The rules of engagement
Planning to pop the question, or newly engaged? KATIE WRIGHT gets advice on latest ring trends
WE’RE rapidly heading towards the height of engagement season, the period running from December through to Valentine’s Day when many a proposal takes place.
We asked a jewellery expert to run down the engagement ring trends he predicts will be big in 2022 and beyond...
1. Two-stone asymmetrical rings
Known as ‘Toi et moi’ (meaning ‘you and me’ in French), two-stone rings have been a celebrity favourite this year.
“Ariana Grande popularised this ‘toi et moi’ design in 2020, when she showed off an alternative oval diamond and pearl engagement ring, with the two stones sitting side by side,” says Zack Stone, managing director at Steven Stone.
He predicts these designs “will soar in 2022, with irregular shaped coloured gemstones, pearls, and diamonds sitting imperfectly, yet perfectly, side by side.”
2. Personalised rings
Zack predicts 2022 will be “the year of matching wedding bands and personalisation,” inspired by a certain pop princess’ recent betrothal.
“Britney Spears reignited the trend when she revealed her engagement ring from partner Sam Asghari, featured an engraving of her nickname ‘Lioness’ on the inside of the band.
“Since then, the number of couples requesting these meaningful anecdotes has started to grow, and we expect this will become the next big trend for wedding and engagement rings.”
3. Non-traditional sapphires
“Towards the end of 2021, the demand for alternative sapphires, particularly in shades of teal, have soared, and we expect this to continue into 2022,” Zack says. Sunset hues like pink and orange are also proving popular thanks to Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring, and another famous royal ring is likely to renew the sapphire trend.
Zack explains: “With the release of season five of
The Crown at the end of 2021, which follows the story of Princess Diana, it’s no doubt this will also have an impact on the sales of sapphires.”
4. Eternity rings
Eternity rings, meant to symbolise lasting affection, are usually set with gems all the way around and designed to sit parallel to a wedding band. However, there’s a new trend for more unusual styles that sit separately or leave a gap.
Zack explains: “From floating diamond pave bands to garlands and twisted bands, eternity rings are about to make a huge statement and will no longer ‘fit in’ with the engagement ring – instead, they will stand out.
“This alternative approach creates contrasting shapes next to each other.”