Diamond engagement rings are a perfect expression of trust and love.
Classic styles- pave and solitaire- are very popular today still, but new modern trends and emerging styles are picking up.
According to these sources, the one thing that never changes is the amount of money grooms will pay for their ring. Brides report the average cost to be over $3,000 and the Bridal Group from Conde Nast reports the average cost to be over $3,500.
Even though new, popular trends are emerging, modern, antique, and classic styles still dominate the market.
Classic solitaires are a very popular cut. They will never go out of style and can be passed down from generation to generation.
Traditional cuts raise the stone, making the ring appear very elegant and sometimes bigger than it actually is. Twisted bands and other non-traditional mounts and cuts are becoming more and more popular as time passes. These pieces are obviously more modern, while still remaining timeless.
Oval cuts are gaining ground over center or circle cuts as well. Just as is the emerald shape, elongating the stone.
One cost-effective setting is the pave. This puts smaller diamonds around the main stone and maximizes the display of diamonds. The metal supporting the stones is hidden, giving the ring or piece a seamless look.
As with most fashion, the past is coming back into style. Your grandmother’s vintage ring, although too big and loud for the 1980s or 1990s, is trendy now amongst young couples. These rings are usually supplemented with other gems: rubies, emeralds or pearls. Birthstones are a popular addition, too.
Modern technologies have helped create new sets that are obviously becoming more and more popular amongst newlyweds. The tension set creates a look where the stone appears to float above the band. This look is generally performed with larger stones and bands because of their ability to better hide the wires that support the diamond.
Because of their rarity, colored stones are very popular and beautiful, not to mention expensive. These extremely rare diamonds come naturally tinted by minerals present at their creation. Common tints include blue, pink, green, red and orange or rust. Because of their high cost and immediate status boost, celebrities are buying them up. Britney Spears (pictured) has reportedly purchased an entire collection of Pink Tinted Diamonds.
If you’re looking for something unique, go with a diamond like the Zales or Princess. These have more cuts and those cuts are smaller and more unique, making the stone shine more in the light.
When picking out a band, platinum is the way of the future. This metal accents the natural shine of the diamond because it too is polished to shine. Gold is also yellow, whereas platinum is silver tinted. Compared to white gold, it offers a much more metallic look and can be re-shaped or have a new stone placed on much easier than gold. Platinum is also a much denser metal, decreasing the chance for costly repair.
(Image from take40.com)
