Whether you’re considering popping the question or are the one hoping to hear it sometime soon, the perfect proposal is something that most future brides and grooms dream of – and one of the key ingredients to getting it just right is choosing a beautiful ring that the lucky recipient will love.
But if you’re new to jewellery shopping, and haven’t a clue about what to look for when it comes to spotting the ideal engagement ring for your partner, then the task can feel somewhat overwhelming, and whilst traditional rings are of the silver-banded diamond variety, you might be surprised to find just how much variation there is, even within these confines.
The size of the diamond is one obvious factor to consider and one of the major influences when it comes to the price of engagement rings. It’s safe to say that all diamonds definitely aren’t created equal, and the huge rocks beloved of the rich and famous often come with eye-watering price tags – but there are several other things to consider, and how many carats a diamond is, as well as its clarity, are both important important factors when it comes to making your choice.
Then, of course, there’s the colour of a diamond, which as well as going some way to determining its value, also comes down to personal preference.
Back in 2002, the spectacular pink diamond Harry Winston ring Jennifer Lopez received from her now-husband was the talk of the town, and was valued at a cool $1 million. It was said at the time that Ben Affleck clearly understood her personal taste – and although they later went on to split up, they recently became engaged for a second time and were married, this time pulling out all the stops with a rare green diamond worth even more. Pink and green aren’t the only colours available, so ask your chosen jeweller to show you a variety of options before you make your selection.
Once you’ve got these details sorted, you’ll need to decide upon the perfect shape – or, as it’s often referred to in diamond terms, the cut. To work out what kind of diamond shape your significant other might prefer, pay attention to the rings they already wear. Are they round or oval, or does she tend to opt for squares? This will give you some valuable insight that will make making the right call all the easier.
Need some inspiration? Why not check out the stunning engagement rings collection at Abelini.com – they are all designed with elegance and beauty in mind. But first, let’s take a closer look at the trending engagement ring shapes we can expect to see on the rings of the wealthy in 2023.
Round cut
Each diamond shape (known as a ‘cut’) is priced differently, and you can expect to pay a different price depending on the number of carats. Round brilliant cuts are one of the most popular choices and will continue to trend this year.
As well as looking beautiful on just about every type of every ring (and finger), they are so beloved because they maximise the sparkle of the ring through optimising reflection of the light. If you’re seeking a classic and timeless look that will never go out of style, then look no further.
Princess cut
Every bride wants to be made to feel like a princess, and a princess-cut diamond ring will allow her to do just that for the rest of her life. A princess cut, with its face-up design, features either square or rectangular sides and makes for an edgier and more modern look than the classic round cut – so if you’re shopping for the woman who is known for having her finger on the fashion pulse, then this is the perfect choice.
A princess cut ring exudes brilliance and, with its appealing geometric shape, it’s certain to impress. Do bear in mind that they can chip more easily than other diamond shapes, however, so opting for a protective setting is essential.
Emerald cut
You can spot an emerald shape by its rectangular step cut and cropped corners, and it’s an excellent choice for anyone who favours vintage, Art Deco-inspired jewellery as a matter of course. There are some real show-stoppers to choose from when it comes to the emerald cut and, for many, they are the epitome of glamour and sophistication. Their angular lines make for a more understated sparkler than some, but as anyone with impeccable taste knows, the key to elegance is remembering that, sometimes, less really is more.
If you’re opting for an emerald cut engagement ring, then pay particular attention to clarity and ensure that it’s the best it possibly can be, as fewer facets mean there are less distractions from any blemished on the diamond.
