Trends in Celebrity Engagement Rings

Many of today’s jewelry and diamond trends are constantly updated by what we see on the star brides-to-be’s fingers. Commissioned designs and constant updated styling are often influenced by celebrities constantly donning the newest and latest fashions. It seems that big is always better, as well as vibrant color, rare metals, modern cuts, vintage design, and multiple stones. If you’ve ever wondered exactly what the stars are wearing on their left ring fingers, some of the following celebrities have provided us with ideas for our engagement ring wishlists.A common theme seen among the stars is the use of platinum metal settings. Platinum is extremely luxurious and durable, and does not require the maintenance that white gold typically does. This metal has a higher price tag, but is much “whiter” and shinier than other metals, and is great for setting off the look of any huge dazzler. Another trend is the use of multiple stones in a setting. Several stars have jumped on this bandwagon, cancelling our previous notions that less is more. Mary J. Blige sports a platinum ring, featuring a row of baguette diamonds circling her 5 carat round cut diamond. Jennifer Lopez figured out that the third time really is a charm! Marc Anthony gave her a 7 carat starburst diamond set on a platinum band with two smaller accenting stones. Toni Braxton takes the modern cut challenge to new heights; her 4.5 carat diamond sits between two more that are heart-shaped. Mariska Hargitay wears a platinum ring set with nine round diamonds, and Whitney Houston dons a 10 carat oval diamond with trillion diamonds set on either side of her huge stone. Ashley Judd also wears a 3 carat cushion cut diamond, set in a platinum band with pavé diamonds.

Rare colored diamonds and modern cuts are also seen on several celebrity hands. Canary yellow, pink, blue and other hues are considered extremely elegant and unique. Heidi Klum’s hubby Seal presented her with a beautiful and rare canary diamond ring. Kelis’s ring touts two pink, heart-shaped diamonds surrounding a large center stone. Some stars who have recently wed are also choosing a combination of diamonds and other stones in their settings. Nicole Ritchie wears a pink, square-cut sapphire surrounded by a circle of diamonds.

When you’re talking about diamonds, size does seem to matter. Celebrities continue to outdo themselves by reaching for larger carat weights in their diamond jewels. Pop sensation Christina Aguilera cradles her new baby with her 5 carat luxury ring. Brandy went over the top when she said “yes” to an 11.5 carat dazzler. Donald Trump’s wife, Melania Knauss, couldn’t refuse when he gave her an emerald cut 13 carat diamond.

Expressing personal taste and style is seen with those who don’t necessarily follow the pack. Alternate metals or colored gold alloys create the coveted vintage look for many stars. Classic and simple designs are also still seen in Hollywood. Pamela Anderson was given not the typical choice of platinum, but a yellow gold setting with a 4 carat solitaire.

Some of our leading ladies are seen wearing rings that are inspired by personal hobbies or favorites of their significant others. Kevin Costner’s wife, Christine Baumgartner, sports a unique, square cut 5 carat diamond with a leaf-patterned band, reminding us of her husband’s love for the outdoors. Courteney Cox’s husband David Arquette designed her ring with his lucky number in mind. Two diamonds are shaped like the number eight on a vintage band for this star’s hand. Spice Girl Victoria Beckham wears a personally-designed, marquise cut 3 carat stone bordered by two trillion stones.

The rich and famous have also been known to continue tradition and keep family heirlooms throughout several generations. Giving a piece of his family’s history to his beloved, Prince Charles followed suit in this trend. Camilla Parker-Bowles wears a square cut diamond, focal point to a royal family ring that has been passed down for several generations, the last of which was the Queen Mother.

As time progresses, we see celebrities continue to demand larger and more expensive diamonds. Some of our historical brides are thought to begin this trend. In 1953, John Kennedy wed Jacqueline with a modest 2 carat diamond and emerald ring. Grace Kelly, princess of Hollywood, wore a 12 carat emerald cut diamond, and Priscilla Presley married the King of Rock n’ Roll with her 3.5 carat diamond, surrounded by 21 smaller stones.

Vintage and classic looks tend to carry through generations with timeless appeal, but Hollywood continues to set precedent for our diamond jewels. Large and colored stones, paired with unique metals and settings are constantly being updated as the newest trends available to us. The constant theme, however, is that anything you can imagine may be integrated into your ring design. Take a cue from celebrity engagements, then add your own flair for a one-of-a-kind piece.