Choosing an engagement ring can be daunting to say the least – especially if it’s you picking the ring! It can feel like a minefield and the amount of choice on the market can be overwhelming. Thankfully two of my favourite independent fine jewellers – Emma Clarkson Webb and Rachel Boston – are here to share their expert advice on the trends that they are forecasting for the year ahead and onwards in terms of popular cuts, colours and styles.
Art Deco
Our obsession with art-deco is showing no sign of abating and there is still – unsurprisingly – a huge appetite for its signature geometric style, patterned detailing and unusual cut diamonds such as kites or baguettes when it comes to engagement rings. “So many of my clients are opting for engagement rings incorporating art-deco motifs” says London bespoke jeweller Emma Clarkson Webb “We use lots of filigree detailing, white and yellow gold metal, repetitive geometric motifs and clean lines to create an art-deco feel with a contemporary twist.”
Rachel Boston – who specialises in bridal jewellery with an art-deco flavour – has been attracted to the rich design vocabulary of the Art-Deco period since the inception of her eponymous brand in 2012. “It’s such an extensive style that offers something for every taste: whether a five-stone ring with all-emerald cut diamonds, or an antique old mine cut surrounded by a modern baguette halo” Rachel says. “It’s one of the reasons for this aesthetic’s enduring success: you are guaranteed a chic, timeless piece with a lot of considered design details, which can range from very classic to completely extravagant. There is something for everyone, and I can’t see the appeal of Art-Deco inspired-pieces slowing down anytime soon.”
Colourful Gems
Rings featuring coloured stones have become a fixture of recent years and for good reason: they offer a unique and often more affordable alternative to a traditional diamond ring and are an impactful way to bring the wearer’s personality and individuality to life. Rachel often uses sapphires with either delicate pastel colours or beautiful, rich jewel-tones for best result and advises “if you are tempted by an engagement ring with a coloured gemstone, we always recommend using it as the central stone. Side diamonds or a diamond halo will frame your gemstone nicely, but won’t take the focus off its lovely colour and sparkle, which should remain the star of the show.” Emma has also seen demand continue to grow for coloured stones and increasingly receives requests for engagement rings with green and blue stones, particularly emeralds, sapphires, tsavorites and tourmalines.
Toi et Moi Rings
Megan Fox’s two stone Stephen Webster engagement ring sparked a trend when she debuted it earlier this year and there is no denying its popularity and relevance in pop culture thanks to Ariana Grande and Emily Ratajkowski, who have both been seen sporting toi-et-moi rings. Dating back to the 18th century, the toi et moi ring is bursting with romance. “The two stones represent the connection and union between two people but the stones can carry symbolism themselves by incorporating birth stones for example” says Emma. Rachel agrees, adding that the layout of the ring also leaves a lot of scope for play, another reason for its renewed popularity. “We can explore so many options to find the perfect balance, colour, and scale between the two stones, a layout completely unique to the wearer. It’s extremely unlikely anyone will have a ring just like it, which is also part of the appeal of this style.”
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