter showrooms.