According to MSN Shopping's Shannon McCarthy, gem trends for the upcoming engagement season include:
Three-Stone
This style was previously pitched as an anniversary ring with the three stones symbolizing a couple's past, present and future. In recent years, its popularity as
an engagement ring has skyrocketed. The romantic symbolism here can't be beat — the sparkling triplets are a testament to the couple's confidence that their union will be a long and happy one. Whether you choose side stones that match the carat weight and shape of the center solitaire, or decide to go with the chic contrast of pear, trillion or princess cuts flanking a round or oval gem, the overall visual impact of the ring will be more spectacular than that of a traditional single stone. And while rubies and sapphires may not always take center stage, they can still be dazzling supporting players.Eternity Bands
Just as the three-stone ring has morphed from an anniversary-only choice to a popular engagement piece, the sublime round of endless gems known as an eternity
ring has come into its own as a particularly meaningful betrothal band. It’s now quite chic to forgo the solitaire altogether and opt for stones that travel around the circumference of the ring, symbolizing a love without beginning or end. Channel and bezel settings keep those sparklers secure, and while white diamonds populate most choices, look for scatterings of deep blue sapphires or crimson rubies to really catch the eye. The band metal of the moment is platinum. Rarer and more durable than gold, it’s also recommended for women sensitive to the alloys used in gold — it’s 90 to 95% pure.$500 and under
Love for sale? Not exactly, but you can find fabulous bargain baubles to seal the deal. Start with your metals — white gold will give you the look of platinum without the sticker shock. Smaller side diamonds, especially in pave or
channel settings snugged into the band, will enhance a main stone that may not be mega, as will bezel-set center stones (just make sure your bezel metal is white). Many diamonds a half-carat and below sport clarity and color superior to their larger-carat cousins, and when you’re choosing cuts, keep in mind that marquis, princess, pear and oval all appear larger than their same-carat round counterparts. Ditching that diamond altogether and going with alternative gemstones can make for a beautiful, and less conventional, rock of ages.Colored Gemstones
"I know what women want," says McCarthy. "Well, at least when it comes to our engagement rings. We'd like them to both reflect our individual sense of style and pay tribute to our relationship. Classic stones like the diamond solitaire are enduringly popular, but gaining ground is something akin to hue love. Colored stones have transcended trend and are now widely available and quite affordable (especially if we aren't talking colored diamonds). Sapphires, rubies and emeralds are all properly precious stones whose hardness is suitable for this most important piece of jewelry. Less expensive sparklers like garnet and topaz are also used now to dazzling effect. A gorgeous substitute for a canary diamond is the yellow sapphire and try a tourmaline if you’re looking to replicate a pink diamond."Vintage
Yearning for some good old-fashioned romance? Jewelry designers are crafting engagement rings that echo those your great-grandmother, even your great-great grandmother would've worn. And contemporary brides-to-be are
happily going the retro route, embracing a ladylike look that’s at once both delicate and incredibly detailed. Settings are covered with intricate handiwork like carved scrolling, delicate floral and filigree patterns and airy latticework. Stones also reflect an antique aesthetic — cushion, round, pillow and Asscher cuts are classic shapes and their larger facets radiate more fire under less light (this was especially important in the past when the main sources of illumination were candles). Another reason to consider these bygone beauties — the shanks shine with ornate diamond micro-pavé, milgrain beading and intricate engraving for extra overall bling that still radiates pure class.For more information, visit MSN Shopping.
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