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- 5 engagement ring styles you might not see much of soon, according to a private jeweler (businessinsider.com)
Engagement Ring Trends Shift Toward Durability and Timeless Design
While a diamond’s sparkle may be eternal, the styles of engagement rings are continually evolving. Today’s couples are increasingly prioritizing longevity and practicality in their choices, moving away from fleeting fads toward designs built to last a lifetime.
We spoke with Anna P. Jay, a private jeweler based in Nantucket, Massachusetts, who shared insights into the styles gaining and losing popularity in the current market.
Microbands Are Out, Chunky Bands Are In
One of the most significant shifts Jay observes is a move away from ultra-thin “microbands.” Once favored for their dainty appearance and ability to make stones seem larger, these delicate bands are now being sidelined in favor of more robust, chunkier designs. Jay expresses enthusiasm for this change, noting that thin bands are prone to warping and offer less support for a stone.
The trend toward thicker, more “wearable” rings is evident, with celebrities like Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift embracing the look, and non-famous brides following suit. Jay emphasizes that these sturdier bands are better equipped to “stand the test of time,” a crucial consideration for a piece of jewelry worn daily.
“You’re going to be wearing this ring for the rest of your life,” she advises clients. “Let’s make it be able to stand up to the daily wears and tears.”
Classic Stone Shapes Reign Supreme
As larger stones become more accessible, largely thanks to the rise of lab-grown diamonds, couples are opting for bigger solitaires, typically ranging from two to three carats. However, this increase in size is often paired with a preference for classic cuts. Jay notes a return to timeless shapes such as emerald, oval, and round, as clients consider the long-term appeal of their main stone.
Rather than experimenting with the diamond’s cut, many are choosing to express individuality through their wedding bands. “Let’s keep the engagement ring classic and then update and zhuzh with wedding bands, stacking bands, things like that,” Jay advises, highlighting the flexibility of interchangeable bands. This approach allows for future style updates without altering the central engagement ring.
Princess Cuts See a Decline, Hope for a Modern Revival
While classic cuts are generally in demand, one traditional shape, the princess cut, has seen a noticeable dip in popularity. Jay acknowledges that “princess cuts are not as popular as some of my other styles.”
Despite this, she hopes for its resurgence, suggesting that a modern reimagining could bring it back into vogue. She emphasizes that “personalization and customization” will be key to making the princess cut feel contemporary rather than reminiscent of early 2000s styles.
Lower Settings and Spacer Bands Gain Traction
Another emerging preference is for lower-set engagement rings, where the stone and its prongs sit closer to the finger and adjacent bands. This trend, combined with the growing popularity of diamond-encrusted wedding bands, has led to a rise in the use of “spacer bands.” These simple metal rings are placed between the engagement ring and other bands to protect both the main stone and any gem-set bands from wear.
Jay often recommends using a simple spacer band as the actual wedding band, offering more flexibility for future styling. “If you want to do something fun and fresh for your eternity band or a stacking band, you have the freedom and flexibility that maybe in 20 years, you’re like, ‘OK, this was a lot for back then, and I want to just still wear my classic old band,'” she explains.
Gold Prices Influence Metal Choices
Economic factors are also influencing ring choices, particularly regarding metals. Jay anticipates a decline in the popularity of yellow gold bands, primarily due to soaring gold prices. With market experts predicting significant increases, consumers are exploring alternatives.
Jay suggests that silver, despite its own rising costs, may become a more sought-after material for fine jewelry. This could also boost the desirability of other similar-toned metals like white gold and platinum, making yellow gold less common in engagement ring designs.
Ultimately, the evolution of engagement ring styles reflects a broader desire for pieces that are not only beautiful but also practical, durable, and adaptable to changing tastes over a lifetime. From sturdier bands to classic diamond cuts and alternative metals, today’s couples are making choices with an eye toward enduring elegance.
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- 5 engagement ring styles you might not see much of soon, according to a private jeweler (businessinsider.com)