Photo: Yasu + Junko

What's the easiest way to pump up the sparkle on your engagement ring? Select a setting studded in tiny gems—pavé diamond details make your center stone look bigger! You can also get more bling for your buck by choosing an oval stone instead of round-cut. (It appears larger and usually costs less.)

1. Brilliant-cut diamond set in platinum with pavé diamonds, Harry Winston

2. Round-cut diamond set in platinum with pavé diamonds, Hearts on Fire

3. Round-cut diamond set in platinum with pavé diamonds, Cartier

4. Cushion-cut diamond set in platinum with pavé diamonds, Tiffany & Co.

5. Princess-cut diamond set in platinum with pavé diamonds, Scott Kay

See more engagement rings with pretty pavé settings in the complete slideshow.

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Photo: James Fitzgerald III

Kate Middleton was the final proof we all needed that vintage engagement rings are in a special class of amazing. When it comes to picking a wedding band, though, how important is it to match your one-of-a-kind engagement ring? We asked our wedding experts to answer this engagement etiquette question in our daily post.

My engagement ring is a vintage piece. Do I need a vintage wedding ring to match?

There is no rule that says that if one ring is vintage, the other has to be, too. The two rings should simply complement each other. Plenty of jewelry designers, such as Tacori and Penny Preville, now sell new wedding bands with a vintage feel. Can't find one you like? Ask a jeweler to custom design a wedding ring that works with your engagement rock.

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Photo: Amy Majors

Believe it or not, even strangers are just as excited about your engagement ring as you are. Enthusiasm can lead to personal questions, which many brides-to-be struggle to answer politely. There are ways to respond to a well-meaning busybody, and our wedding experts are here to answer your engagement etiquette questions in our daily post.

What do I say when people ask me how much my engagement ring cost?

Um, who are these people? In no universe is it ever OK for anyone to ask a woman how much her engagement ring cost. Let us be clear: The only thing someone should say when you flash your rock is "It's so beautiful! How did he propose?" Cut. Scene. End of story.

Rant over. On to your question: Though you may be tempted to come back with a big fat "None of your business," rise above and dodge the question instead. Say something like "Oh, my fiancé would never tell. And I would never ask. Takes the romance out of it, don't you think?" That ought to give her the message.

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Photo: Courtesy of ArtCarved

For brides who desires a statement-making engagement ring, we've rounded up some of the most stunning princess-cut sparklers. Sleek and chic, a square-cut diamond works well as both a minimalist solitaire or flanked by a pair of pretty companions. This regal ring style is classic while still managing to look modern—a definite recipe for success in our books!

See all of the standout princess-cut engagement rings in the complete slideshow.

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Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

If you're planning on wearing your engagement ring and wedding ring on the same hand, you'll want to match the two metals. For brides who favor platinum, we rounded up over 60 brilliant wedding rings that range from classic to modern and everything in between. From a half-circle, channel-set Tiffany & Co. stunner (above) to a vintage-inspired woven ribbon wedding ring scattered with diamonds, we found over 60 reasons to say "I do" to platinum.

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Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

A round-cut diamond is one of the most popular cuts of engagement rings—and for good reason! Round-cut stones sparkle like none other thanks to its 58 facets, and the shape feels timeless whether you're looking for a traditional solitaire or ring with some additional bling by way of a halo or pavé band. We rounded up more than 75 round-cut diamond engagement rings that range from the truly sophisticated—see this Tiffany & Co. stunner above—to the super glam. We dare you to not find one you love!

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Photo: Courtesy of Simon G.

Your wedding ring shouldn't play second fiddle to your engagement ring, despite the fact that it almost always gets purchased last. From upgrading your ring with more bling to tailoring a family heirloom to suit your contemporary style, there's a lot to consider when shopping for this very significant piece of jewelry. We asked Simon G. brand ambassador and wedding ring expert Ashley Bowen for tips on what every bride should know about her left hand band—including how to make a smart wedding ring purchase. Here's what she had to say:

Brides: How much should a bride spend on her wedding ring?

Ashley Bowen: A wedding ring tends to run from $500-$4000 with the average being around $1,500. The cost is less of a shock after the initial purchase of the engagement ring.

Brides: Does a wedding ring have to match a bride's engagement ring?

AB: If a bride plans to wear both rings on the same finger, than she should match the pieces so they look like they belong together. But, many brides choose to wear the wedding band and engagement ring on separate hands; if this is the case, then the rings don't necessarily need to match.

Brides: Is it appropriate to upgrade your wedding ring a few years later?

AB: It's always appropriate to make a change if the ring no longer fits your style. Although, the wedding ring typically isn't the one that's upgraded, it's usually the engagement ring. Women will re-set the center stone into a larger ring or upgrade the size of their diamond.

Brides: If an engagement ring was passed down to a bride, how can she personalize her wedding ring?

AB: In this day and age, if the ring was passed down, it's probably in yellow gold. A great way to make it your own is by rhodium plating the ring. This puts a layer of white metal over the yellow. It needs to be re-done at least once a year to stay white, but it transforms a ring and is a safe process (the cost ranges from $30-$100). This may also be a good opportunity to customize the bride's preference into a wedding ring that can be worn alone.

Brides: How much input should a bride have in her husband's ring? Does his ring have to match her's?

AB: Brides should expect to give some input on the wedding ring, but you also want to make sure he feels like he has options. Just like he bought the engagement ring with the bride in mind because she will be wearing it forever, he'll be doing the same for himself. Plus, there are a ton of styles out there now-a-days for men, so there's always something that the bride and the groom can agree on. As for matching rings, they were more popular 30 years ago than they are today. Sticking with the same metal color tends to be as "matchy" as most couples get. Of course, there are always options for matching the patterns as well.

—Lauren Frankfort

The winner of Brides Live Wedding will get a stunning wedding band from Simon G.! While the deadline to enter Brides Live Wedding has passed, you can still help decide which of the final three couples will win the wedding of their dreams! Vote now on Facebook.

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Photo: James Devaney / Getty

We were already jealous of the stunning, whip smart Olivia Wilde when she and adorably hilarious Saturday Night Live star Jason Sudeikis confirmed their engagement on Jan. 12.

She gave us a tiny peek of her ring three days later in Rome set of her new movie The Third Person and a better look at the Revlon Luxurious ColorSilk Buttercream launch party in New York City on Feb. 7.

But she finally gave us the look we were waiting for at the Los Angeles Clippers vs New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2013 when she flaunted her rock to some very famous seatmates and made us even more envious!

She and Sudeikis sat courtside at the game with Tom Hanks, Christopher McDonald and Ben Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor. During the game, she gave Hanks an eyeful of her antique, round-cut engagement ring—he was so impressed that he put on his glasses to get a better look.

Photo: James Devaney / Getty

Both Wilde and Sudeikis have been outspoken in their commitment. She called the funnyman the love of her life and said that it was love at first sight. For his part, he recently revealed how he made a fiancee out of one of Hollywood's most beautiful women to GQ.

"First off, when she's speaking, keep your eyes open. Also say 'please' and 'thank you' —that was very helpful. And most important: Just mean what you say and say what you mean."

Though they have yet to set a wedding date, we are sure that their public passion will only get stronger before their big day. We know we can't wait to see how she channels her modern, Hollywood glam style in her wedding dress.

—Terri Pous

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Photo: Courtesy of Neil Lane

Planning to pop the question this Valentine's Day? Then do so with a heartfelt, heart-shaped engagement ring! Whether it's a heart-cut center stone or more subtle pavé detail on the band, there's no denying the strength of your romance with a classically sweet heart-shaped ring. Boyfriends take note: There's no better Valentine than one packaged in a small velvet box!

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Photo: Courtesy of De Beers

What's more romantic than popping the question with a pink engagement ring? Not only does a rosy stone make a pretty alternative to a traditional sparkler, it's also the perfect memento of a Valentine's Day proposal. And with stunning options from soft blush diamond to punchy pink sapphires, there's sure to be a design you'll love.

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Attention future grooms! We took the guess work out of engagement ring shopping. Each of these sparkling engagement rings are guaranteed to put a permanent smile on your future fiance's face, and they all cost less than $10,000. Ladies, listen up as well. If you're wondering how to drop a hint as to what kind of stone you'd like to see on your left hand for decades to come, simply pass this story his way.

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What should you do if you don't like your engagement ring? How long is too long for an engagement? Our experts have all the answers to your burning engagement-etiquette questions.

I hate my engagement ring. Can I tell my fiancé?

You must absolutely tell him how you feel! And together you can pick out an engagement ring of equal or lesser value. Most guys will understand that your opinion counts for a lot, since YOU are the one who will be wearing the ring—and literally wearing it every day! And guys are cautioned all the time to discuss ring styles with their partner before making a purchase, so you have good reason to speak up. If you think his feelings will be really hurt or if you think voicing your thoughts will make him angry and resentful (and take away from the joy you are both feeling upon getting engaged) wait a year before saying anything.

In general, a new ring is in order if you dislike the color of metal, you dislike the shape or cut of the diamond (round vs. square, emerald-cut vs. cushion, etc.), the ring is too modern/too glitzy/too old-fashioned-looking/too plain, and your style is just the opposite.

However, it is NOT okay to say you want a different ring because you think the stone is too small or of poor quality. Because that's like saying, "You didn't spend enough money." You would never want him to feel that his choice was inadequate in that regard—surely he bought you the most beautiful ring he could afford, so if everything else about the ring works for (metal, stone shape, style) then hold your tongue. Five years from now you can discuss upgrading to a diamond of better quality.

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Green never goes out of style—and that includes engagement rings. But in 2013, it will be especially in style: Pantone, the global authority on color, named emerald green the 2013 color of the year. With celebrities like Kate Middleton rocking shades of green—she wore a green Jenny Packham gown to an Olympics event back in May—you can't go wrong. You'll be right on trend with your emerald, tsavorite, or tourmaline engagement ring: We've picked some of our favorite sparkling rings for you to get inspired by.

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Photo: Courtesy of Silvie Collection

Just in time for the holidays (also known as engagement season), we're inspired by these bright, gorgeous red engagement rings. If you don't want the usual diamond, rock a ruby, garnet, or tourmaline instead—red is such a vibrant, festive color. And don't forget that garnet is January's birthstone!

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We've found a fantastic array of affordable engagement rings in all shapes and sizes! From cool emerald-cut Aqua sparklers (above) to traditional round-cut solitaires, these spectacular rings shine, dazzle, and—the best part—don't cost a penny over $5,000.

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