You likely don't want the ring you'll be wearing every day, forever, to be considered "trendy." The word, after all, implies that its stylishness has an expiration date and its lifespan is limited. Your engagement ring needs to be something you'll love as much 20 years from now as the day you received it, which probably explains why so many brides play it safe, opting for classic cuts and details.
But if you're wildly indecisive or overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options available, getting informed on the styles du jour could actually help narrow down your search for "the one" while helping you find a ring that feels both unique and timeless.
Even if saying "I do" isn't in your near future, the trends ahead are about to be clogging your Instagram feed and Facebook timeline. With the help of diamond expert and jewellery designer Neil Lane, we're calling the looks that will be huge for 2016, and the kinds of bling we're banking on seeing everywhere.
Halo Settings
Remember the Beyoncé song "Halo "? Now, you can see one on your left hand with this popular trend in engagement rings. "The halo setting (a soft outline of diamonds surrounding a larger centre stone) is so popular right now," says Lane. "Women love it because it offers a unique, elegant look while really enhancing the beauty of the centre stone."
Blanca Monrós Gómez Black Diamond Aura Ring, $2,050 (£1,430), available at Catbird.
Try a cool-girl moonstone with a ring of sparkling diamonds for something that stands out from the crowd.
Luna Skye Mini Moonstone & Diamond Ring, £861, available at Shopbop.
What's better than a single diamond halo? A triple threat.
TrueFacet 14K White Gold Round Halo Three Coloured Diamond Ring, $716 (£500), available at TrueFacet.
Fancy Cuts
While you're probably used to seeing traditional diamond cuts like round and princess, a more out-of-the-box style can give your ring a retro or contemporary feel. "Fancy cuts are another huge trend," Lane says. "Many brides-to-be today want to find a way to embrace tradition with a little twist, and fancy cuts, such as emerald, oval, and pear, let them do just that."
Erica Weiner Retro Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, £1,120, available at Erica Weiner.
Is there anything more regal than this pear-shaped, rose-cut gem with a white diamond band?
ManiaMania Ritual Solitaire Ring, AU $8,800 (£4,630), available at ManiaMania.
It's not every day you see an oval-cut diamond with such an intricately encrusted mixed-metal band.
Munnu Diamond, Gold & Silver Ring, £6,820, available at Barneys New York.
Cushion & Round Shapes
Speaking of fancy cuts, cushion is one that seems to be trending among celebrities — which means it's sure to show up all over the place in no time. "The cushion cut features a rectangular or square shape with rounded corners that really accentuates the beauty of the setting," Lane explains. "I’ve worked with a lot of celebrities that have requested this style, including Rachel Zoe and Jessica Simpson. And the classic round is always a favourite — I just worked with Ryan Phillippe and Jason Statham to design rings with this iconic shape."
D&I Cushion Ninian, £2,180, available at D&I.
This cushion-cut diamond is supported by little pear-shaped ones on either side, creating a simple, but glamorous vibe.
Macha Vintage Cut Diamond Ring, $3,990 (£2,790), available at Macha.
A vintage-inspired piece for the bride who doesn't want something cookie-cutter.
Anna Sheffield Round Cushion Rosette, $5,000 (£3,500), available at Anna Sheffield.
Personalisation
These days, anything goes — so if you want to break all the traditional rules of engagement rings, we say go for it. "To me, the most important trend is personalisation," Lane says. "It’s so exciting, because women today are so confident in their style and they want to celebrate that — especially in their engagement rings." We're all for it: Your ring should be a reflection of your own personal style, after all, and no one else's.
Wwake Sloped Arc Rose Cut Diamond Ring, $1,191 (£833), available at Wwake.
Experiment with colored stones, like a bright sapphire, alongside diamonds.
Mociun Stacked Sapphire Ring with White Pavé Diamonds, $995 (£696), available at Mociun.
The aforementioned halo trend takes shape here with a bunch of bold, blue sapphires for a ring that's truly one-of-a-kind.
Polly Wales Diamond and Blue Sapphire Split Halo Ring, £6,970, available at Polly Wales.
Rose Gold
Trends from runways and red carpets also tend to trickle into the engagement ring market, with one of the most notable examples being the prominence of rose gold. "[Rose gold] is perfect for bridal jewellery because it has such a romantic feel," Lane says. "And, it’s become so popular, whether alone, combined for a mixed-metal look, or as an accent to a more traditional setting."
Katie Diamond Jewellery Sophia Ring, $2,650 (£1,850), available at Katie Diamond Jewellery.
Double up on the rose gold with this two-in-one stunner.
Bloomingdale's Diamond Double Row Ring, £861.20 £430.60, available at Bloomingdale's.
Why not get engaged with an opal, rather than a diamond? Less is more with this stacker that'll fit seamlessly with the rest of your everyday ring story.
Wren Opal Ring, $255 (£178), available at Iconery.
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