All the Engagement Ring Trends You Could Possibly Need to Know For 2019

"The classic round diamond is always popular, but the Old European cut diamond has become very sought after recently. The cut has the round outline that's so popular in engagement rings, but the proportions give it a unique charm."

"Old European cut diamonds have more rainbow flashes than modern round brilliant cuts and less of the splintery white flashes."

"Geometric step cuts, like an emerald cut, offer a bold alternative to the classic round brilliant cut. The sharp edges and angles create a clean look further enhanced by the straight step cut facets. They are a good option for someone looking for a more sleek, modern look but can also be combined with various diamond cuts or engraving and detail to create a rich, layered look."

"Our Art Deco Square Step Cut Diamond Ring keeps the focus on the beautiful, crisp center stone. It has minimal millegrained detailing on the mounting and hand-engraved details on the shank to balance out the design."

"We also have a lot of clients searching for Asscher cut diamonds. These square step cuts have a clean, classic, geometric appeal that looks great in anything, from a solitaire mounting to a bold art deco design."

"This vintage Asscher cut diamond ring contrasts the straight step cuts of the center with the round side stones. The kite-shaped frames play off the geometry of the center stone to enhance the overall design."

"Unique, unique, unique. People really want a ring that stands out and has a story all its own. Vintage and antique rings are a great way to have a ring that no one else will have, and each one comes with a rich history and story. Unusual shapes and cuts are also trending. An octagon-, lozenge-, or kite-shaped diamond can anchor a unique design that creates a personal, one-of-a-kind ring."

Art Deco Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Arts & Crafts Diamond Ring

"We're also seeing a lot of solitaires with flair. The solitaire diamond engagement ring is as classic and traditional as it gets, but the perfect amount of detail can make it anything but basic. Solitaires with just the right amount of unique detail strike the balance between the most recognizable symbol of betrothal and something personal and unique."

"We like mixed metal examples, like a gold band with a platinum basket. Our North Star engagement ring has this beautiful combination, but it takes it next level with tiny diamond set stars embellishing the mounting."

"Our flower engagement ring lets the focus remain on the center stone but has a beautiful patterned band to add details and symbolism. The flower blossoms on the band are orange blossoms. Queen Victoria popularized these when she wore them to her wedding to Prince Albert. The blossom represents fruitfulness."

"Oval cut diamonds are very flattering to many finger shapes and are a classic alternative to round stones. The graceful, elongated shape tends to visually lengthen the finger. They have similar brilliance and sparkle to the more prevalent round brilliant cut but are a more unexpected shape. Though they are a less common diamond shape, they still lend themselves well to a variety of classic mounting styles to create timeless, elegant engagement rings. Our oval and baguette cut engagement ring keeps the design simple and refined. The center stone is the star of this ring. The long, tapered baguettes add a clean sparkle to the band while not detracting from the center. The design keeps the focus on the verticality of the stone along the length of the finger."

"I never really write off any diamond shape. There's so much creativity and reinvention in the jewelry world that we constantly see older shapes being dusted off and made edgy and interesting again. Take the marquise shape; it was completely outdated for a while, but now designers are gravitating towards the shape and creating really fresh designs."

"When shopping on a budget, I always encourage clients to carefully consider what's important to them. For some people, a large, impressive ring is very important. For these clients, I recommend a warmer-colored diamond and staying away from the higher-clarity grades. Framing the center stone with other diamonds or even a beautifully engraved metal frame can make the diamond appear larger."

"Some shapes can also give more visual bang for the buck. Think elongated shapes like marquise or oval cuts. For clients who prefer a more understated ring with a higher-quality stone, I recommend looking for a stone that sings. A stone that when you look at it comes to life and speaks directly to you. Some people fall into the trap of looking for a diamond with perfect stats. They may read or be told that they need a certain color or clarity with specific proportions, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is the beauty of the diamond itself. It has to be beautiful in real life, not just on paper."

"Sapphires have always been a popular alternative to a diamond engagement ring. Sapphires are nine out of 10 on the MOHS hardness scale, just under diamonds, so they hold up well to everyday wear."

"They come in a wide variety of colors. A very pale sapphire can even approximate the look of a diamond. A rich, royal blue sapphire stands on its own as a beautiful statement ring (think Princess Diana's, now Kate Middleton's ring). But sapphires come in every color of the rainbow, so your imagination's the limit in creating a special engagement ring with a sapphire center. The other benefit of choosing a sapphire is they're available in a huge range of price points. You'll find a beautiful sapphire no matter the budget, whether it's modest or the sky's the limit."

"Aquamarine is another good alternative to a diamond engagement ring. It is a relatively hard stone that holds up well to everyday wear. The light blue hue is very easy to wear and looks great in traditional engagement ring styles. Aquamarine can also range in price to accommodate many budgets."

"The most important thing to remember when choosing (or hinting) at a ring is to try on as many different styles as possible. You may be surprised that something you are not initially drawn to looks great on your finger. Once you have identified the style of ring that looks good on you, and feels like your ring, collect images. We have many customers create Pinterest boards, which may or may not be 'accidentally' left open. Or forward images to a trusted friend who can help guide your partner. On our website doyledoyle.com, we even have a way for you to email a fun little hint right from the ring page."