Popular Trends in Engagement Rings

What’s New and Different in Engagement Rings?

Did you know:

that the Egyptians were the first to signify a romantic relationship by wrapping a piece of metal wire around the third finger of the woman’s left hand?

In the 1600’s, people exchanged posie rings — silver or gold bands with a line of poetry or a love message engraved on the inside — as engagement rings?

It wasn’t until a large deposit of diamonds was discovered in South Africa in the 1800’s that diamonds became the stone for engagement rings.

Engagement rings have evolved over the years in style. Today, engagement rings are oftentimes influenced by movie stars, television shows and even the royal family of the United Kingdom.

Below are some popular trends we have seen in engagement rings:

Size is all about perception. Not everyone’s budget can accommodate a large, quality stone. However, designers have found a way to make stones appear larger by setting them horizontally. While horizontal settings are more popular in oval shaped diamonds, we are seeing marquises and emerald cuts being set horizontally as well.

Halo settings create the illusion of a larger diamond.

Mixing metals. Even though gold is making a comeback, white gold and platinum continue to prevail as the metal of choice. However, a newer trend is to mix metals for a more modern, eye-catching engagement ring. Stunning combinations include yellow gold, rose gold and platinum.

Color my love. Brides are opting for non-traditional diamond colors. The most popular colors are canary yellow, pink, cognac and champagne. Inspired by the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton, a blue sapphire flanked by diamonds is also gaining popularity.

Adding your own special touch. One of the biggest trends we have seen is that couples want to ensure their rings are unique by adding their own personal touch — no matter how small. Some couples add their birthstones to the base of the setting, while other couples choose to fully customize their ring by working with a custom designer. (The image of the ring to the left demonstrates how a birthstone can be added to an engagement ring.)

Floral inspired designs, Vintage and Art Deco. Antique inspired designs are regaining popularity, especially delicate and nature-influenced designs. Some may be ornate and host a bouquet of diamonds on the shank to emulate flowers while others may be quite simple yet elegantly designed. Vintage has been moving toward Art Deco with strong lines and intricate details, yet elegantly designed.

As the years go by, shapes and settings of diamonds have changed as each generation seeks to be a little different. While all of these trends may be new, the same basic look has dominated over the years — a prominent, high quality, sparkling diamond.

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