Engagement ring trends vs. classic styles
The trendy vs. classic debate can be a hard one to settle.
To give you an idea of what’s trending, here’s what’s having a moment:
- Toi et moi rings (“you and me” in French) set two stones side by side. A romantic idea with a modern edge.
- Hidden halos are a ring of small diamonds tucked just beneath the center stone. They’re only visible from the side, so they add a little extra brilliance without changing the ring’s silhouette.
- East-west settings give a different twist to oval and emerald-cut engagement rings by placing the stone horizontally instead of vertically.
- Chunky gold bands are a bold, fashion-forward choice for anyone who likes their jewelry with a little more weight to it.
So, should you go with a trend or something more classic? Trends come and go, but this is a ring that will be worn every day. So ask yourself: what will still feel like you decades from now?
If you’re still not sure which direction to take, you can always opt for a setting that blends both, perhaps a classic solitaire with a fashion-forward twist.
Understanding engagement ring anatomy
Understanding engagement rings starts with knowing what you’re looking at. It can make all the difference when you're talking with your jeweler, designing your own ring, or narrowing down your options.
So here’s a quick breakdown of the main parts that make up an engagement ring:
- Center stone: The stone in the middle (i.e. the focal point). It’s traditionally a diamond, although colored gems are gaining in popularity.
- Head: The part of the ring that holds the center stone (it includes prongs).
- Prongs: The small metal claws that hold the stone in place.
- Gallery: The part beneath the center stone, between the head and the shank. It determines how the ring looks from the side.
- Shoulder: The part of the ring that sits on each side of the central stone. It’s where smaller accent stones can be added for extra brilliance.
- Shank: The band that goes around the finger.
- Bridge: The part of the ring that sits directly above the finger, beneath the center stone.
Matching the ring to everyday life
Our guide to engagement rings isn’t all romance. It’s practical, too.
That’s because an engagement ring is worn every day, so it should fit easily into the wearer’s lifestyle. If they’re always on the move (traveling frequently, working with their hands, or simply living an active day-to-day life), practicality matters just as much as aesthetics. So make sure to consider how the ring will interact with their routine (as well as their wardrobe and their personal style, of course).
Lower-profile settings are a smart choice here, as they’re less likely to snag or get bumped during daily activities. This includes bezel styles, which offer extra security by encasing the center stone in a sleek rim of metal. On the other hand, if the wearer is more fashion-forward or less hands-on, a raised setting could be the one.
Ethical sourcing and lab vs. natural diamonds
At Ring Concierge, we’re committed to offering ethically sourced diamonds that are conflict-free and responsibly mined. So, whether you choose natural or lab-grown diamonds, you can be confident that you’re shopping consciously when you buy from us.
Now, should you choose natural diamonds or lab-grown diamonds? Each tells a different story:
- Natural diamonds: Formed over billions of years, each one is a rare piece of Earth’s history.
- Lab-grown diamonds: Chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds, and often more affordable.
What’s important to remember is that, to the naked eye, there’s no distinguishable difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds. Even under magnification, they are nearly impossible to tell apart without special equipment. So, at the end of the day, neither is “better”. It all comes down to your own personal values, budget, and priorities.
Tips for buying an engagement ring as a couple
Buying an engagement ring together can be just as meaningful as the proposal itself. And the good news is that collaborating on the design doesn’t mean you have to spoil the surprise.
For example, you could simply align on budget, preferences and priorities. This will give you a good idea of what your partner will like, and you can still make the final decision. You could also enlist the help of a trusted jeweler, who could take notes during a shared consultation and then help narrow down your options.
If the element of surprise isn’t all that important, why not simply browse ring designs side by side and choose your engagement ring together? Finding it together is half the fun.
Mistakes to avoid when buying an engagement ring
At Ring Concierge, we’ve seen it all. Here are the mistakes we see most often:
- Rushing the process: This is a big decision, so give yourself time to explore, ask questions, and get it right. Excitement is great. Just don’t let it make the decision for you.
- Not knowing their style: everyone has their own style and personal preferences. And even though you may have a particular design in mind, it’s important to consider whether it’s a style your partner will genuinely like.
- Choosing trends over timeless: What’s “in” today might not feel right in a few years. Classic designs are a safe bet, and they’ll still feel right years from now.
- Skipping insurance: Losing or damaging your engagement ring is heartbreaking. Insurance won’t fix the feeling, but it will replace the ring.
Still unsure? Here’s where to go next
This engagement ring buying guide is just the beginning, and you should now have your engagement ring basics down. For more inspiration, read these next:
You can also book a virtual or in-person consultation with one of our diamond experts. Wherever you are in the process, we’re here to help.
