With every new year comes a new set of trends — and engagement rings are no exception. If this year is set to be the one that involves putting a ring on it, here are the top trends you need to know to get the most desired bling of the year.
Three-Stone Rings (AKA the Markle Sparkle)
Take notes from the soon-to-be newest member of the royal family. Get triple the shimmer and shine with a show-stopping trio of diamonds, whether colored or colorless. The three stones represent your love’s past, present and future while achieving a memorable look that stands out from the traditional solitaire. With one of our unique three-stone designs — from no halo on all three stones, a halo on the center stone, halos on all three stones and more customizable details — you’ll be sure to turn heads after he pops the question.
“The three-stone engagement ring has already picked up momentum from the royal engagement announcement,” shares Maria Aguirre of Benold’s Jewelry in Austin, TX. “We have had several requests for three-stone rings, and a lot of people are asking about three-stones with sapphire and ruby centers, too!”
Pear Diamonds
Go for this signature romantic ring if you want to deviate from the oval or round center. With a distinct, chic shape, pear diamonds make your fingers appear longer and bring a captivating teardrop design that can be modified to fit several styles that will satisfy even the most creative brides. You can go minimalistic and modern with just the diamond taking center stage, or you can steal the show by surrounding it with a glorious halo of pavé-set colorless rounds or by selecting a colored diamond. With so many personalization possibilities, this cut is sure to make its mark on 2018.
Colorful Stones
Simply picking designs that make your look stand out is a trend in itself. What better way to achieve that than by swapping out colorless diamonds for some dazzling hues? Whether a yellow diamond or a sapphire, adding a pop of color adds new energy and personality to your ring. Learn more about why colorful engagement rings are on the rise and what our top picks are in our recent blog post.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is the perfect medium between white and yellow gold. It’s a delicate and modest shade that also adds contemporary charm to any ring design.
“Every time I post a ring set in rose gold, my followers go crazy for it,” says Tracey Ellison, fine jewelry expert/influencer, also known as TheDiamondsGirl (follow her on Instagram: @TheDiamondsGirl). “In the beginning, I thought it was a novelty factor. Now I have realized that this is a trend that’s here to stay. Rose gold is a warmer hue than platinum, and so much more subtle than yellow gold. Somehow, the color works on everyone! Using rose gold as your metal of choice gives even the most traditional of settings, for example, a classic solitaire, a modern, contemporary look.”
“Rose gold, rose gold everywhere!” adds Maria of Benold’s. “It is definitely a trend we have noticed in engagement rings and fashion diamond jewelry. Just yesterday we had two separate customers, side-by-side shopping for three-stone rings in rose gold!”
Up the wow factor and intertwine rose gold with your next favorite metal to create a stunning two-toned engagement ring.
Stacks to Dress Up the Ring
Who doesn’t love layering up? It’s no surprise this trend will continue to grow this year. With each new element, you keep building your design like you build upon your love — making bands both symbolic and glamorous.
“We love how one, two or three different and unique bands can change up the whole look of a ring,” says Angelle Duplantis, marketing executive at Houma’s Fakier Jewelers. “Each ring can signify something different and sentimental like a birth or anniversary, and we love being able to add even more meaning to someone’s wedding set!”
And this trend ties back to standing out from the crowd. Bands give you plenty of flexibility to create a look that is uniquely you.
“I think stacks are going to continue to gain momentum through 2018,” says Claire Kuhlkin, public relations specialist at Diamonds Direct. “More and more people want to go the interesting route and choose a wedding band that isn’t the match to their engagement ring, which gives them more room to play. Whether you’re buying them for yourself or for the perfect gift, mixing and matching is all the fun, so the more the merrier!”
Adds Maria of Benold’s: “Stacks are the fastest way to change up your engagement ring and update the look. The stacks are popular in every metal color and with diamonds. We have started showing stacks to customers while they wait for cleanings or repairs.”
In the same vein, the “ring guard” is also back, according to our friends at Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelers, in Lexington, KY: “We thought it might be of importance to note that our prediction for 2018 is that the ‘ring guard’ is back! But not the old-school, 1980s ring enhancer—vintage-inspired designs are trending as a response to this latest wave of newly engaged couples seeking wedding ring ‘guards’ or ‘jackets’ as unique as their retro- or vintage-inspired engagement rings,” shares Rachael Kennedy, marketing and sales at Shelia Bayes. “The ‘guard’ or ‘jacket’ has been exquisitely reborn to complement the retro-geometric designs of a generation drawn to a vintage-modern mix. So many brides are the seeking an alternative to the prong-set, straight, stacking wedding bands that have dominated the current bridal market. Pinterest is alive with ring ‘jacket’ designs featuring unique stone shapes, and even pearls!”
Twist/Infinity Details
The little things won’t slip by in 2018. A delicate twist gives any typical engagement ring shank a feminine upgrade. Like several of the other 2018 engagement ring trends, the infinity detail adds another symbolic element to your bling while also elevating its design. If you’re a bride who loves the classic stone setups but wants to spice up your ring another way, this unique shank option is for you. It’s all things graceful and classy.
The post Biggest Engagement Ring Trends to Look for in 2018 appeared first on UNEEK JEWELRY.