An engagement ring doesn't need to be perfectly mirrored to be beautiful. In fact, many jewellery lovers believe that the wilder the stone layout, the more truly special a ring is. While symmetrical engagement rings used to firmly lead in popularity, nowadays all ring styles are adored, including non-traditional asymmetrical engagement rings.
Asymmetrical engagement rings just so happen to be one of our favourite ring styles. They allow for so much creativity in one small piece of jewellery, and the layout combinations are almost endless. In this guide, we're going to explore asymmetrical engagement rings and all they have to offer.
What is an asymmetrical ring?
An asymmetrical ring is purposefully imbalanced in design, whether through the band, the stones, or both. If the ring is not symmetrical, meaning each side reflects the other side perfectly, then it can be classed as asymmetrical.
Examples of an asymmetrical ring could be a 2-stone (or "Toi et Moi") style, with a large pear-shaped diamond and a small round sapphire set side by side, or a cluster of different-sized gemstones in the centre.
Should an engagement ring be symmetrical?
No, an engagement ring does not need to be symmetrical if you don't want it to be. The ring's style can and should be whatever you or your partner wants. Not everyone loves traditional designs; for those people, asymmetrical engagement rings offer a range of possibilities, letting them choose something that feels completely unique to them.
How important is symmetry in a diamond?
The importance of symmetry in a diamond is a different story entirely from the symmetry of a ring. This is because the actual stone's symmetry determines its cut grade: The more symmetrical the diamond, the higher the cut grade it has, and the higher the grade, the more the diamond sparkles.
When inspecting the cut of a diamond, a grader is looking at its brilliance, facets, angles, proportions, and finish, the majority of which contribute to its symmetry. When a diamond's facets are precisely aligned, light is far more likely to bounce straight back out the top of the stone rather than the sides, which is what creates that gorgeous sparkle.
The cut grades are excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor. This cut grading system also applies to lab-grown diamonds, which are the only type of diamond we use for our jewellery due to their sustainability and ethical origin.
However, while a diamond's symmetry equals more sparkle, that doesn't mean your diamond needs to be graded Excellent. Not everyone prioritises sparkle! So while symmetry matters in a diamond where sparkle and brilliance are key, a grade lower than 'excellent' or 'very good' doesn't matter if the wearer isn't concerned with the stone's reflectivity.
Does it matter what an engagement ring looks like?
No, it doesn't matter at all what an engagement ring looks like as long as the receiver loves it. From the classic solitaire diamond ring to a more non-traditional engagement ring design like an asymmetrical gemstone cluster, every engagement ring is beautiful in the eye of the beholder.
The same answer applies to the age-old question of whether it's better to have an engagement ring that's too big or too small - what does the wearer like best? Bold statement jewellery or more subtle pieces? Whatever you choose, as long as you or your partner loves it, it truly doesn't matter what it looks like.
Our favourite asymmetrical engagement rings
We believe asymmetrical rings are some of the most captivating and unique engagement rings available. Here are just some of our favourite designs, made in England from start to finish by our small team.
Our Asymmetrical Round Green Sapphire Engagement Ring with Sprinkled Diamonds is a made-to-order ring for lovers of round stones. It features a stunning light green sapphire from a small family-run mine in Australia, surrounded by a scattering of lab-grown diamonds. The green and gold make for a gorgeous colourway combination.
An asymmetrical variation of the solitaire ring, our Organic Wave Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring features a single 1.54ct lab-grown diamond set on an organic band with a beautiful asymmetrical wave to its shape. This ring takes a classic design and turns it whimsical.
One of our favourite cluster stone rings is this Asymmetric Cluster Green and Pink/Peach Sapphire Engagement Ring. With its variety of stone shapes, types, and colours scattered across the polished gold band, there is no symmetry to be found, and yet its layout still offers the balance you need in an engagement ring.
If you'd like to receive a ring uniquely personal to you and your partner, consider a bespoke asymmetrical engagement ring. Our talented goldsmiths will work with you to create a design that tells the story of your love. You'll have the chance to choose the stone from lab-grown diamonds to coloured gemstones like pink sapphires and green emeralds. When creating a bespoke engagement ring, you can also design it to fit perfectly with the wedding ring of your choice so they sit neatly together on the finger.
Book a custom engagement ring consultation with us, or explore our collection of ready-to-ship and made-to-order asymmetrical engagement rings.
