It’s no coincidence that your Instagram feed feels flooded with pictures of brides-to-be showing off their sparkly rings – December is the most popular month when it comes to popping the question, according to a survey by Brides magazine. So what does that translate to on the jewelry front in December? From shapes and sizes to sustainability, diamond expert and CEO of WP Diamonds Andrew Brown runs down seven engagement ring trends he predicts will be big in 2020.
Custom Rings
“Custom design rings are much more personal than those bought from a retail chain, which is perfect for someone who wants to own something totally unique to them. Take Meghan Markle’s stunning engagement ring, for example, in which Prince Harry included a cushion-cut diamond from Botswana (a country close to both their hearts) as well as two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection. We’re seeing people become more confident in showing off their own style, which might explain why tailor-made rings are becoming increasingly popular.”
Sustainable Diamonds
“When it comes to diamonds, we’re seeing socially conscious attitudes influencing buying behavior. With this in mind, we expect to see an increase in consumers purchasing pre-owned diamonds and recycled jewelry.”
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Smaller Stones
“We’re seeing a shift away from large and flashy diamond engagement rings and, instead, moving towards smaller stones of a higher quality. Customers increasingly want more versatile pieces of jewelry – a ring they can wear to work, on their date night, or while exercising, for example, so a radiant but smaller stone fits this brief perfectly.”
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Thin Bands
“Following the trend of wearing subtle, simple pieces, I’d propose that dainty engagement rings will see a resurgence in 2020. Thin (with a width of 2mm or less) or pavé bands (lined with diamonds smaller than 0.01 carats) are a popular choice as they make the diamond the focal point of the ring. This year, we saw stackable rings at the top of jewelry trends. I expect we’ll see a lot of stacked thin band engagement rings in the new year.”
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Princess-Cut Diamonds
“A diamond shape means a lot when it comes to picking the ring, and it looks like the princess cut is making a comeback, a unique geometric shape with subtle elegance and royal flair. However, the oval-cut diamond will remain top of the list, hugely popularized by engagement rings worn by young celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Blake Lively. ”
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White Gold
“White gold has a beautiful silvery-white color that complements all gemstones and is perfect for those who prefer a neutral tone over yellow or rose gold. As we are seeing subtlety remerge at the moment, I’d suggest the color of engagement rings will follow this trend, and white gold will be a popular and less expensive choice for those who are lucky in love.”
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Choosing Your Own Ring
“The styling of an engagement ring is definitely more of a collaborative effort among couples now. The tradition of one partner going into a jeweler and buying the ring without any input from their other half is becoming much less of the norm. It’s a significant investment and a piece of jewelry that is worn for a significant part of their lives, so it makes sense to make the decision collaboratively. If you’re planning to pop the question, why not surprise your partner with a trip to choose the ring together?”
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