It's wedding and engagement season, and what better way to celebrate your love than with a stunning engagement ring that reflects your personality and the latest trends? As the weather heats up, so are the most popular engagement ring styles, from classic staples to modern twists; we'll explore the hottest designs, materials, and gemstones that will make your engagement ring stand out this summer. Here is what's taking over this season:
Contour & Fancy Shaped Bands
Driven by the desire for more unique and personalized wedding stacks and shifting from traditional style bands, fancy-shaped, curved, or contoured bands have become increasingly popular among modern brides. Paired with a simple solitaire, an alternative band can enhance the overall aesthetic of the ring stack, adding dimension and visual interest and offering a fresh take on the classic set. This trend's rising popularity allows couples to express their individuality and have more control over the design process, creating a one-of-a-kind wedding stack. We anticipate this trend to grow for years to come, a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic solitaire while showcasing the evolution of modern jewelry design. Check out our collection of bands and find the perfect style for you!
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Platinum Over White Gold
Another shifting trend this year is toward platinum over white gold for engagement rings and wedding bands. There are many reasons platinum is rising in popularity for 2023 brides, as well as a few potential drawbacks. White gold was originally developed to mimic platinum, a rarer and more expensive metal than gold. It is a mixture of yellow gold and other metals to create its color, such as nickel and zinc in 14kt or palladium in 18kt white gold. Due to this practice, white gold is finished with rhodium plating to gain its bright white color. Over time, this can wear off, exposing the yellowish color of the underlying metal and requiring re-plating down the line. Platinum, on the other hand, maintains its white appearance for the ring's lifetime. It's more durable than white gold and less likely to scratch or wear down over time, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear and a far more appealing option for the low-maintenance bride.
Potential drawbacks for platinum over white gold include cost. Platinum is generally more expensive than white gold, which may not be feasible for some budgets. While it is more durable than white gold, it is also more challenging to work with. Platinum requires specialized equipment and expertise, which can add to the cost of any maintenance or repairs needed over time, which is something to keep in mind when deciding the right metal for you.
When choosing between platinum and white gold, the decision should be based on personal preference, budget, and lifestyle factors. While platinum is often considered the premium choice due to its durability, rarity, and natural white color, white gold remains a popular and more affordable option for those who prefer its warmer tone or want to stick to a budget. Whatever your preference, we have a beautiful collection of white gold and platinum options for you!
Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings
Individuality and self-expression are important when choosing an engagement ring or wedding band. Many brides are expressing themselves in 2023 with alternative-colored gemstones instead of traditional diamonds in modern engagement rings. There are a number of durable gemstones fit for engagement rings such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, colored diamonds, and more. Colored gemstones offer a unique and personalized look with a wide range of colors and styles, allowing couples to choose a stone that suits their personal taste.
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| Blake Lively's Pink Diamond Engagement Ring |
Megan Fox's Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring |
Katy Perry's Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring |
In recent years we have noticed more and more colored gemstones on the left hand of many popular celebrities and public figures. Most notably is Jennifer Lopez's engagement ring features a beautiful yellow-green diamond flanked by two elongated baguette diamonds, bookended by a matching pair of trapezoid diamonds. The color of the diamond is particularly striking, with its vibrant and warm yellow-green hue adding a pop of color and personality to the ring.
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Jennifer Lopez's Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
Alternative gemstones can also be more affordable than traditional diamonds. While some gemstones, such as rare or high-quality stones, can be expensive, others are more budget-friendly than diamonds. This allows couples to invest in a beautiful, meaningful engagement ring without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the decision to wear a colored gemstone engagement ring is personal and can be based on a wide range of factors. Whatever the reason, these rings can be just as beautiful and meaningful as traditional diamond engagement rings and can be a wonderful way to celebrate the unique love and connection between two individuals.
Engagement ring trends for the summer of 2023 are about personalization and uniqueness. Solitaire engagement rings paired with fancy-shaped bands offer a stylish and customizable stack that reflects the wearer's individuality. Platinum is becoming the preferred material over gold in engagement, and finally, alternative engagement rings featuring colored gemstones are on the rise, offering more affordable and unique options for couples who want a ring that reflects their personal style and values. Ultimately, the most important thing is choosing an engagement ring that feels true to you and your partner and reflects your one-of-a-kind love story.
