If you live an active lifestyle and are planning on getting married, it will be very important to find an engagement ring that offers durability and strength without compromising beauty. Athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who work very hands-on jobs all face the same challenge: finding a ring that will prevent unnecessary damage while still looking stunning.
In this guide, we'll explore the best engagement ring settings for active individuals, compare prong and bezel settings, and discuss when to remove your ring to keep it safe.
What's the Best Engagement Ring Setting for an Active Lifestyle?
Two of the most common engagement ring settings are prong and bezel settings. Still, they offer different levels of security and aesthetics. Prong settings are popular and usually very stunning due to their light exposure and sparkle. However, since an active lifestyle exposes your engagement ring to frequent movement, potential impact, and environmental factors, a prong setting may not be the most practical.
The best ring settings for active individuals prioritize security, comfort, and durability. If you're always on the move, a bezel or flush setting is a great choice for both style and practicality. So, what's the difference between a prong and a bezel setting? Here's a brief guide on prong, bezel, and other engagement ring settings:
- Prong Setting: Prong-set engagement rings surround the center stone with small metal prongs, keeping it in place while allowing light to freely pass through and maximize sparkle. Prong settings are popular and usually very stunning. This setting's exposure, however, can leave a diamond vulnerable to possible damage and snagging.
- Bezel Setting: A bezel setting fully encases the gemstone with a metal rim, offering the best protection against chips, scratches, and impact damage. It's one of the most secure settings for active wearers.
- Flush Setting: In this design, the diamond sits level with the band, significantly reducing the chance of snagging on clothing or equipment.
- Low-Profile Settings: Settings that keep the diamond closer to the band (such as a modified cathedral or a half-bezel) help prevent it from catching on objects during physical activities.
Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring While Exercising or Running?
It might be tempting to keep your ring on at all times, but wearing it while working out can pose risks. To avoid damaging your engagement ring, here are some common examples of when not to wear an engagement ring:
- During sports or exercise: High-impact activities like running, weight-lifting, rock climbing, basketball, football, tennis, or CrossFit can put excessive stress on your ring. even low-impact floor exercises can make the ring dig into your skin, causing discomfort or scratches.
- While swimming or diving: Cold water can cause your fingers to shrink, increasing the risk of losing your ring. Chlorine and salt water can also damage metals and gemstones.
- When cleaning with harsh chemicals: Cleaning agents can wear down certain metals and settings over time.
- Gardening or manual labor: Digging, lifting, or working with tools can scratch or loosen stones.
- Applying lotions or skincare products: Thick creams and lotions can cause residue buildup, making your diamond appear dull.
If you prefer to wear something while working out or during daily activities, you might consider a silicone ring as a safe alternative.
Conclusion
Finding an engagement ring that fits an active lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing style. Choosing a secure setting will allow you to wear your ring without having to worry about damage. Bezel settings and flush designs will likely be the most ideal choices. Also, knowing when to remove your ring—such as during workouts or high-impact activities—can help extend its lifespan and keep it looking as brilliant as the day you got it.
If you're unsure which setting is best for you, visit a jeweler who can help you find an engagement ring that matches your lifestyle.