04/29/2013
The Most Popular Engagement Ring Shapes and Settings
This is a guest post from Sharon Genesis of Genesis Diamonds.
Engagement rings tend to have a classic appeal – you don’t want a ring you bought today to look outdated 10 or 20 years from now. After all, it is your engagement ring and, just like your marriage, you want it to be timelessly gorgeous.
But every year there are trends in engagement rings and although 2013 is still relatively new, trends are emerging. Here are a few of the more popular engagement ring trends that we are seeing this year.
2012 was all about the emerald cut. This year girls are opting for cushion, oval and pear shaped diamonds.
Halos were absolutely enormous in 2012 and show no sign of relenting this year with the Double Halo being the stand out setting.
Another favorite is big, secure and very trendy Bezel Setting, where the diamond is set much lower.
For something more romantic and delicate, the Twisted and Bypass settings continue to be a popular choice.
And thanks to a certain young royal couple, blue sapphires are as trendy as ever and are showing no signs of slowing down.
04/25/2013
Etienne Perret Ceramique Gem Designs
We love designers push the envelope when it comes to engagement ring designs and Etienne Perret does not disappoint with his new collection of modern ceramic rings. Combining hi-tech design with durable, eco friendly materials, these colorful rings provide a perfect (and affordable) alternative to traditional precious metal engagement rings and wedding bands for both men and women.
For more info, visit CeramicJewelry.com.
04/19/2013
What the Jewelers are Saying
We recently polled our network of incredibly talented jewelers to find out what’s hot right now in bridal jewelry. Here are the top 2013 engagement ring trends from jewelers around the country.
1. Mircro pave rings with delicate details, like this engagement ring from Knox Jewelers.
2. Traditional designs with untraditional finishes like this eco friendly cushion cut engagement ring with a hammered edge from Laura Preshong jewelery.
3. Round brilliant center stones set in platinum & white gold: This will never go out of style like this ultra popular Tacori engagement ring.
But jewelers are also seeing a shift in preferences and are starting to see an increase in demand for more unique pieces.
4. Uncut, natural looking stones, like the beautiful pieces from Diamond in the Rough.
5. Yellow and rose gold settings: A lot of celebrities have opted for gold settings and we love the trend, like this simple yellow gold engagement ring from Gabriel & Co.
6. Sapphire and ruby center stones and accents like this 3 stone diamond and sapphire engagement ring from Joseph Jewelry.
7. Fancy shaped centers like this marquis cut diamond from Lauren B Jewelers.
At the end of the day, jewelers want to see your personality shine through, whether it be paying special attention to the setting and the little details, to working with unique cut stones to the incorporation of eras and styles, there are many ways to find that timeless look that shows off your personality.
04/16/2013
Custom Design Engagement Rings
We love one of a kind pieces, and we’re so excited to feature the rings of Dyke Vandenburgh of Lake Oswego OR’s Vandenburgh Jewelers. Dyke has been designing jewelry since the 1970s and works with ideal cut diamonds and colored gemstones. We love how he mixes styles, metals and stones and you can tell that each piece is made to perfection.
First we have a 1.57 carat ideal cut round brilliant diamond set in a platinum trinity knot semi mounting.
Next is a 1 carat round brilliant cut, semi bezel set diamond solitaire set in platinum, and a 1.63 carat marquise cut, D color diamond with very fine make set in platinum.
Finally, we have a 2.66ct. round brilliant cut diamond prong set to center, with .78ctw.
in accent Diamonds set in 18k yellow gold (we are obsessed with this ring) and this incredible 3.68 carat oval blue sapphire with .79ctw. in accent diamonds, set in platinum.
04/09/2013
PastEra – Antique Engagement Rings
Today we have some incredible engagement rings from the early 20th century from Houston’s Past Era Fine Antique Jewelry. They specialize in exquisite pieces from the 17th-20th centuries. But you don’t have to live in Houston to peruse their selection – you can purchase online.
Their homepage is one of the prettiest I’ve seen. There’s nothing like colorful jewels, gemstones and diamonds to make this girl happy.
On to the diamonds… First we have a Belle Époque platinum solitaire engagement ring featuring a gorgeous 4.27 carat Old European-cut diamond, in a delicate mounting with bead-set diamond shoulders and an openwork gallery with dainty hearts. French, circa 1915. (RPS0701031)
This stunner is an Art Deco platinum and 1.45 carat Old European-cut diamond ring framed by rows of bead-set diamonds, with a filigree gallery and engraved shoulders, circa 1920. (RAO1200938)
03/25/2013
Napoleon’s Engagement Ring to Josephine
In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte gave his future wife, Josephine, this stunning gold engagement ring with two pear shaped stones, one diamond, one blue sapphire, each weighing approximately 1 carat. It sold for almost $950,000 at a recent auction celebrating Josephine’s 250th birthday, when it was expected to fetch approxmiately $20,000.
