I work at a jewelry store, and every day I hear the same refrain: “There are just too many engagement rings to choose from, and they’re all so pretty! How can you choose just one?”
Choosing a ring is tough; it’s the one accessory you’ll be wearing every day of your married life. If you’re overwhelmed by the vast array of choices, don’t fret! Allow me to break down the top five engagement ring trends. Trust me, you’ll love them all.
The halo ring design features a diamond in the center, surrounded by smaller, full-cut diamonds. It creates the illusion of a bigger diamond, an ode to the illusion setting of the 1940s, except with diamonds rather than more metal or the “boxhead” style.
This style takes any shaped diamond in the center and flanks it with a split-shank band, with or without diamonds. The split in the shank can be subtle or dramatic, depending on its width.
Just as it reads, a solitaire is one diamond set in a mounting with no other diamonds. There are lots of different looks possible for this timeless and versatile concept: a four-prong setting, six-prong setting, or bezel setting. A round, brilliant cut diamond in a four-prong setting is the ultimate classic. The metals can vary as well: white gold, yellow gold, platinum or even rose gold.
I consider an antique ring to be anything pre-1940s. (If I wore my grandmother’s ring from the 1950s, I would categorize it as “vintage.”) There are many styles for antique rings, and many are unique, usually set with Old Mine, Old European, or Transitional cuts.
The Art Deco period (1920s-30s) is popular right now. This style is characterized by a white on white look, provided by white gold or platinum with diamonds. Filigree and/or hand-engraving is evident throughout. Choose this style if you truly want a “one of a kind” sort of ring.
Why be conventional? Embrace a non-diamond gemstone or a ring with a unique shape. Birthstones are great options for an alternative gemstone; most gemstones are less expensive than diamonds, so this could mean more money in your pocketbook at the end of the day.
On the other hand, all gemstones are softer than diamonds, so durability can become an issue — after all, you will be wearing this ring every day! Ultimately, if a ring speaks to you and it doesn’t look like a typical engagement ring, there is one one rule above all: it’s your ring, so do what you want. The importance lies in what the ring symbolizes and the memories you create while wearing that sparkler every day.
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Sign in to add your ownBarbara Polinsky from bmjnyc says:
Nice article Danielle. Hope you don't mind if I add something.... when planning a custom halo setting, think of the center stone as the diva and the halos stones surrounding as her backup singers. Halo stones should be a diamond shade below or the same shade as the center stone, never prettier. Divas hate being out shined. Looking forward to future articles.
11 years ago
Nurit Levak from nuritdesignjewelry says:
I loved the article and photos, I would like to know how to join the wedding related articles.
11 years ago
BlueBrocade from BlueBrocade says:
Rings, and all that they symbolize to each of us, are truly fascinating. Antique rings connect our love stories to the history of couples before us who have cherished the same ring, New works of art such as these have their stories yet to be written for we are the first to hold them dear, We may even one day pass them on to our own children. They symbolize so much, and so many different ideas and values for each of us. Beautiful post!
11 years ago
Anteeka from Anteeka says:
Lovely article. As a seller of vintage jewelry I am naturally a proponent of vintage rings but you have a very nice collection of styles both old and new.
11 years ago
Alice Riordan from RiordanStudio says:
Great article, Danielle! I love how approachable you have made this topic. It can be stressful and intimidating, so I just love how you have broken it down. I always try to make engagement ring shopping and buying a pleasant experience for everyone. I will definitely use some of your examples. Thanks so much for writting it!
11 years ago
Jennifer Boaro from TheCatBall says:
One of the interesting things about buying vintage is that you don't need to worry about where the stones came from, or if they are "blood" gems.
11 years ago
Boy GaGa says:
I very like classic ring with pearl.
11 years ago
Irith Mashiah from rioritajewelry says:
Lovely ring collection!
11 years ago
Marina Taits Girair Poladian from ARTSTUDIOGPOLAD says:
Good collection! Thank you.
11 years ago
Brad Tee says:
The first thing I bought on Etsy was my Wife's engagement ring. It was a lot less complicated on here and I could be as fussy as I wanted. She has a one off ring and it has a neat little story with it too - would definitely recommend it!
11 years ago
Danielle says:
What about the eternity ring as an engagement ring? Audrey Hepburn wore one, as well as Marilyn Monroe...
11 years ago
Danielle says:
What about the eternity ring as an engagement ring? Audrey Hepburn wore one, as well as Marilyn Monroe.
11 years ago
Girlfriend Necklace from Girlfriendnecklace says:
Beautiful rings
11 years ago
calvertcottage from calvertcottage says:
Lovely article and such beautiful rings. My daughter has my mother's engagement ring, (don't ask) and the design is still available.
11 years ago
Fabiola Friedman from HuellaHuella says:
Love the selection of the rings! absolutely beautiful!
11 years ago
M Forrest says:
Gorgeous rings! Great article. I have a sapphire and since we were married in September it's all the more special!
11 years ago
salomea from salomea100 says:
Love the Selection of rings would like to knoe more!!
11 years ago
salomea from salomea100 says:
like the selction Would like to see also eternity rings.
11 years ago
Stephanie Maslow Blackman from metalicious says:
What a great collection! I love reading Danielle's blog.
11 years ago
Roi Avidar from Vidarjewelry says:
thank you for the article
11 years ago
VaLon Frandsen from thevicagirl says:
Rings, got to love them. Great info.
11 years ago
James Ness from JamesNess says:
Very interesting article, some beautiful rings featured too.
11 years ago
Barbara Montalvo says:
good article, gorgeous photos of different rings. That unicorn one was rather distinctive...
11 years ago
Kelsey Oseid from kelzuki says:
Unicorn ring is very cute but from a practicality standpoint, you would probably want to make sure you'd be physically comfortable wearing the ring every day (snagging on clothing, etc...)
10 years ago