| The diamond engagement rings - a timeless | | | | with diamonds seamlessly, is elegant and is |
| expression of love and commitment. | | | | becoming more popular. The idea is that |
| | | | smaller stones are set so close together that |
| The classic styles available - solitaire and | | | | no metal can be seen between them. This |
| pave, for example - still are popular today, | | | | maximizes the wattage of the ring without |
| but there are emerging trends of which you, | | | | pushing the cost too high. |
| the potential buyer should be aware. | | | | |
| | | | Antique, vintage rings that your grandmother |
| Note: One thing that never changes is what | | | | might have worn also are trendy, which |
| grooms tend to pay for engagement rings - | | | | combines an historical, period look with |
| quite a bit! Latest statistics show the | | | | current fashion. Look for gold filigree |
| average amount spent is $3,000, according to | | | | settings, floral accents and gemstone |
| these sources: | | | | baguettes. The cuts typically are cushion, |
| | | | round, pillow and Asscher , and their larger |
| " $3,044 (Bride's Millenium Report) | | | | facets radiate more fire under less light. |
| | | | |
| " $2,982 (Bride's Magazine) | | | | Also becoming more popular are modern styles. |
| | | | This type features clean, streamlined designs |
| " $2,909 (Modern Bride, as cited in Weddings | | | | for a cosmopolitan, chic look. The most |
| for Dummies) | | | | contemporary styles feature a bezel-set and |
| | | | designs where the diamond seems to "float," |
| " $3,576 (Conde Nast Bridal Group) | | | | which is a type of tension setting.engagement |
| | | | rings with colored stones also are an |
| " $3,165 (Modern Bride Magazine) | | | | emerging trend, with colored diamonds being |
| | | | quite the rage. Many celebrities, such as |
| " $2,807 (National Bride Service) | | | | Jennifer Lopez, have chosen colored diamond |
| | | | engagement rings and this has cemented their |
| Hot ring trends - classic, antique and modern | | | | popularity. |
| lead the way | | | | |
| | | | For something different, consider new diamond |
| For example, classic solitaires are very | | | | cuts on the market. The Zales diamond cut has |
| popular. Many women are choosing a | | | | more facets than traditional cuts and can |
| classic-cut diamond solitaire. These are | | | | increase the stone's fire. Also consider the |
| assured of never going out of style and make | | | | princess cut - a modified square. |
| good heirloom pieces. | | | | |
| | | | Platinum - hands down the choice today |
| However, a traditional solitaire setting is | | | | |
| upswept and raises the diamond high. Some | | | | Regarding the ring itself, platinum is |
| people today select settings where the center | | | | definitely the hot trend. Platinum is popular |
| stone sits low, creating a look that is | | | | because its rich luster sets off the |
| elegant and ergonomic. Another popular | | | | brilliance of a diamond like no other metal. |
| setting is one that is intricately raised, as | | | | This metal is naturally white and will always |
| well as twisted band. | | | | keep its shine, unlike yellow gold, which may |
| | | | tarnish. Platinum is the strongest precious |
| And while the round cut continues to be | | | | metal, and is twice as heavy as most gold |
| popular, it is becoming more common to see | | | | alloy rings. |
| the oval cut, as well as the emerald. | | | | |
| | | | Some women want their platinum ring carved |
| The pave setting, where the band is studded | | | | with designs or inlaid with gemstones. |