If there’s something we all can agree to love, it’s a big-ass, bougie-looking engagement ring that costs enough to pay off our student debt. If there’s something we love just a little bit more than that, it’s talking shit about the rings that look, well, mediocre (and that’s being nice). Wedding season is almost upon us, so whether you’re anticipating on seeing your mans get on his knee soon or you’re trying to start a Pinterest board out of boredom (like the rest of us), you’ll need to know the good and the bad when it comes to this year’s engagement ring trends. Here are the ones we honestly love and here are the ones that are just, “no, honey, nuh-uh.”
Engagement Ring Trends We Love
1. Open Rings
These are the rings of our future, tbh. As if the midi ring trend hasn’t already given us a preview of the next engagement ring trends to come. Open rings are a modern style, but they’re expected to be a hit for this year’s proposals. An open ring has more than enough opportunity to be customized in terms of size, color, and hello, you get two stones instead of just one.
Brilliant Earth 18K White Gold Wren Diamond Ring
2. Colored Stones
This is always the move for those who tend to stay away from being basic af and prefer something with personality and deeper meaning. We’ll probs see more of this alternative option this year. Sapphire, emerald, ruby, you name it. Colored stones are all like, seriously stunning and def blinding with the right band.
James Allen 1.01 Carat Blue Sapphire Round Cut Halo Engagement Ring In 14K White Gold
3. Rose Gold
Will we ever get sick of the pink gold we’ve grown to obsess over, thanks to Apple? Definitely not. Speaking of colored stones, a pink gem like Morganite will def be selling out this year as well as the perfect rose gold band to accompany it. This combination is a must-have.
Zales Precious Bride™Oval Morganite and 1/5 CT. T.W. Diamond Frame Engagement Ring in 10K Rose Gold
4. Oval-Cut Diamonds
I feel as though any round shaped diamond looks good on most hands, honestly. If you’re not to keen on squares, you’ll probs want to stick with an oval. The elongated shape works for just about any stone and actually makes both your hands and fingers look that of a hand model. Yes, that is a thing.
VRAI&ORO The Oval Pavé Engagement Ring | 18k White Gold
Engagement Ring Trends We Hate
1. Weird Shapes
Everyone wants to be different, yet we’re all still choosing the Rose Gold iPhone, french manicure, and carrying the same Michael Kors tote around. You might as well put all of that energy into something worth wearing everyday that isn’t cringeworthy. This trend is spiking for future brides who don’t want to have a traditional shape so instead, they opt for something like the shield cut.
Aprés Jewelry The Beatrix Ring—Shield Cut
2. East-West Settings
This is an emerald cut, just turned horizontal, and it looks stupid. Sorry, too harsh? Why make things complicated, though? A traditional emerald cut looks (mostly) fine as is. And although you can technically have any cut in an East-West setting, you’re better off not doing it in the first place.
3. Engagement Eternity Bands
Unsure why anyone would want a band for an engagement ring when you’re just getting another band after you’re officially husband and wife? I mean, isn’t being engaged when you’re allowed to show off a giant rock on your finger for once? I’d take advantage of the traditional diamond thing if I were you.
POMPEII3 2ct Prong Diamond Eternity Ring 14k White Gold
4. Chevron Bands
Okay, guys, you only get engaged a few times once. So like, please don’t go for some stacked ring style that looks something out of Zara. Sure, maybe it looks cute, but it definitely sure as hell doesn’t make you look engaged. The title you should at least be somewhat proud of showing off.
Anna Sheffield Chevron Band Yellow Gold & White Diamonds
Images: Colin Maynard / Unsplash; Brilliant Earth (1); James Allen (1); Zales (1); Vrai & Oro (1); Apres Jewelry (1); Ritani (1); Bluefly (1); Anna Sheffield (1)