Planning on popping the big question in 2022? Or perhaps you’re the one anticipating being proposed to. Either way, getting engaged is one of the most romantic, exciting and memorable moments for couples, and from the setting to the moment, everything has to be just right.
Then, of course, there’s the ring to consider – and while timeless choices like silver with diamonds are the obvious go-to, these days, they are far from the only option. It’s true that there are few things that can take your breath away quite as dramatically as a huge, sparkly diamond, and for many, they will always remain a preference – but as we move increasingly into an age where individuality is celebrated and breaking from tradition is no longer the taboo it once was, we’re seeing a growing number of new and thoroughly modern trends that are changing the way we shop for engagement rings.
From alternative cuts and metals to lab-engineered stones, there has never been the breadth of choice there is today – and with jewellers able to create bespoke rings to order and to meet any specifications, nothing is too much to ask. Here, we take a look at the top trends to have on your radar for 2022.
Yellow gold engagement rings
Yellow gold might not be the traditional metal of choice for engagement trends, but we’re in an age of ripping up the rule book and throwing caution to the wind, putting our own tastes before tradition and taking a more personalised approach to jewellery. And when it comes to engagement rings, which will be worn for life, it’s important to get one that you truly love.
In 2022, yellow gold is unlikely to eclipse white gold and silver, but it’s still set to become an increasingly popular choice. Other alternative metals, like rose gold, have recently had their moment, too – but as we head into the new year, they’re set to make way for this bold and brilliant show-stopper, and we can’t wait.
Unlike silver, yellow gold is universally flattering on all skin tones, and will likely match perfectly with your wedding bands, too. So don’t be afraid to give this modern style a try for a unique and beautiful engagement ring that stands out from the crowd.
Moissanite stones
It is often said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and while that might be the case, it doesn’t mean that they’re the only choice. Increasingly, we’re seeing a move towards moissanite engagement rings, with MoissaniteCo reporting a dramatic surge in the number of orders it receives over the past year. This previously unheard of stone boasts the greatest brilliance of any gem in the world, making it even more sparkly than the original.
So, where exactly did it come from? Around 50,000 years ago, a meteor crashed to earth, bringing trace amounts of this rare mineral with it – but it has taken many years for moissanite to move its way into the mainstream, with its rarity making it impossible to use commercially until only recently.
Now, the process for creating usable moissanite gemstones has been perfected, and these show-stopping jewels are making waves, making them an excellent choice for your engagement ring in 2022.
Fancy stone shapes and cuts
The round solitaire diamond has long been the classic choice for engagement rings, but over the next year, statement shapes and cuts that buck the traditional trend are set to prevail. Shapes including emerald cut, pear cut and oval-cut are already seeing an increase in demand, with many bespoke ring makers already working on orders for 2022.
Princess cut, marquise cut, heart-shaped and cushion cut are also seeing a spike in popularity, quite literally changing the shape of our engagement rings in the new year.
Multi-stone engagement rings
Why have one stone when you can have two or three? That seems to be the current thought patterns when it comes to choosing engagement rings, and next year, we’ll be doubling, or even tripling up. Two-stone engagement rings, known as ‘toi et moi’ rings (or ‘me and you’ rings, translated from French) are said to represent both partners entering into the engagement and, later, marriage – adding extra romance and significance to proposals, while rings with three stones are simply an opportunity to up the sparkle and shine factor.
In the spirit of the 2022 trends we’ve seen before, we’ll be mixing things up a bit and combining more than one – with unique and contrasting cuts set to punctuate these thoroughly modern ring choices. Think pear cut centre stones with round side stones, or emeralds flanked by pears, for inspiration and you’ll be on the right track.
