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