An engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewellery: It signifies a commitment to your relationship. As the world of weddings continues to evolve, wedding and engagement rings play a crucial role in symbolizing eternal love and commitment. Proposals are getting grander and rings are getting bigger when it comes to the 3C’s – cut, colour and clarity.
Wedding rings have always been a symbol of love, but over time, the styles and trends associated with them have evolved. Today’s modern bride and groom are looking for unique and contemporary rings that reflect their style and personality. From yellow diamonds to baguette cuts, cushion cuts and even a diamond band, the sparkle of a diamond truly never stops shining.
LuxeBook delves into the captivating realm of wedding rings, highlighting the different kinds of diamond cuts, setting techniques, current trends for men and women, and popular ring designs, and offering a glimpse into the future of this timeless tradition.
Enchanted Ring By Ribbons Jewellery
The evolution of diamond ring cuts
During the older days of our grandparents and parents, proposals were not such a dramatic affair. Once the bride and groom agreed to marry, the ceremonies were carried out in a traditional Indian way, rings designs were simplistic and sometimes even lacked a diamond. They range from gold rings to solitaire diamond rings. But in the 21st century, things have taken a stark turn. The designs are getting more detail and flamboyant with a variety of diamond cuts and styles available in the market.
Engagement rings arrived in America in the 1840s but were still relatively uncommon. In the 1900s rings were marked by their dainty and elaborate details. Most rings centred around a large diamond and the goal of the jeweller was to get as many diamonds on the piece as possible. They would do so by encrusting small diamonds into settings made of filigree and ornate detailing. The hand-cut round stone remained popular from the turn of the century until the 1930s. When art deco emerged in the 1920s, we saw a combination of diamonds and coloured gemstones and around one large stone. It was also around this time that the Asscher cut diamonds gained popularity. The patented cut is like an emerald cut but is wider set. Soon diamonds were replaced by an engagement ring’s centre stone to be fitted with a sapphire, emerald, or ruby. But in the 1930s due to the great depression rings became simpler in design, stones became smaller, and platinum was widely the metal of choice. In 1940 yellow gold emerged on the forefront for ring settings and bands, and for those who could afford it, cushion cut, and solitaire centre stones were the rage by the mid-1940s. After De Beer’s launched its iconic campaign “A Diamond is Forever” in 1948 the success maybe diamond ring sales skyrocket and the custom of proposing with a diamond ring became the norm. Finally, in 1968 Elizabeth Taylor’s ring, which is known as the Krupp diamond, sparked a trend of grandiose, over-the-top engagement rings with a 39.19-carat Asscher cut diamond. Soon enough people began taking a more personalized approach to their rings, it became common for the bride and groom to design matching wedding sets. By 1990, the minimalist trend was back. Settings made in yellow and 24-carat gold were out and cooler metals, like platinum and white gold, were in. It only became common to match your engagement ring and wedding band in the past few decades and the three-stone ring today is a popular trend. Finally, today, we also see a rise in the number of stackable rings, a glistening solitaire teamed with a diamond wedding ring band.
Nature inspired design by Shobha Shingar Jewellers
Ishan Kaicker, Director at Ribbons Jewellery points out “the landscape of ring designs has continuously evolved. In the past, traditional solitaire diamond rings held sway, symbolizing timeless elegance. However, modern designs now incorporate intricate details, including vintage-inspired motifs, floral patterns, and intricate filigree work.” While solitaire rings have remained a classic, Halo ring with design features of a centre stone surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones, have become popular in recent years, adds Milind Mathur Director and Partner at Kohinoor Jewellers Agra. ” In recent years, wedding ring and wedding band trends have witnessed a remarkable shift towards personalization and individuality. For women, stackable rings have gained immense popularity, allowing for creative combinations of different metals, gemstones, and designs. Men’s wedding bands have also transformed, with a rise in alternative metals like tungsten and titanium, and a growing preference for sleek and minimalist designs,” continues Ishan.
Different Kind of Diamond Cuts
Diamonds are renowned for their brilliance and beauty, and their cuts greatly influence their overall appearance. But for Ishan, each diamond cut boasts a unique charm. He feels that “setting techniques, such as prong, bezel, pavé, and channel settings, add further distinction to wedding rings, allowing diamonds to shine in their full splendour.”
Ribbons Jewellery Emerald Illusion Diamond Ring
What are diamond cuts though? Diamond cuts refer to the way a diamond is shaped and faceted to enhance its brilliance and sparkle, explains Snehal Choksey of Shobha Shringar Jewellers. Some of the most popular kinds of diamond ring cuts include Round cuts, princess cuts, cushion cuts, Baguette and more. According to Milind, “Diamond cuts are like individual personalities etched into precious stones, each with its distinct character and allure.” Whether you are soon to be married or not, it’s always good to brush up on your knowledge about the different kinds of diamond cuts. Let’s look at some of the key cuts as explained by Snehal.
Astral Cut
A celestial-inspired cut with intricate facets that mimic the dazzling stars in the night sky. Its unconventional design creates a mesmerizing play of light, offering a celestial connection for those who seek a touch of magic.
Mystique Cut
This enigmatic cut combines elements of marquise and radiant cuts, featuring unconventional angles and asymmetrical patterns. It exudes an air of mystery and uniqueness, making it an ideal choice for those who embrace their individuality.
Enchanted Rose Cut
Inspired by the beauty of a blooming rose, this cut showcases layered petals that gently unfurl, revealing the diamond’s captivating inner world. Its delicate and romantic appearance makes it an enchanting choice for dreamers and romantics.
Harmony Cut
The harmony cut features flowing curves and interlocking facets that symbolize balance and unity. Its graceful silhouette represents the interconnectedness of life and resonates with those who seek harmony in all aspects of their being.
Gemstone Emerald Ring By Kohinoor Jewellers Agra
In easier and layman language Milind throws light on six popular diamond cuts.”Round Brilliant Cut: This is the most popular diamond cut, featuring a round shape with multiple facets to maximize brilliance; Princess Cut: A square or rectangular cut with pointed corners, the princess cut is known for its contemporary and elegant look; Cushion Cut: This cut combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, giving the diamond a soft and romantic appeal; Emerald Cut: With a rectangular shape and step-cut facets, the emerald cut offers a unique and sophisticated look, emphasizing clarity rather than brilliance; Asscher Cut: Similar to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut is square-shaped with step-cut facets, but it has a more distinctive octagonal shape; and Marquise Cut: This cut features an elongated shape with pointed ends, creating a striking and elongating effect on the finger.”
Most Popular Ring Designs
Now that we’ve understood the kind of diamond cuts, let’s look at the popular ring designs which are currently in vogue. The most popular ring designs recently include Solitaire Rings, Halo Rings, Three-Stone Rings, Vintage Ring, Alternate Gemstone Rings and Three-stone rings.
Solitaire rings, which feature a single centre stone, have consistently remained a classic and timeless choice. The design typically features a diamond or another precious gemstone held by prongs or a bezel setting. Halo engagement rings gained significant popularity in recent years. This design features a centre stone surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones, accentuating the size of the central stone. Three-stone rings, typically feature three diamonds or gemstones of varying sizes, representing the couple’s journey together. Vintage-inspired engagement rings have seen a resurgence in popularity. Designs influenced by different eras, such as Art Deco, Victorian, or Edwardian styles, often incorporate intricate details, filigree work, and milgrain patterns. While diamonds have traditionally been the most popular choice for engagement rings, there has been a rise in the popularity of alternative gemstones. Couples are exploring options like sapphires, emeralds, morganites, and other coloured gemstones as centre stones or accent stones, adding a vibrant and personalized touch to their rings.
Nature inspired design by Shobha Shingar Jewellers
Yes, wedding rings and bands do differ for men and women, and in recent years, there has been a growing trend toward personalized and unique wedding ring designs for both. As per Snehal men are looking to alternative metals like tungsten, titanium, and palladium, which offer durability and a modern look, coloured gemstones, as well as rings with matte, hammered, or brushed finishes as they add a masculine and rugged touch. Additionally, the concept of personalized engravings such as special dates or meaningful phrases, is becoming more common for both men and women. Whereas women are mixing and matching different metals like rose gold with platinum or white gold, opting for unique diamond shapes, such as pear, oval, or marquise, for a distinctive and eye-catching appearance, and women are also stacking bands instead of wearing a single ring. Milind also points out that “open and interlocking design elements symbolize the bond between partners and have gained attention for their unique and symbolic appeal.”
Future wedding ring trends
Just like with fashion trends, some trends re-emergence, some disappear, and some continue to stay on as classics. Looking ahead, one can anticipate several exciting trends in the realm of wedding rings. According to Ishan, nature-inspired designs, featuring delicate leaf patterns and floral elements, are expected to gain momentum, symbolizing a deep connection with the environment. However, the jewellery industry too is moving towards ethical practices feel both Ishan and Snehal and hence feel that ethical and sustainable practices will also shape the industry. ” With increasing awareness and concern for the environment and ethical sourcing, there is a growing demand for wedding rings made from recycled metals and ethically sourced diamonds or gemstones,” said Snehal. Adding to this Milind shared that designers may explore new and unconventional materials for rings, such as sustainable alternatives, recycled or upcycled materials, or innovative composites. “These materials could add an element of uniqueness and eco-consciousness to ring designs.” This for him could also mean the rise of multi-functional rings that go beyond ornamental value. For example, rings with hidden compartments, integrated technology, or detachable elements that transform into wearable accessories.
Gemstone ring by Shobha Shingar Jewellers
But one thing is certain lab-grown diamonds will bring new dimensions to wedding ring designs, allowing for expressions of love. While that might be a new trend, personalization and the fusion of art and jewellery will never cease to exist. “The boundary between jewelry and wearable art may blur further, resulting in pieces that are not just accessories but also artistic statements. These rings may incorporate sculptural elements, mixed media, or collaborative works with contemporary artists,” Milind told LuxeBook. And Snehal concluded that the trend of personalized and unique wedding rings is likely to continue, with couples seeking customized designs, engravings, or incorporating birthstones or meaningful symbols into their rings.
Thus, wedding rings will still continue to be a statement symbol and a prized possession for individuals. No matter how much the industry changes, it will remain a symbol of love and commitment.
