With this Ring
Sana Butler
“Let’s see the ring” is the first thing people ask you when you tell them you’re engaged. Of course it’s followed by congratulatory wishes, but there’s no other feeling in the world like dangling that sparkling diamond (for the first or the 100th time) from your ring finger. An engagement ring and wedding band are symbols of a couple’s union and commitment to each other; they also reflect the couple’s style and personality. Because you’ll want your rings to be as timeless as your devotion for one another, we checked in with savvy jewelry designers to find out the new trends and the traditional favorites, as well as tips on selecting the rings you’ll cherish forever.
Traditional
Classic rings will always be in style. They‘re the first ones couples always want to see because you can never go wrong with the design. Out of the four brilliant cuts (round, princess, heart, oval), the latest, most popular is a diamond solitaire oval cut on pave-set platinum band. Cushion (square) cuts are also big now.
Antique
What’s old is new again. Vintage- and antique-looking rings are all the rage, giving a nod to the 1920s with cushion- and asscher-cut diamonds. These styles take us back to the days of romance, innocence, and tradition. The craftsmanship, typically hand-carved, provides subtle details conservative to the flashy, ‘bling bling’ look of today. No worries if you can’t get a hold of your great-grandmother’s ring, many jewelers specialize in antique-style engagement rings and wedding bands.
Threesome
Three is always better than one, especially when it comes to gems. What’s hot right now is the three-stone diamond engagement ring with a yellow diamond in the center and white on either side. A yellow diamond isn’t as rare as the now-famous pink diamond worn by Jennifer Lopez, but it’s more unique that the classic white and adds elegance with subtle color. Blue and black diamonds are also luxurious.
Color, please
A diamond is a girl’s best friend, but there are other precious gemstones that can be just as close to the heart. Rubies, sapphires, amethyst, and emeralds have become very fashionable for engagement rings.
Size matters
Instead of one wide wedding ring, many brides are favoring a stack of super-skinny diamond wedding bands on their ring finger. You can even go with colored stones and mix and match.
Design your own
It’s not as expensive or hard as you might think. A great way to express your creative side is to customize an engagement or wedding ring. This can also ensure that you get exactly what you and your groom want. You can have a good jeweler make you a copy of a ring you absolutely love, but can’t fit into your wedding budget. Or you can design something special and unique. Words of Wisdom: If you don’t like the classic diamond cuts, don’t get them. When buying the diamond for a ring you’re designing yourself, you can ask to have it cut any way you want it, such as heart-shaped.
When shopping for your rings, be sure you’ve armed yourself with the basic information you’ll need, such as what type of diamond cut, color, clarity, and carats you desire. Take your time to discuss and choose what you both want, as your engagement ring and wedding bands are symbols of adoration you should be proud to display every single day.