The act of presenting an engagement ring is an exhilarating experience that shares a promise of eternal togetherness. 2023 has brought forth an array of captivating trends that seamlessly blend the classic with the contemporary. Join us as we delve into a realm where exquisite craftsmanship and individuality converge, giving rise to a new era of symbolizing love!
Radiant Cut Diamonds
What are radiant cut diamonds?
Featuring an angular design with sparkling facets, the radiant cut is the perfect fusion of a round brilliant and an emerald cut diamond.
Radiant cut diamonds were first introduced in the 1970s and were regarded for their ability to showcase both brilliance and colored light reflections.
Side fact: GIA often classifies radiant cut diamonds as “cut-cornered rectangular” or “square modified brilliant” diamonds in their grading reports.
Why choose a radiant cut diamond?
If you love the form of an emerald cut but crave the luster of a round brilliant diamond, a radiant diamond is a perfect choice for you!
Characterized by a large table and beveled corners, a radiant cut diamond contains 70 facets that help the stone shine, even in low light.
The radiant cut profile also takes incredibly well to the vibrance of colored diamonds.
What are the benefits of a radiant cut?
Radiant diamonds are typically less costly as compared to other diamond cuts (such as round brilliant) of the same carat and quality. This is because less of the rough diamond is wasted during the cutting process, making the radiant cut a more sustainable choice.
Radiant cut diamonds also appear larger than other diamonds of similar carat weights due to their composition: a larger surface area of the table that is created by a shallower lower portion of the stone.
Radiant cut stones also do a great job at hiding inclusions. This said, if you and your significant other have a limited budget and are seeking out a radiant cut, it may be wise for you to allocate more of your money toward other defining characteristics of the stone, such as color and cut proportions.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
What are emerald cut diamonds?
Emerald cut diamonds are characterized by their long, parallel facets that create a mirror-like effect. Originally named after (you guessed it!) the cutting style used to produce a style of emerald, the cut quickly gained popularity and was adopted for the diamond cutting process.
Why choose an emerald cut diamond?
Like a radiant cut, an emerald cut stone has cut corners, as opposed to the sharp, pointed corners of a stone such as a princess cut. This increases durability of the stone and can help prevent knicks and chips, making it a perfect choice if you lead an active lifestyle and plan on wearing your ring day in and day out.
They also appear larger than round brilliants of the same carat weight and provide a slimming effect to your finger.
Side fact: Emerald cut diamonds are the most widely known example of step-cut stones. Other step-cuts include asscher and baguette diamonds.
Emerald cut stones also have a unique subtlety when compared to other cuts. An emerald cut diamond produces bright, intermittent flashes of light instead of a continuous sparkle like a round brilliant. If you are looking for an understated but elegant look, this stone cut is for you!
If you are considering an emerald cut, we encourage you to explore a higher clarity and color, as the emerald cut is designed to exemplify these features. Unlike a radiant cut, an emerald cut does not hide flaws very well. Therefore, opting for a stone with less inclusions and color will allow your diamond to truly live up to its potential.
Estate Emerald Cut .90CT EVS2
Bezel set engagement rings
What is a bezel setting?
You take a lot of time determining the perfect diamond for an engagement ring, and you want to make sure the ring setting shows off your stone just as well.
A ring setting refers to how a diamond or gemstone is mounted in a ring and gives the ring a specific style.
This year, a design known as the “bezel” has risen in popularity. The bezel setting is a very distinct setting. It has no prongs, and instead is comprised of a thin layer of metal that wraps around the outside of the stone to create a very fluid and stylish look.
The bezel setting is most commonly used to accentuate geometric-shaped stones like emerald or emerald cut diamonds but is also seeing increased use with other stone cuts such as cushions and ovals.
Side fact: Bezels have been around since the inception of jewelry, with primitive examples being uncovered dating back hundreds of years. Many antique engagement rings feature a bezel setting as well.
Why choose a bezel setting?
A bezel-set engagement ring is not only a sleek and trendy look, but it also helps keep your stone safe. The bezel protects the enclosed stone from knicks and chips, increasing the longevity of your engagement ring. It can be paired with softer gemstones such as sapphires and emeralds because of its protective layer, allowing you to create a truly unique ring.
Because of its continuous design, you need not worry about the setting getting caught on a sweater or in your hair and subsequently bent or broken as you would with a traditional prong setting. This will minimize the need to repair and help prevent your stone from loosening within the setting.
A. JAFFE Solitaire Bezel Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
What is a solitaire?
The solitaire style of engagement rings has been one of the most dominant stylistic choices since its creation in the late 1800s. The reason for this is apparent; The solitaire is a simplistic and timeless look.
A solitaire ring is a style that displays a single crowning stone, void of accents, making the center diamond the focal point of the ring. These rings are typically accompanied by a high-polished shank.
Solitaire settings are the perfect choice to showcase a high-quality diamond and emphasize its beauty. Since the band of a solitaire lacks accent stones, it will often be cheaper than a diamond-adorned band, leaving more in your budget to put toward the center stone.
Side fact: According to a 2022 survey, over one third of respondents reported being given a solitaire engagement ring, continuing its reign as the most popular ring style.
Versatility
Solitaire settings are versatile and can be combined with any cut of diamond, allowing you to choose your preferred stone shape. Solitaire settings also pair excellently with wedding bands of all styles-thick or thin, plain or elaborate.
While some trends come and go, solitaires have remained in the spotlight for more than 100 years. When you decide on a solitaire, rest assured its beauty will withstand the test of time.
Gemstone Engagement Rings
When you think of an engagement ring, you probably envision diamonds being the stones of choice. This year, however, many couples have been opting for gemstone-set rings to add a layer of individualism and meaning to their engagement rings.
Gemstones such as sapphires and emeralds are a delightful alternative to the traditional diamond setting and offer a distinct vibrance that can set your ring apart from others. Yellows, pinks, and greens are just a few tonal choices for a gemstone bridal piece.
As mentioned, gemstones can carry a special significance; a birthstone, a favorite color, or an interpretive meaning. For example, emeralds are synonymous with love, rebirth, and fertility. Similarly, sapphires are associated with positive qualities such as loyalty, veracity, and faith.
Side fact: Rubies and sapphires both belong to a mineral group known as corundum.
If you are considering selecting a gemstone for an engagement ring, it is worth noting that some gemstones are considerably softer than others. Hardness refers not to the ability of a substance to resist breaking, but to its resistance to scratching and abrasion. For instance, a diamond is a 10 (out of 10) on the Mohs hardness scale. Sapphires and rubies sit right below diamonds at a 9/10, and aquamarines, emeralds and topaz possess a score of 8/10.
What does this mean for you? When choosing a gemstone, it is essential to consider its intended use. For engagement rings and pieces that will be worn daily, harder stones are preferred to minimize the risk of scratches and damage. This means that if you or a significant other are seeking out a gemstone ring that can be worn all the time, your most durable options are going to be sapphires and rubies.
But not to worry, this still leaves you with an abundance of color options. Rubies come in a gradient of reds, from deeper tones to lighter hues. Sapphires have even more variance, with a spectrum of colors including blue, yellow, green, orange, pink, purple, and more. Whatever gemstone you decide upon, making sure you consider its intended use will ensure the longevity of your jewelry.
Three-Across Rings
The three-stone engagement ring, also known as the "past, present, future" ring, is making a strong comeback. This design features a stunning center stone flanked by two smaller stones, historically signifying friendship, love, and fidelity.
Side fact: You may also hear a three-across engagement ring referred to as a trilogy or side stone setting.
The three-stone design is a blueprint that allows for easy customization; you can mix up the combination of stone shapes and colors to create a unique arrangement.
If you are big on symbolism and want to have a physical representation of you and your partners’ companionship, this three-stone style should be a front runner in your journey to select an engagement ring.
Vintage Rings
Antique rings are back in vogue, and we couldn't be more thrilled! From Victorian filigree to Art Deco geometrics, vintage engagement rings exude timeless charm and character. Vintage designs and motifs offer an unmatched degree of nostalgic flair that some people find lacking in modern designs. With such a variety of designs and forms, there is surely a vintage design that will suit your style.
Most vintage rings were expertly hand-made and built to last, hence why so many of them are still around today in shockingly good condition.
If you hope to give new life to a vintage piece, but still crave a sense of modernity, you can always look into a variety of modifications: updating the head of the ring, adding a halo around the center stone, adding a milgrain finish to the shank or adding additional pave diamonds. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of ways to update your ring while maintaining its original glamour.
Side fact: Milgrain is a beaded finish often applied to the sides of a ring to accentuate its shape and borders.
In summary, vintage rings are perfect for those who appreciate the romance and craftsmanship of times past and want their love story to echo through time.
The top engagement ring trends for 2023 are all about embracing personal style and celebrating love's journey. Whether you're a fan of classic elegance, vibrant gemstones, or vintage charm, there's a trend to suit every taste and budget.
Remember, your engagement ring is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a symbol of your love story and a reflection of your unique bond. So, take your time, explore the trends, and choose the ring that makes your heart skip a beat. Happy ring hunting and may your love story shine as bright as your sparkling new ring!
