There are thousands of choices for engagement rings, and of all the parts of a wedding, it is one of the only choices the groom gets to make without any input from the bride. That said, it is almost impossible not to drool over the possibilities, and drop some not-so-subtle hints about favorite styles.
If you lead an active lifestyle, you may be concerned about banging your ring around on things, with the possibility of scratching, breaking, or losing the ring or diamonds. Of all the metal choices, platinum is the sturdiest. Of all the settings, a bezel is the most protective of the stone. A diamond that is set low is much less likely to get knocked around than one standing up high from your finger. That said, a bezel may not be your favorite look (sometimes looking less dainty, and letting in less light to the diamond). Here are some of my favorites, including bezels, basket settings, and other low-set stones.
 |
 |
 |
| This Timeless Designs ring surrounds its center diamond with an octagonal halo of smaller diamonds. The halo protects the center diamond and reminds me of a sailor's valentine. |
 |
 |
| Hearts on Fire's Bostonian Low-Set Three Stone ring keeps its diamonds low to your finger. |
 |
| Cross Jewelers in Maine developed the Lady Captain's Ring for sailors - the bezel is protective and the nautical theme has a low profile. |
 |
| The Olympian ring, also by Cross Jewlers, is part of their "active lifestyle" collection. |
 |
 |
| The Flower Ring by Tiffany & Co. (my personal favorite) features a lot of tiny diamonds instead of one big one, each set low in its own basket setting, all held together with platinum. It provides a lot of sparkle without sticking up too high from your finger. |
 |
 |
| Jewler Leigh Jay Nacht specializes in antique and replica engagement rings. This one, set in platinum, protects its princess cut stone with a bezel while adding extra sparkle on the sides. |
 |
 |
| Jeff Cooper's 3303 platinum ring has channel set diamonds with a delicate miligrain that come up to meet the center diamond, protecting its sides. |
 |
| Suzanne Kalan's White Topaz Rose Gold ring protects its large topaz with a halo of tiny diamonds. |
