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Rings and Jewelry Trends

According to The Wedding Report, white gold and platinum wedding bands have now outpaced yellow gold by two to one in popularity. Platinum is especially popular because of its purity, rarity and durability. In addition, men’s rings are getting bigger and more intricate, with a rise in demand for engraved patterns, such as scrollwork or filigree. Men are also choosing rings that incorporate diamonds into the bands, particularly burnished-set stones that are set flush with the band instead of raised.

Ring designers are seeing colored gems and engagement rings with extra diamonds surrounding the larger stone as popular styles. Settings with elaborate and raised stones, and twisted wedding bands are also trendy. Colored stones and stacked wedding bands are alternatives to the traditional engagement and wedding band combination. Piling wedding bands on top of one another creates a striking look and paves the way for future anniversary additions, as well.

Recycling wedding rings is another growing trend, whether it be passing down family heirlooms or melting the metal of older rings and using it in a newly designed creation. Vintage-style bands and antique rings are also quite trendy for 2008. Detailed designs include scroll-like engraving, microset (tiny half-point) diamonds, delicate milgrain work, raised beaded edges, and filigree.

Antique rings with cushion and Asscher-cut diamonds, which were very stylish in the 1920s, are currently popular among brides. These diamonds are square-shaped and designed to reflect candlelight while drawing the eye into the stone. These cuts also complement pavé-set bands, which are currently trendy, as well.

Big, bold jewelry is also quite popular on the fashion runways this year, including wide bracelets, chandelier and long, thin shoulder-skimming earrings, as well as larger-than-life necklaces, such as chokers with six strings of pearls.