Whether the fashion or jewelry industry believes it or not, there are really no existing rules or trends where engagement rings are concerned! While there are some popular styles that come and go, really it is strictly up to a soon-to-be groom to choose the ring that best signifies his love.
If there is a “rule” about engagement rings however, it could be summed up in one word: diamonds. Most engagement rings will contain at least one diamond, and this is something that even an “untraditional” bride is likely to expect. Luckily, diamonds come in an enormous number of styles, sizes, qualities, cuts and even colors, so selecting a ring that matches a woman’s personality should not be too difficult for her partner.
Of course as in any fashion item, engagement rings are available in “traditional” formats or styles, as well as incredibly contemporary ones too. The materials used can vary widely from platinum to silver, yellow and white gold or even tungsten. It is strictly a matter of personal taste, and a willingness to shop around in order to select the perfect ring.
Currently there are several jewelry trends that are appearing in the world of engagement rings as well, including reproductions of vintage or antique jewelry, colored diamonds, and alternative shapes to the stones.
Vintage and antique jewelry is more popular than ever, and a look through a few shops may actually allow a suitor to locate the perfect ring for his lady. This is particularly true if a woman tends to admire such periods as the Victorian era, Gilded Age, Jazz Age or Roaring Twenties, or even the more recent eras like the 1950s through the 1990s. The methods used to cut stones and the settings will reveal the era in which the rings were produced, but some of these same styles are practiced today, and a new ring with a similar “feel” could also be found in a modern jewelry store or website.
There are several jewelry companies that focus on reproduction work, and such sources are perfect for a suitor looking for an “old-fashioned” ring. Such locations are also an ideal resource for historic wedding band reproductions. For example, a woman who greatly admired the late Princess Diana could be presented with an exact replica of her famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
While the more “traditional” or vintage styles appeal to some women, others don’t necessarily want an engagement ring to “look” like an engagement ring and will be happy with a custom or unique ring to wear on their left hand. One of the best methods of acquiring an engagement ring with unique appeal is to purchase a colored diamond.
Most people are well aware of the brief relationship between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, and of the six carat, pink diamond engagement ring he gave her. While this sort of stone is out of most men’s budgets, a colored diamond is not. They come in almost every shade, hue or color imaginable, and currently the “hottest” are the canary yellows. While these can be expensive, many clever shoppers are choosing to use the popular “three stone” band which allows two smaller, colored stones to be mounted on either side of a larger colorless diamond. This provides the ring with a unique and diamond filled appeal!
The Internet is a great resource to learn more about colored diamonds, and a brief word of warning about the purchase of such stones is to be absolutely sure they are naturally colored stones, and not those created in synthetic environments. Such differences are quite hard to distinguish, but for the expense of the stones it is a wise choice to work only with a very reputable dealer.
Along the same lines as the vintage or estate jewelry are stones cut in unusual or old-fashioned shapes or methods. For example, rose and mine cut diamonds were a showstopper at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2007, when actress Cate Blanchett wore more than one hundred carats of them on the red carpet. This created a huge interest in the old-fashioned method of cutting diamonds, and such vintage looks are appearing more and more often.
Additionally, heart shaped, round and cushion stones are also completely acceptable for a diamond engagement ring, and can provide a unique appearance to such an important piece of jewelry.
Some men become overwhelmed by the pressures of choosing a ring that will probably be worn on a daily basis for the rest of a woman’s life. This is understandable, but it is important for them to remember that there are other resources for help, including friends and family members. Alternately, some men invite their prospective bride to help them with the selection, but make the actual proposal a surprise event. Just as there are no rules for engagement rings, there are no rules for the presentation of an engagement ring!