In the words of her Royal Highness, Beyonce, if you like it then you should definitely put a ring on it. But not just any ring will do. Since their inception in ancient times, engagement rings hold both cultural and personal significance for the bride to be. It’s a physical affirmation that symbolises commitment and devotion to your partner. Hence, it’s only fitting that your bling of choice reflects the bright future your new union forecasts. So, what style should you choose?
Each decade ushers a new shift in popular engagement ring fads. We’ve noted a continuation of some of 2021’s most trending styles and unsurprisingly, diamonds still reign as the popular stone of choice. If you’re still unsure about your pick, don’t worry, because nothing is set in stone just yet. We’ve travelled through the ages and gathered expert-predicted insights to ensure your vision doesn’t have any loose ends before tying the knot. From 1960’s three stone rings to 1990s minimalist rings, the choice of rings is endless.
Keep reading for a comprehensive list of 2022’s most stylish engagement ring trends.
The Classic Oval Cut
Oval diamond rings were the engagement ring of choice in the 1950’s and continued to outshine other styles until the 1980s. The classic shape has recently witnessed a spike of interest and is sure to gain momentum this year. According to ring experts, the iconic oblong shape is flattering because it draws attention to the hand and lengthens the appearance of one’s fingers. Moreover, an oval’s increased surface area creates an illusion where diamonds appear bigger than their actual size. It’s a timeless cut for a woman whose eyes are set on something more functional and still fashionable.
Vintage Art Deco
In the 1920s and 1930s, artists and designers fueled the art deco movement in hopes of transcending traditional Victorian aesthetics. To mirror this embrace of unconventionality, art deco designs typically incorporated patterns and graphic lines into unusual geometric shapes like hexagons and kites. This year, art deco shapes are making a big comeback. If you’re interested in a shape that’s more unique, you’re sure to fall in love with one of the more popular designs such as the Marquise cut.
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Three-Stone Ring
When thinking of making a bold statement with your engagement ring, sometimes one gem just isn’t enough. Three-stone rings are known to be a classic design that materialises in tasteful variations. Their popularity is a result of their flexibility as they can incorporate different diamond cuts and colour choices. A trendy suggestion is to opt for a coloured gemstone like sapphire and complement the yellow with emerald side stones.
A Touch of Colour
Speaking of colour, there is no better example of a vibrant engagement ring than the late Princess Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring. Following in her footsteps, coloured rings are garnering more attention than ever before. As brides across the globe are opting for pink, blue and green tones, you can use this as an opportunity to personalise your ring by matching your gemstone to your favourite hue. Embrace the drama this style has to offer and live in colour.
Ethical Engagement Rings
If you were thinking about buying a lab-made ring, consider this to be an eco-conscious sign. While diamonds continue to dominate the engagement ring market, research points to a growing demand for ethically-produced rings. According to Refinery29, 34% of couples find it increasingly less important that the ring’s stone is natural. Lab-grown diamonds are environmentally-friendly because they produce less carbon emissions than their natural counterparts. Though they share the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds, they can be priced up to ‘15-50% lower than their natural counterparts’
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Toi Et Moi
Among the more sentimental engagement rings is Toi et Moi, which translates to ‘you and me’ in French. The combination of two gemstones paired together is said to visualise two couples merging into one. Thanks to celebrities like Ariana Grande, Solange and Megan Fox, Toi et Moi rings remain a renowned choice. While such rings were traditionally adorned with diamonds, jewellers are adding a modern twist to the ring through unique combinations of diamonds with pearls and other precious stones. Preserve and express your affection for your partner in this undeniably romantic design.
The Chunky Ring
If you’re not one to shy away from maximalism, then the bigger the wedding ring, the better the pay-off. To the surprise of many jewellery lovers, the spotlight is now on chunky rings, while the cult-favourite thin bands are taking a backseat. As natural gemstones are prone to chipping over time, researchers suggest that a thicker bezel offers greater security to your ring without compromising on style. You can keep up with this evolving trend by selecting a single diamond encased in a gold structural ring.