The new year symbolizes fresh starts—making it a natural time to solidify a relationship with a proposal. And as couples continue to emphasize an individual, “hand-crafted” feel (vs mass-produced/polished) when it comes to ring design, they’re redefining the look of modern love in the process.
SET TO STUN: Couples are choosing unique, new ways to enhance the main stone, including:
The Hidden Halo (shown above). A delicate ring of smaller diamonds set just below the center stone to provide extra sparkle and enhance its perceived size.
Bezel Settings which encircle the center stone to offer a modern aesthetic can even protect the stone from the damage of daily wear.
Chunky or Wide “Cigar Band” Rings are striking nods to 80's maximalism and part of a shift toward statement-making engagement jewelry (VS delicate minimalism).
Compass Prongs positioned at the north, south, east, and west points of the stone (as opposed to the traditional four corners) for a subtle yet modern twist.
THE ANTIQUE LOOK. Taylor Swift’s antique-cushion engagement ring turned the growing popularity of old mine stones into an obsession--with a whole generation seemingly set on mimicking the warmth and a candlelit sparkle of these storied natural stones.
Antique-inspired cuts like the Cushion (above left) with its pillow-like shape and soft facet patterns or the Asscher (above right) featuring 58 larger and wide-set facets, possess a similar romantic Individuality and vintage appeal that seems to tell a story.
ELONGATED IS IN. While the Round Brilliant Cut remains ubiquitous, it is elongated shapes and their ability to trick the eye that have made the stones below so popular.
The Oval Cut (above middle, in a bezel and hidden halo setting) elongates the finger. And thanks to its larger "spread", it will always look bigger than a Round of equal weight.
Created in the 18th century at the request of Louis XV, The Marquise Cut (above left) has a vintage vibe that appeals to the 21st century romantic. And its pointed ends give it an unexpected edge (compared to the Oval).
The East-West Setting (above right), seen famously on Zendaya's hand, displays elongated stones horizontally and perpendicular to one’s finger. It lends the classic Oval and Emerald Cuts a modern touch, and provides added protection for the Marquise's delicate points.
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