Engagement rings are one of the most anticipated jewellery purchases in most people’s lives. With nearly endless options, from the classic to the newest innovation, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Here are the engagement ring trends in 2023 to get started, including settings, stone shapes, and metals.
SETTINGS
Bezels
One of the most historical settings, examples of bezels date back thousands of years, and they are enjoying a comeback in 2023 thanks to their timeless appearance. Bezels are made out of an unbroken piece of metal that is enclosed around the stone. They are prized for being a very secure setting, and can be used to set any stone shape. People who are especially active love this added security.
Pros: Loose stones and damage to the edge of stones are highly unlikely with this setting
Cons: Bezels let in less light, which means stones won’t be quite as bright.
Hidden Halo
The shy cousin to the halo, the rising trend of the hidden halo features a center stone set above a ring of smaller stones which face outward, visible only from the side. A stunning and ingenious trick for those who want the opulence of the halo without taking the spotlight from the center stone.
Pros: This hard-working setting doubles down by refracting more light through the center stone, making it brighter.
Cons: In order to accommodate extra stones below, it will have a higher profile than a traditional halo.
Halo
A classic, if ever there was one, the halo setting has been around for centuries and is once again one of the most popular choices for engagement rings in 2023. The design — a center stone encircled by smaller stones — is simple, but the effect is dazzling.
Pros: This setting is flexible enough to be used for any stone shape, not just round cut.
Cons: The extra settings will require more time and care to clean and maintain.
Cluster
Cluster settings can vary, sometimes featuring a large stone with several smaller stones arranged geometrically, several smaller stones arranged to mimic the look of a single large stone, or several stones arranged around a larger stone to form a shape, like a flower.
Pros: A cluster setting tends to be more unique than other settings, and allows for more creativity on the part of the designer.
Cons: Because most cluster settings are pronged, snags are more likely.
STONE SHAPES
Radiant
The radiant cut is relatively new on the market, but has become one of the most sought-after cuts for engagement rings. Thanks to its brilliant facet pattern combined with a square or rectangular shape, this cut fully stands up to its name.
Emerald
Originating with its namesake, the emerald cut is characterized by its open facets, beveled corners, and large table, which is all about showing off the body colour of the stone. A simpler cut, it is loved for how it draws the eye to the stone itself.
Oval
It’s no mystery why oval cuts have risen in popularity. Their brilliance and their elongating effects on fingers give them lasting appeal. And this cut has one extra advantage to boot — because oval diamonds are shallower than round diamonds, more of the carat weight ends up visible on the surface, making it appear bigger.
Elongated Cushion
An elongated cushion is what would come of taking a cushion cut and stretching it into a rectangle. It has the same number of facets, but true to its name, those facets are elongated. As with the oval cut, the elongated cushion cut has a larger-looking face for the same carat weight.
METAL TYPES
White Gold
White gold offers the tradition of gold with the look of platinum. This continues to be a popular choice for engagement rings, but may not be the best option for those with metal allergies, as this look is achieved by coating yellow gold with rhodium.
Pros: Less expensive than platinum.
Cons: Rhodium will need re-plating as it wears.
Two Tone
A surprising and beautiful trend, two tone rings combine two metals, such as yellow and white gold. The great Louis Tiffany himself embraced it, but it is far from a new idea. Two tone rings are also known as a jeweller’s illusion. If your diamond is near colourless, setting it with a yellow shank and white head will make the diamond appear colourless. Mixing metals in jewellery dates back centuries, and is making a comeback.
Pros: A great choice for those who like to wear both yellow and white gold jewellery.
Finding Your Way
Knowing your options when it comes to engagement rings will help you navigate the possibilities in setting, stone shape, and metal type. Alberta Diamond Exchange is always here to help you find or create the ring of your dreams. Reach out to us today to start your journey.
