SAY YES TO THE RING

A lowdown on the latest trends and must-have engagement rings

A lowdown on the latest trends and must-have engagement rings

WHAT’S TRENDING IN THE WORLD OF ENGAGEMENT RINGS? We were just as curious as you are and scoured scores of Instagram accounts to round up some of the most exciting trends.

When Jay Hartington — entrepreneur and co-owner of Marissa Collections, a designer fashion and jewellery shop in Naples-florida — decided to pop the question, he chose a hexagon diamond solitaire ring by Arunashi. “The designer, says Jay, whose store retails Irene Neuwirth, Bayco, Arunashi, Todd Reed and Kwiat, among others.

Sapphires, observes Jay, have made a comeback and the single stone solitaire is more prominent than ever. “Also, the halo bezel has become very important to give more brilliance to the stone, while unusual cuts and the use of natural

If you’re on the lookout for that stunning ring, here’s our roundup of the most trending styles we’ve seen out there.

CLASSIC

The most classic engagement ring is set with a diamond solitaire, often round, in a plain gold band. Traditionally, the diamond is mounted on four prongs. Diamonds and coloured precious gems, in a variety of cuts — emeraldcut, Asscher-cut, pear-cut, marquise-cut, cushion-cut, and heart-shape — offer greater choice. White gold and platinum are popular as they enhance the sparkle of the diamonds.

“Stick with classic diamond cuts and timeless settings, and

VINTAGE INSPIRED

The antique styles draw upon the long past, decorative motifs, glamour, and splendour from various eras. Occasionally, modern iterations reference vintage ones. and natural ruby ring by Petochi is one such interpretation.

“It was inspired by a famous royal Burmese ruby — made in the late Marie-jose of Italy. We switched the gem colours and crafted it in rose gold to make it modern and CEO and sixth generation member of the Petochi family.

STAR STRUCK

Engagement rings sported by royalty and celebs are huge inspirations for ring hunters — be it the late Princess Diana’s beautiful blue sapphire and diamond cluster ring, Elizabeth emerald-cut diamond engagement ring, or Lady Gaga’s gorgeous ring featuring an oval-shape pink centre stone surrounded by a halo of round white diamonds.

MODERN

Modern engagement rings in Toi et Moi (you and me) styles, coloured gems in special cuts, modern art deco, contemporary classics, bold geometry, asymmetrical, and minimalist all tend to eschew tradition. Some designers tend to embrace semiprecious stones, while others embellish it with enamel in endearing ways.

Paraiba tourmaline and diamonds ring in 18K gold, JOCHEN LEËN

1 1. 3ct round-cut diamond engagement ring, JEAN DOUSSET

2 2. Diamond ring from the Bridal Frisson Collection, CHAUMET

4 4. Grey diamond and ruby ring, PETOCHI

3 3. Tiffany diamond ring from the Blue Book 2016 collection, TIFFANY & CO.

6 6. Ceremonial engagement ring in yellow gold and white diamonds, MANIAMANIA

5 5. Antique diamond and platinum ring with sapphire, turquoise, and a 4.01ct diamond centre stone, DAVID MICHAEL JEWELS

9. Sera diamond and 18K gold ring, SARTORO 9

7. Diamond Legends Cupid ring, DE BEERS 7

8. Highland ring, KAT KIM 8

10. La Sacla ring in emerald and diamonds, HOUSE OF MERAKI 10

11. Sapphire ring in platinum with pear-shaped diamonds, inspired by Princess Diana’s sapphire ring, DAVID GROSS 12. Watermelon tourmaline and diamond ring in platinum, JOCHEN LEËN 11 12