Engagement Ring Trends

- Jenny C. -

With Halloween just behind us, females are shedding their costumes and are about to replace them with something much more permanent, and much more demure: a diamond engagement ring. And although each to-be-bride will have a unique preference for style, clear trends are already apparent as the engagement season gets closer and closer.

When it comes to shape, round diamonds take prime real estate on ladies of-all-ages’ fingers, and have for some time. Other popular cuts making the rounds on future brides are square, princess and emerald. And no matter what age demographic she falls into, the top color metal preference will be, and has been for always, white.

For the younger bride-to-be set in particular, clusters of diamonds are a common choice. These rings, littered with diamonds around the band or surrounding the center stone, evoke a big statement: The center stone appears larger, without requiring such a hefty price tag. Twisted bands are another favorite for many younger brides, as they evoke the I-promise-to-be-true sentiment and juxtapose it with some attitude, without overdoing it.

These bolder, and sometimes more eccentric trends are a departure from the diamond engagement ring worn a decade ago, when the most common style circulating was a solitaire diamond engagement ring. Beyond its design change, the diamonds growth spurt has grown up with the years. About 10 years ago, about half a carat did the trick for many ladies, but now most women’s preference hovers around the one-carat zone.

Older brides, meanwhile, are more apt to still choose a classic look, such as a solitaire or three-stone diamond engagement ring. However, if it’s her second or third marriage, she might opt for a more unconventional ring and stone. A yellow diamond engagement ring is a great choice to accomplish just this. Other popular diamond hues include brown and pink.

All age groups appreciate some vintage glamour these days, proving what’s old is also new. To get this look, intricate details on the metal and diamond detailing are crucial. Like vintage glamour, personalization is totally en vogue. Engravings with love slogans and pet names are one way to executive this trend.

On the quest for the perfect diamond engagement ring, guys are finally getting a clue thanks to their girlfriends. From magazine clips left on his drawer to an online jewelry site open on his computer to flat out telling him what she wants, women are showing their partners what they want more and more. And many times, women join their soon-to-be husbands on a diamond ring-shopping spree to ensure they are getting just what they wish to wear. With the amount of styles increasing over the years, all of this feedback is especially helpful.

Indeed, a diamond is forever, and she wants it to look good.