An engagement ring is a time-honored tradition that serves as a reminder of a promise between two people. The orthodox choice is a diamond, but future brides and grooms often like to step outside of the box and have a ring that represents their unique personalities and stories. Here are some of the trends we can expect to see the rest of 2022 and beyond:
Pear-shaped diamonds
Unique shapes
The shape of the stone says a lot about the person wearing the ring, and non-traditional, geometric shapes are in. Moving beyond circles and ovals, designers like unusual, minimal cuts that show off different sides of a stone. Pear-shaped stones are very popular these days, as are stones with triangular edges. See unique engagement rings, for some more examples
Two-stone settings
Why have just one rock when you can have two? For those who can’t choose, rings with two stones offer a chance to combine something classic with something distinctive. It also lets you play with color, so a designer can add a birthstone or other favorite gemstone with the traditional diamond.
Designed with a larger center stone and two smaller stones on the side, three-stone rings symbolize the past, present, and future. These classy rings let couples mix and match stones and colors if they want, or just keep things really bright and sparkly, like this ring from Anueva Jewelry.
Rose gold
Pink is still in, and rose gold is the perfect metal for those who love romantic, warm tones. It’s been frequently used for the band of a ring, but now it’s even moving to the stone itself. Morganite is a pink-orange pink beryl, a mineral which also includes emeralds, and goes beautifully in a rose-gold setting.
East-West settings
Traditionally, the stone in a ring is set vertically, but East-West (horizontal) settings are an easy way to stand out. You can use any elongated cut and any stone, and most talented designers will be able to customize the rings to fit the eye-catching style.
An engagement and wedding band stack
Stacked rings
Stack rings or rings meant to be paired with each other are very popular, and allow the wearer to really personalize their design. It also offers couples the opportunity to choose a simpler engagement ring that visually supports and enhances the wedding ring.
Gray diamonds
Gray is anything but boring when it comes to engagement rings. These smoky or sparkly diamonds are perfect for the wearer who wants something edgier. They’re also cheaper than regular diamonds.
Salt and pepper diamonds
Speaking of unique diamonds, salt and pepper diamonds are having a big moment, too. They get their speckling from flaws in the stone, which are called “inclusions.” Like grey diamonds, salt-and-pepper are easier to find and therefore more affordable.
Gorgeous raw diamond ring
Raw diamond rings
When we think of diamonds, we imagine a multifaceted, sparkly stone, but diamonds in the raw are very different and can be just as beautiful. Because raw diamonds are more likely to scratch or catch on things, you want a bezel setting, which is the most secure. Check out this three-stone raw diamond ring from Avello on Etsy.
“Temporary” rings
Not sure if your loved one will adore their ring? Get a temporary one made first. These costume-grade rings let you try out the ring in your real life first, and then if you love it, you can get the real thing with the real stones.
Floral inspiration
For the ultra-feminine wearer, rings with floral inspirations like leaves, petals, and vines are unique, delicate, and unforgettable. Add a colorful stone to really enhance the flower-like nature of the ring.
Comparing Jewelers
Not all jewelers, or jewelry are comparable. Differences in price, quality, markup on stones. Comparing offerings is quite difficult for the layperson. Sites like “Best Engagement Rings Los Angeles” offer a comparison of jewelers for you, so you can be clear on what it is you are indeed buying
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It’s the thought and care that goes into an engagement ring that makes it special and not the price tag. Some people really like to go out, however. Here are some of the most extravagant engagement rings shown off by celebrities.