Jewelry Adviser Weblog: gemstones, diamonds, silver & gold
Around the world, Engagement rings reflect the passion and commitment of the couples towards each other. The patterns and designs used in the engagement rings have changed through ages. Earlier diamond solitaires were the way of proposing to the bride to be. But now, colored stones have taken their place. Antique rings with their classic looks have made a come back and their vintage appearance has enthralled the modern couple. Antique rings have become the trendiest accessories of all with floral motifs and extensive engravings. Platinum jewelry has become widely popular since it enhances the effect of the diamonds. The modern couples flaunt their love with expensive engagement rings and declare their love in style.

Engagement ring is one of the most loved pieces of jewelry for any couple in the world, who are in love. Engagement rings bear witness for the moment when a man and women decide to become man and wife. The ring is an embodiment of their devotion and their promise to lead their lives together henceforth. Engagement rings are worn on the left hand ring finger of a woman, according to the western tradition. In the modern era, the prospective groom gifts the engagement ring to hi bride-to-be while proposing to her or after she accepts his marriage proposal. It stands for the formal bond of marriage that could happen in the future.

In the U.S, the current trend of the bride-to-be buying a promise ring or an engagement ring for the prospective groom during the engagement is becoming common. In Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands and Brazil, men and women sport their engagement rings. As the tastes of the people has evolved down the ages, the designs, patterns and metals used in the engagement rings have changed according to the popular tastes through the ages.
Engagement rings are now made of various materials. Gold, platinum, silver are commonly used to make engagement rings and titanium is rarely used. Since, the engagement rings are a proclamation of a persons love and commitment for their loved ones, they spend immense amount on buying an expensive ring. Many opt for gem studded rings and the choices are aplenty like sapphires, emeralds, rubies, pearls and opals.
Diamonds are always a woman’s best friend and the tradition of proposing to a lady with a diamond solitaire has been in existence for years now. Large diamonds set in platinum or gold and in the shape of a round or an emerald has been commonly used in the engagement rings. But now, oval shaped diamonds studded rings are becoming popular. Since, the beauty of diamonds are enhanced with the use of platinum, they have captivated the imagination of the people.

In European countries like Germany, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, normally plain golf bands without any gems in it are used as engagement rings. In France, people prefer colored gems to diamonds in their engagement rings. Gold and platinum is preferred to other materials owing to their durability and higher value. Titanium and stainless steel have earned mileage in the modern era and are used in engagement rings now-a-days.
Antique rings are also gaining momentum in the fashion scene. The nostalgic pieces that are vintage and timeless are desired by every woman. They are in vogue now and are the latest fashion statement. Platinum’s luster gives an extra sheen to the diamonds set in them and so they have become popular among young and old alike. Colored stones and new floral motifs are common in the engagement rings of today. Engagement rings that speak love have become epitomes of style in the modern era.
Ted from Mervis Diamond Importers
August 14th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I love the constantly changing trends and needs in the engagement ring market.
Even though palladium is getting more popular, I still prefer platinum in a classic solitaire setting – it really shows off a truly beautiful diamond.
Chris
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:50 am
The platinum engagement rings are stand out rings. They are hard to miss.
Bidz
August 27th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
No matter what the current trends are consumers are looking for the best deal possible. If you can steal a diamond engagement ring on a jewelry auction then you are good to go.
petter thomson
September 24th, 2008 at 12:58 am
I think everyone like this article because its about the taste of engagement rings. I like changes and I think that everyone wishes to give their belover a ring which is the latest in the market. Thanks for this interesting article.
RBarnaby
October 15th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
This article is really helpful. However, I have been shopping for weeks and still can’t choose the perfect engagement ring. I have been looking into buying a Platinum engagement ring with a solitaire princess cut diamond. It looks marvelous to me as a guy, but I am wondering if this is something my future fiance would love and enjoy…
Any suggestions?
RichS1
November 12th, 2008 at 11:50 am
It is true that styles of engagement rings change through the years, but I think that platinum is forever. Every woman loves it, its classic and the quality clearly better than gold, in my opinion. Anyone agree??
Dan
December 14th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Rich: (and others)
I completely agree. I have been looking for an engagement ring for months. The qualities found in platinum truly outweigh those of other metals.
I found a very informative and credible online source that compares the qualities found in many metals: http://www.engagementguide.com/about_the_ring/precious_metals.php
Aside from platinum’s many qualities (durability, natural color and luster, the fact that it is hypoallergenic, and holds stone more securely than other metals), I found that 81% of women prefer it and 36% are disappointed when they receive another metal.
My advice is to take your time and really research what you are getting. Sometimes the shopping experience can be overwhelming, I found doing my due diligence prior to dealing with a sales person was more productive. The site I mentioned above was a great online source to find reputable and talented jewelers.
Goin Bridal
February 13th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Did he pop the question this valentines day.
Do you get the choice to select your own engagement ring…??
Most men these days prefer to let his girl to choose her own engagement ring, making sure that she gets the ring of her dreams.
Time to start looking for your dream engagement ring. Princess Cut Engagement Rings are fast becoming the preferred choice for today’s bride.
Find out why these designer engagement rings are so popular and why you get more Bling for your buck when you select a Princess Cut Engagement ring.
Visit here for the full story.http://www.goinbridal.com/index.php/2008/12/princess-cut-engagement-rings-get-more-bling-for-your-buck/.
DRis
March 17th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Let’s face it. As pretty and shiny as diamonds are, your first step toward purchasing a diamond engagement ring is to accept and realize that you are buying one of the most beautiful and chic thing in the world.
Rick
May 6th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Although this article was written in 2008, it’s great to look back to see if trends stayed the same or have changed even just a short time later.
My advice is anyone shopping for jewelry is simple – learn as much as you can about your basic metal options – platinum, palladium, and gold. And keep an eye on each metal’s current market value. Like oil – they tend to fluctuate. An educated consumer is really the jewelry industry’s best customer.
Lollo
January 28th, 2010 at 2:18 am
i would love to hear what experts think about royal engagements rings
http://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/gallery/200908211884/royal-brides/engagement-ring/princess-wed/1/1/
i do like the simple but what can be said about them…. cuts carats and so on