Top 5 Engagement Ring Trends for 2012
The 2010 post on the Top 5 Engagement Ring Trends is one of the most popular posts ever on idazzle.com. Here is a round up of top engagement ring trends for 2012. Even if you aren’t engaged, or already have your ring, there’s no harm in looking at the gorgeous options. Be sure to comment on your favorite trend, or what you have actually selected as your ring.
Classic Color
Colored gems as engagement rings have been around for centuries, but Kate Middleton’s sapphire ring made colored gemstones desirable as the centerpiece of an engagement ring for a new generation. They have been big news since, as seen with Jessica Simpson’s Neil Lane ruby, and Elizabeth Hurley’s new sapphire sparkler. Golden- or pink-hued diamonds, rubies, sapphires of all colors, minty green tourmalines, luscious mandarin garnets: there is a whole rainbow of colors out there to choose from. If white diamonds have always left you cold, you can try something else knowing that it has some staying power.
Beverly K custom-designed Tourmaline and Diamond ring from Greenwich Jewelers, Retail $1950.
Mandarin Garnet and Emerald three-stone ring in platinum by Leon Mege, Retail $9000.
A lovely pale pink diamond is set into 18kt rose gold and contrasts with white diamonds in the halo and split shank. By Danhov and available from Samuel Gordon Jewelers.
Archi-Texture
This trend has been around for a while, and seems to just be gathering speed. Bands and prongs are treated as sculpture, with flowing details making the ring spectacular from all angles, not just the top. Blue Nile’s new Eiros Collection is a beautiful example of this, as well as lovely sculptural bezels by Megan Thorne, and unique halo and under gallery from Jewels by Erica Grace.
Blue Nile Eiros Tendril Diamond Engagement Ring and matching wedding band, Retail $2512 for setting and band not including center diamond.
Megan Thorne Bezel-set Engagement Ring in 18kt yellow gold from Greenwich Jewelers, Retail $1100 for setting only.
The Bella Halo Ring in 18kt Rose Gold by Jewels by Erica Grace, avail in other metal colors, Retail $2895 for setting only as shown.
Hip to Be Square(ish)
Square-cut diamonds are truly classic, and continue to sparkle with current brides-to-be. Anne Hathaway’s lovely ring by Kwiat, and Kim Kardashian’s now-infamous showstopper designed by Lorraine Schwartz, are both anchored by Emerald cuts. Outlines have shifted towards the octagonal outline of an Asscher cut diamond, or the rectangular lines of a well-proportioned Emerald cut or slightly rounded cushion shape. For the setting, contrast the icy angularity with softly rounded details, or accentuate the outline with sculptural clean lines like the Danhov halo setting from Greenwich Jewelers. If you just have to have a ring like Kim Kardashian’s, Leon Mege can do it better than the original, with perfectly-matched emerald cuts or cushion shapes.
Megan Thorne Picture Frame Engagement Ring in 18kt yellow gold from Greenwich Jewelers, Retail $1050 for setting only.
Asscher Cut Diamond in Danhov Halo 18kt White Gold setting from Greenwich Jewelers, Retail $2025 for setting only.
Leon Mege 3 Stone Elongated Cushion Ring with 8 carat center stone, price upon request.
New Directions
I have noticed more diamonds being set in interesting directions, versus simply up and down the finger. This can make a pear shape, marquise, or oval look totally fresh. Especially lovely are emerald cuts set east to west across the finger, like Kate Becksale’s gorgeous Neil Lane ring. I predict seeing more of these designs unfold this year.
Todd Reed Twisted Pear Shape Raw Diamond Ring, made from all recylced metal and conflict-free diamond, Retail $2325.
East-West Bezel Set Emerald Cut Ring from James Allen, shown in 18kt white gold, Retail $950 for setting.
Rose Cut Pale Pink Diamond Ring handmade by Etsy artist Kyleanne Metals, Retail $900.
Organic, or A.B.T. (Anything But Traditional)
This category is big, and getting much bigger. Supple gold and silver metals–often recycled, which is environmentally responsible–are handcrafted into sinuous shapes that enhance slices of diamonds, or organically-drawn outlines of gemstones. Customize countless designs, metal color, and gems at your local jeweler or at Gemvara, the site where you can truly make your ring own. Also exciting is Laurie Kaiser’s new collection of raw diamonds, and Aroc Urtu’s new “I DO” collection in earth-friendly materials and non-conflict gemstones. Your interpretation of what your ring should look like has never been so beautiful.
Laurie Kaiser New Raw Diamond Ring in gold, contact Laurie Kaiser for more information.
Aroc Urtu I Do Ring, with square diamond bezel set into recycled gold with matching eternity band, Retail $2500 for engagement ring only.
Gemvara Acadia Ring Design with Iolite center in white gold, customizable with 24 gemstone and 9 metal options, Retail $803 as shown.
Vine Rings by Danielle Miller, in Palladium, Gold and Silver with white or chocolate diamonds, starting at $500.
Anne Sportun Rose Cut Sapphire Ring with Diamond Halo, contact Greenwich Jewelers for more information.
Annie Fensterstock embellished solitaire ring, contact Fragments for details.
Denise Betesh 3-Stone Ring in 22kt gold with Hessonite Garnet and diamonds, from Manika Jewelers, contact for pricing.
So…what do you want (or have) on your finger?
Hello and welcome! If you are looking for in-depth information about jewelry, you’ve come to the right place! It is my mission to give consumers unbiased jewelry information from an insider perspective.
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February 21st, 2012 at 11:00 am
Okay, I love my own ring, but that Asscher Cut Diamond in Danhov Halo is fabulous to the 100th degree.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:19 am
Hi Monica,
Thank you for including Leon’s rings in your recent blog post. I’d love to speak with you more regarding any future posts you may be working on. Perhaps Leon or I may be of some assistance. You can contact me directly via email.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Best,
-Olga
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