Kate Middleton's Sapphire Cluster Engagement Ring

What with Kate Middleton's choice to wear Princess Diana's sapphire cluster engagement rings, it is interesting to have a look at a few of the different styles of clister ring that are available. There are, of course, all kinds of different clusters out there on the market. A cluster simply means a group of stones all set close together.

Kate's engagement ring holds a beautiful deep blue sapphire with diamonds around the outside. All of the gemstones in her ring are set in claw settings. This is very traditional and can be said to be quite old fashioned in style (although all of that is set to change now that soon-to-be-style-icon Kate is wearing it on her finger!)

There are also clusters which have all-around settings. These can be more practical for people who use their hands a lot in their work because they don't have any claws to 'catch' in things.

Also I make a lot of different setting styles which are combinations and variations of the claw or all-around settings. For example if you like the traditional feel of the claw setting but prefer the practicality of the all-around option, there are things like end-only settings or pave settings for the outer diamonds which can provide a good combination of both elements for you.

I have no doubt that any minute now some jewellers will be making a cheap 'copy' of Kate's engagement ring. What I think would be a much better bet is to go for a one off version of something that has echos of this wonderful ring but which is also unique to you.

Diana/Kate's ring has a central oval stone which is very large and larger than most of us may be able to afford with such a valuable precious stone as a sapphire. However, a semi-precious stone like an iolite or amethyst can give a similar size impact at a fraction of the cost. You can also design clusters with pear shaped stones, round stones, square stones, emerald cut stones anything you can think of can be surrounded by smaller diamonds!

One down side of going for a cluster style engagement ring is that it does take up quite a lot of your finger! Kate has quite long fingers and can carry this off but people who have shorter fingers may find it more practical to instead opt for a ring which has a central coloured stone with diamonds in the shoulders instead.

Also you need to consider colour. If you like the idea of a more modern cluster, you may like to opt for light blue instead of deep blue for your sapphire. Or many people do not realise that there are beautiful sapphires available (and very affordable) in pink, lilac, violet, green, yellow and in many tones and shades. And also you may like to opt for s different stone than a central sapphire for example and aquamarine, amethyst, tourmaline or spinel. There is something rather wonderful about sticking with a traditional style to your ring but with an unconventional modern coloured stone to bring it up to date.

You need to consider aswell how your future wedding ring will fit next to your cluster engagement ring. For some cluster engagement rings, the only option is to make a shaped wedding ring to fit underneath it. However, if you have your engagement ring designed with this in mind there are all sorts of other options. For example your engagement ring can be made such that your wedding ring will slip underneath it neatly (by allowing a special kind of undercut to the side of the setting).

A big up side of a cluster ring is that it is a great way to maximise sparkle! I often think that a collection of smaller diamonds can sometimes sparkle even more than one larger stone. So if you arent into sparkle and prefer a low key style then a You can get a less glitzy cluster using low-key cuts like emerald cut stones or even cabochon cut stones for a smooth look.

If you like the idea of staying on-trend with your engagement ring, this doesn't necessarily mean that a symmetrical cluster is for you. Most traditional cluster engagement rings are symmetrical but it is possible to design a ring which is still a cluster but which is very modern. Take my recent 'bubble' ring for example...it is hard to believe that this, too, is a cluster engagement ring with diamonds and sapphires because otherwise it seems to far removed from Kate Middleton's sapphire engagement ring.

But the bottom line is that if you want a cluster engagement ring but dont feel that something just like Kate Middletons engagement ring is for you, do not despair. There are thousands of different cluster styles out there and I am sure you will either be able to find on, or get one made, which is perfect for you.