Traditionally an engagement ring was a diamond solitaire, or rather a round cut diamond solitaire. This would be set into yellow gold, with perhaps platinum prongs to hold the gemstone for security. If the groom’s budget stretched to it, the whole ring might be platinum. Other than that, the only difference between one engagement ring and a myriad of others was the size and quality of the diamond.

These days it is all very different. Couples no longer feel the need to adhere to the norms of engagement ring traditions.

Even if a couple settles on a solitaire, they can be tempted by a vast range of diamond cuts. A heart shaped gemstone can be readily sourced online for that special design, and princess and square cuts are widely available everywhere. And engagement rings are increasingly being set into stunning white gold, as well as antique looking rose gold.

But it does not end there.

Cluster rings are still very popular. The traditional cluster ring was all diamond, with a central larger diamond being surrounded by smaller ones. In this design, the central diamond was set slightly proud. These days couples are choosing to place a colored gemstone at the center of their diamond cluster. Colored gemstones are popular because they look especially stunning when complemented by a swirl of diamonds. Although they can be set proud of the accenting stones, they are also set flush into the design of the ring for protection.

Birthstones are a stylish choice for the center gemstone. This may be because they are considered to be good luck, or they may have some other special meaning for the couple. Economy may also be a consideration. Grass green peridot is often selected in preference to the more traditional, heavily included and more expensive, emerald. And fashionable gemstones, such as tanzanite are also all the rage as center gemstones.

The actual design of the engagement ring is changing as well. Two stone diagonally tension set twist rings, three stone diamond accented trilogy and channel set band rings are fashionable. So too are highly unique designs, created specifically by the bride and groom as one off pieces.

Settings too are changing. Whereas the traditional solitaire is prong set, more and more rings are being bezel set, even channel set, depending upon the design

In fact, THE ring today is whatever the bride and groom say it is! Whilst it will almost certainly be a diamond ring, there are no hard and fast rules for its style, design, cut, metal etc. As long as it suits the bride’s personality, it is fine! After all it will be she who will wear it for the rest of her life.

So when choosing an engagement ring be confident and choose whatever suits you!

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