While one’s wedding dress will appear in pictures of her wedding day for decades to come, the engagement ring is a daily reminder of just what you mean to your spouse. But how do you pick the perfect ring once you’ve met the perfect person? Below, we review some of the hottest styles, cuts, and settings that couples are picking so far this year.
One major overarching trend has been the return to classical elegance with more couples choosing thin and petite bands for both engagement and wedding rings. Accent diamonds are always an option with these classic-style rings and today’s couples tend to either go with scalloped or French pavé diamond accents on a thin band that rises to a cathedral setting. As opposed to the bands with channel-set diamonds that were popular a few years back, the pavé setting masks the majority of visible metal to create a shimmering effect. Another popular trend when it comes to accents is floral accents like petals and vines made of diamonds that creep up either side of the ring. Finally, pavé need not be diamond or white for that matter; consider going with sapphire or emeralds on the band to breathe some life into a solitaire ring.
Now to move from the sides to the center stone, let’s talk about the different color trends we’re seeing currently. For instance, colorful diamonds of a yellow or pink hue are back in vogue this year, though a truly bold bride might opt for a chocolate or black diamond. Of course, if color is really your thing, then why stay stuck with diamonds? Colored gems are always a fashionable option and the choices are seemingly endless, be it a sexy sapphire, a royal ruby, or an elegant emerald.
When it comes to the band of the ring, sometimes it actually is hip to be square. A square band is tres sleek and won’t pinch your finger like most round bands will. In addition, when picking a metal for the band, your options don’t begin and end with yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum as you can always mix and match different yet complementary metals. A rose gold halo is the perfect contemporary companion to a white gold ring.
Although it seems that vintage looks haven’t gone out of style since the 90s, finding a ring with Art Deco or Victorian flair will help you to stand out from the monotony of some modern designs. If bling is what matters most to you, than you might want to consider a three-stone setting, which are meant to symbolize your past, present, and future. Finally, if three stones aren’t enough, intricate details on the sides of your band will make your ring look incredible and shimmer from every angle possible. And when it comes to the cut, consider ditching the classic round style for a marquis or pear-shaped center stone. Of course, while being on trend is important in the wedding ring decision, finding an engagement ring that manages to mirror your fiancée’s personality through color, cut, setting, and style will add that personal touch your spouse will likely remember above all else.
