M.Rings, Orion Jewelry Studio

Engagement and Wedding Ring Design Trends

By Taylor Smith

Engagement and wedding ring influencers like Gurki Basra, senior buyer of jewelry and watches at Barneys New York, say that the top 2019 trends in engagement ring styles include colored stones, multiple bands, and a mix of metals. Gray diamonds in particular have begun to emerge as a style statement as younger brides become more adventurous in their choices. Those who are getting married may see these designs and colors as a dream for them and can’t wait to wear these beauties for the rest of their lives, however, despite this happiness, rings can go wrong, stones do fall out and the shine can come off the band. Luckily there are ring remodelling services that can help them get their rings back to their former glory so they do not have to trade them in for another down the line, meaning that they will be able to enjoy these styles forever.

If you’re drawn to an edgier look, but worry about your tastes changing down the road, jewelers advise that you can always reset your ring. Raw diamonds or uncut diamonds are another option for unique engagement rings. Raw diamond styles range from ultra-contemporary to minimal and organic in shape. They also tend to be slightly more affordable since they’re unpolished. In addition, no two raw diamonds are alike, fulfilling another engagement trend of one-of-a-kind pieces. The brilliance of a raw diamond is also something to behold, as they are warm in hue and contain a vast color spectrum, making the diamond look as though it is lit from within.

Emerald diamond ring,
Orion Jewelry Studio

The challenge of finding the right combination of metals, diamonds, gemstones, and setting is challenging for any bride or groom. Many jewelers recommend that buyers keep the metal and stone in the same color family. For example, yellow gold dramatically captures the luminescence of a yellow diamond. Similarly, a chocolate-colored diamond in a yellow gold setting generates a warm, luxurious feel. Complementary colors can also create an unexpected effect, such as a rose gold setting matched with a green gemstone.

Fashion insiders predict that the era of the snow-white wedding gown will gradually recede as brides take chances on muslin and tea-stained colored gowns. Silver palettes are also on the rise for wedding dresses as brides seek the dramatic sparkle that recalls fabric styles of the 1920s and 30s. Also popular are platinum silks, fern-colored green tones, blushing pinks, icy lavenders, and more. Moreover, these variations in wedding fashion can also provide couples with a wide range of options to explore different wedding themes and venues (check out this site for information about venues and wedding concepts). Now they can go for any trending theme and venue decor such as vintage, romantic, bohemian, casual, or some other without worrying about pairing it with the traditional wedding fashion that is white and pastel colors.

With all the options nowadays, it is important that brides-to-be attempt to navigate the line between tradition and trend (a cabernet-colored gown may be a regrettable choice). While it might be refreshing for guests to see a palette of shimmery pastels and other tints during the wedding ceremony, some brides may be purists at heart and realize that like all things en vogue, trends do come and go.

In addition to new wedding dress and diamond styles, pre-owned stones may be another appealing path. Stunning pre-owned diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and more are available for purchase at most major jewelers and at auctions. In fact, many jewelers have made a successful business of reworking antique jewelry for the modern bride and groom.

Conflict-Free Diamonds

Both Hamilton Jewelers of Princeton and Brilliant Earth pride themselves in going above and beyond the current industry standards to offer Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds that “have been selected for their ethical and environmentally sustainable origins.” The diamonds are sourced from particular mine operations or countries that maintain their commitment to internationally-recognized labor, environmental, and trade standards. These countries include (but are not limited to) Russia, Canada, and Botswana Sort. As far as mining practices and standards are concerned, Beyond Conflict Free does not finance rebel movements, protects against human rights abuses, minimizes environmental degradation, maintains safe and responsible labor practices, and supports community development (www.brilliantearth.com/conflict-free-diamonds).

As stated on its website, “Hamilton Jewelers supports the United Nations’ efforts to stop the sales of diamonds from any country where rebel forces use diamonds to finance acts of war and terror.” The company is also committed to the Jewelers of America Code of Ethics, which obliges “all transactions to be conducted in an ethical and professional manner. We expect our suppliers to comply with their national labor and environmental laws and regulations and to respect the fundamental International Labor Organization conventions, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

Noteworthy engagement ring styles from Hamilton Jewelers include the 18K Gold and Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, 18K Rose Gold and Diamond Engagement Ring, Centennial 18K Gold and Pear Shape Diamond Engagement Ring, and Heritage Platinum 1.51 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring. For a real show-stopper, be sure to take a look at the Platinum and 18K Gold Fancy Yellow Diamond Three Stone Ring. This stunning three-stone ring includes a cushion cut fancy yellow diamond center that is flanked by two emerald cut diamonds. The fancy yellow diamond totals 3.15 carats and the emerald cut diamonds total .87 carats. Handmade in 18K gold and precious platinum, this particular engagement ring is a stunning piece that will surely stand the test of time.

Engineered Diamonds

Is there such a thing as a 100 percent authentic diamond created in a lab? Look no further than Santa Clara, Calif.-based startup Diamond Foundry (www.diamondfoundry.com). Backed by over a dozen wealthy investors including actor Leonardo DiCaprio, Diamond Foundry is able to “grow” new diamonds by taking a culture of an original diamond and heating to temperatures of 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (similar to the temperature of the sun). These layers of crystal are stacked, one on top of the other, until a pure diamond is formed. The largest diamond generated in the lab so far weighed in at 12 carats. Diamond Foundry currently produces 1,000 carats per month, which is approximately 150 to 300 gems from every two-week batch.

Natural diamonds are rated and tested for purity and authenticity by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Color, cut, clarity, and carat weight are examined by a GIA-trained gemologist. Diamond Foundry founder Martin Roscheisen assures that Diamond Foundry’s products have tested as true, pure jewelry white diamonds.

So how does the cost of a man-made diamond compare to those dug out of the earth? According to Diamond Foundry’s website, their lab-grown gemstones have an online price set at 10-15 percent below market price. An individual diamond from their online store costs from $305 for a 0.38 carat round-cut gem to $23,000 for a 2.30 carat gem.

In addition to Roscheisen, the masterminds behind Diamond Foundry are largely engineers from Stanford, Princeton, and MIT. Since its launch in 2015, the company appears to be perfecting its foundry process, productivity, and retail potential as it has made an effort to collaborate with a wide variety of diamond cutters and designers. Its “Real. Unique. World Positive” website slogan is accompanied by attractive images of engagement and wedding rings (loose diamonds are also available at www.diamondfoundry.com). Partnerships with New York City retailers include Clay Pot Nolita (www.clay-pot.com) and Lori McLean Jewelry (www.lorimclean.com).

Diamond Foundry made a splash at a 2017 Paris Fashion Week launch event, at which the company headlined the Fashion Tech Lab presentation. Over 400 fashion luminaries including representatives from Chanel Fine Jewelry, Balenciaga, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Louboutin were in attendance.

Of his support and belief in Diamond Foundry, DiCaprio posted to his personal Twitter page, “Proud to invest in Diamond Foundry – a co reducing human & environmental toll by sustainably culturing diamonds.”

When it comes to engineered diamonds, some historic brands have been less enthusiastic. Companies like De Beers and Tiffany’s have cultivated their own iconic luxury brands under the notion that diamonds are rare, eternal, and exclusive. In fact, De Beers’s slogan, “a diamond is forever,” perpetuates the idea that the only acceptable option is mined diamonds.

Initially published in 1845, the Tiffany Blue Book was the first collection of extraordinary jewelry available to newlyweds across the United States by mail-order catalog.

Deemed “a rare beauty,” Tiffany yellow diamonds “make a glamorous statement for day or night.” Tiffany’s expertise in yellow diamonds dates back to 1878 when Charles Lewis Tiffany purchased the 287.42 carat Tiffany diamond. This rare specimen was then cut into a brilliant cushion-shape weighing in at 128.54 carats. Yellow diamonds continue to be a draw for the thousands of people who visit Tiffany’s flagship store in New York City every year.

Yellow Gold

Featured on Meghan Markle’s ring, yellow gold is on the rise for 2019, so much so, that people seem to be flooding online stores like Jacobs (https://jacobsthejewellers.com/) to find something similar. But why such demand for this? Perhaps because the bright metal complements almost any type of setting – from pear-shaped to stacked and nested rings – and works with both diamonds and gemstones people find it attractive. Yellow gold metals can suit any bride’s ring style, such as vintage, modern, romantic, feminine, and/or classic. Brilliant Earth (www.brilliantearth.com) offers a wide selection of new yellow-gold wedding band designs. As described on its website, yellow gold has the potential to “symbolize your love with the warm glow of yellow gold, a classic band, a vintage-inspired style, or an ultra-glamorous design.”

Noted as being “Ethical. Stunning. One-of-a-Kind,” Brilliant Earth allows users to shop diamonds by shape. Options include round, oval, cushion, princess, pear, emerald, marquise, asscher, radiant, and heart. From vivid blue sapphire to sparkling moissanite, Brilliant Earth’s selection of gemstone rings is sure to please. You can create your own individual ring by selecting a gemstone and pairing it with a setting of your choice. You can also shop by gemstone, with aquamarine, morganite, emerald, and sapphire being the particular standouts. Furthermore, if you feel like you need to sell these and get some new gold for your engagement jewelry, you always have the option to do that as well. However, buying gold bars or coins is not a child’s play and while precious metal companies are abound, you’d still need to be sure that you’re purchasing from the right enterprise. The matter is all the more complicated, thanks to articles like “is amagi precious metals a scam?” As a responsible customer though, you need to read up from reputed sources such as Cayman Financial Review if that is indeed the case. After all, you need to be zen percent sure when it comes to investing in something as expensive as precious metals.

Mixed Metals

Collet front, Ashley Zhang Jewelry

While mixed metals maybe de rigueur for an everyday stack, the engagement ring use of mixed metals is clearly a trend for 2019. As seen by the Ashley Zhang Collet Engagement Ring in Platinum and Yellow Gold with a Cushion-Cut Diamond, the platinum basket on a gold band makes the cushion-cut diamond really shine. Of the Georgian-inspired solitaire, Ashley Zhang told Brides magazine, “When you use a white metal like platinum for the diamond setting, it makes the stone really pop and also accentuates the yellow gold even more. It can be so subtle that people won’t event notice the white metal, or it can be more of a statement choice.”

Jade Cabochon,
Ashley Zhang Jewelry

Another noteworthy design is Zhang’s Grace Emerald Cut Engagement Ring, inspired by Grace Kelly’s iconic engagement ring. The Grace is a classic emerald cut featuring a slim band tapered by baguette diamonds flanking the center emerald cut diamond. The ring can also be custom ordered with a different center stone of your choice. Does your bride have a theatrical flair? Then the Art Deco Jade Ring may be right for her. This stunning Art Deco-era ring is surrounded by a halo of subtly sparkly sing cut diamonds, set in platinum. The platinum shank is beautifully decorated with hand engraving. The ring is circa 1920 (www.ashleyzhangjewelry.com/vintage/art-deco-jade-ring).

The Rules Are Out

In 2019, it appears that brides and grooms can play by their own rulebook. This extends beyond the ring and the dress to coeds on each side of the aisle and mismatched attendant attire (because, why not?). Embracing colors and color trends for 2019 could also include a floral design inspired by the Pantone Color of the Year, Living Coral. Fresh palettes, pops of bold color, and eclectic stationery are all ways for the happy couple to express themselves. “Sociable and spirited” is how Pantone describes the juicy orange-golden shade on its website (www.pantone.com). This “animating and life-affirming hue” could easily be incorporated into a bouquet filled with poppies or a chuppah strung with chrysanthemum flowers in various shades of coral, yellow, orange, and pale pink. In short, there’s no end to the colorful 2019 wedding design trends.