When it’s time to purchase the perfect engagement ring for your loved one, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by all of the choices on the market. There are so many choices – and today, there are even many options beyond conventional diamonds.
To make your search easier, it’s important to know what the latest trends in engagement ring styles are. Here’s your guide to different settings, stones, and all of 2019’s trends.
Oval Stones
Sometimes a traditional diamond is all you need to make your loved one smile. But did you know there are traditional diamonds out there that are little unusual and unique? If you’re looking for a diamond that’s sure to shine, consider an oval-shaped diamond.
Although this is a fairly new cut that originated in the 1960s and is a more rare diamond to find, an oval stone is actually less expensive than the usual brilliant-shaped diamond. This is because they’re less in demand. Oval stones still offer the same elegant appearance as a round diamond but, according to Credit Donkey, can be as much as 25 to 40 percent cheaper than rounds. In addition, oval stones offer the appearance of a larger diamond than rounds because of their elongated shape.
Another benefit of oval diamonds is that they fall under the family of brilliant cut diamonds, meaning their cuts are specifically designed to give off as much fire and sparkle as possible. And oval stones come in many different shapes: shorter or fatter, longer or skinnier.
If you’re looking for an alternative stone that stands out from a traditional round diamond, here are some other unique diamond cuts available that are currently trending for 2019.
Pear-shaped stones: 2019 will be the year of the pear stone. Although these cuts are rare, they are growing in popularity because they symbolize that a woman is an independent individual.
Princess diamond: Another popular choice, the princess cut diamond is a beautiful square-shaped diamond and is a popular choice because it’s an affordable cut.
Heart diamond: The heart-shaped cut is not only a popular choice because of the romance significance of the heart, but this piece of jewelry compliments other pieces.
Halo Setting
Unique is in when it comes to engagement rings, and another popular yet different choice for 2019 is the halo setting. The halo setting offers unique bands and bold diamond shoulders. This type of ring features tiny diamonds surrounding the center diamond — this is sure to add an extra layer of sparkle and brilliance. Looking for even more sparkle? A double halo ring setting makes an extra splash with the shine of the surrounding diamonds that is sure to capture anyone’s attention.
The halo engagement ring is very customizable as it can feature oval, emerald-cut, and even pear and marquise diamonds. Some other choices when it comes to choosing a halo setting is the color of pavé gemstone. For example, you may want to choose a contrasting pavé gemstone, which can help to give the ring a custom look. Some other choices would be the number of halos, the shape, and thickness of the shank and the choice of metal.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
According to The Knot, lab-grown diamonds are on the rise, especially with millennials. The reason these types of diamonds are so popular is they’re sustainability and eco-friendly. Any couple that cares deeply about the environment may want to consider a lab-grown diamond.
In fact, artificial diamonds have been around for years. But it’s only been in recent years that they’ve come down in cost, making this option more affordable than ever before. Furthermore, modern man-made diamonds are grown in labs using exactly the same process that converts carbon into precious gemstones in nature — so it’s safe to say that if you choose this option you won’t be sacrificing the look and feel of the diamond.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is definitely on the rise for 2019. Celebrities like Meghan Markle and Emily Ratajkowski both opted for yellow gold engagement rings, so it’s definitely a trend that’s here to stay.
If you’re looking for a ring that can beautifully complement any choice of center diamond or colored gemstone, yellow gold is a trend to consider. Yellow gold is truly a standout metal, and it can offer an entirely unique look no matter what shape of stone or setting you choose.
Stackable Settings
One engagement ring trend that’s dominating social media and jewelry stores is the stackable setting for engagement rings. While the engagement ring has traditionally included just one ring, brides and grooms alike are now considered stacking rings, making for a sought after trend.
So, why is this trend so appealing? According to Wedding Guide Magazine, many brides like the idea of wearing two wedding rings around their engagement ring for symmetry. And to others the symbolism of the engagement ring being ‘sealed in’ with two bands is appealing. Of course, some brides simply like the stackable setting simply for the sparkle.
Consider this trend when choosing an engagement ring for your loved one. You might want to focus on the center stone if you think your other half will love the stacked setting look, or you could even purchase the entire setting together to be worn all at once immediately after proposing.