Although they say, “diamonds are forever”, trends surrounding engagement rings always come and go each year.
Throughout 2018, we have seen many interesting trends surrounding engagement rings as the symbol of commitment: from the rise of the halo setting to the popular white gold bands. Will some of them stay in 2019? Or will we see new trends and returning ones? Here are our predictions for engagement ring trends that will dominate 2019.
1. Halo Setting
The halo setting style was really popular throughout 2018, especially during the second half. For 2019, it looks like this trend is here to stay.
There are two main qualities that has made the halo setting a popular choice recently: first, it’s versatile and can go well with various stones, stone shapes, and metal choices. Second, the halo setting can help enhance the stone to look bigger than its actual size.
So, the halo setting is also a nice option if you can only afford a smaller diamond but want it to look bigger.
2. Multiple Stones
Two-stone and three-stone engagement rings will dominate 2019 mainly for two reasons: many celebrities have popularized rings with multiple stones during 2018, especially the engagement ring given by Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.
Second, two or three smaller diamonds are always more affordable that one large diamond with similar quality. This way, we can add more luxury and sparkle to the ring without breaking the bank, as you’ll have many expenses to cover during your wedding planning.
With these rings, we can also have more versatility in selecting the stones: we can either opt for two or three stones with a similar cut and shape, or we can combine different stone shapes or even stone types to make a unique ring.
3. Rose Gold and Yellow Gold
White gold and platinum rings have been really popular for the past few years and especially during 2018. Rose gold was also a popular choice recently, and we can expect it to be even more popular in 2019.
The real surprise, however, will come from the return of yellow gold as a popular choice. We have seen many celebrities donning a yellow gold ring during 2018, especially the one debuted by Emily Ratajkowski earlier this year.
Yellow gold is always a timeless and classic choice, while rose gold will be an alternative choice for brides who are looking for a modern touch to the classic gold.
4. Colored Stones
While diamond will always be the number one stone choice for engagement rings, colored gemstones and birthstones have recently risen in popularity. More and more people are looking for more personalization and customization with their rings, and a unique colored gemstone can help express their respective personality.
Sapphires (both blue and pink), are especially rising in popularity, along with other popular stones like rubies and yellow diamonds.
We can also mix and match a traditional white diamond with colored gemstones, for example, by using smaller colored stones as the halo.
5. Vintage and Unique Cuts
The timeless, round diamond cut will always be in style, thanks to the fact that round diamonds are generally the best in producing brilliance.
However, recently there has been a rise in popularity for long shapes like oval, pearl, or emerald cut, especially for those opting for colored gemstones.
The reason for this, again, is affordability: cuts other than the classic round generally cost less per carat, so you get more diamond and more sparkles for a lower cost.
Also, when done right, unique elongated cuts can be very beautiful, giving the impression of long, slender fingers.
6. Thinner Bands
Simple, thinner bands are now in style, thanks to the growing trend of minimalism in the fashion world. Thinner bands will also go well with a halo setting, as well as the two or three-stone setting discussed above, which is also part of why many are opting for the smaller bands.
Another reason to pick a thin engagement ring is to plan ahead: later on, you can easily stack your wedding ring with the thin engagement ring.
7. Unique Band Designs
In the past, the main emphasis of engagement rings was always about the stone: how big it was, how brilliant, and how the stone was set. However, recently the trend is shifting and the stone is no longer the sole main focus, but also the band.
Vintage bands and bands featuring floral patterns and twist designs are especially popular, whether they are a plain, twisted band or more intricate designs featuring diamond shanks.
8. Vintage-Inspired Designs
Vintage-inspired design elements from the classic halo setting to yellow gold band to the solitaire will be making a comeback. We can also expect other vintage-inspired trends to be popular in 2019.
Milgrain design, for example, the design technique of putting a row of metal beads together on the band, is expected to be popular. We have also mentioned how vintage is valued.
A huge benefit of choosing a vintage design is it is timeless: every now and then, they will be in style; we can expect this fluctuation during 2019.
End Words
Certainly, there will be more trends we will see throughout the upcoming year. However, it looks like vintage and classic styles will be the ones to dominate 2019.
One thing we can really be sure, however, is that we will definitely see more varieties of engagement ring designs, including more focus on the unique band designs.
