popular settings for engagement rings

So you all know that I’m already going to propose – but my girlfriend still has no clue! I think she tried to give me another hint yesterday by making me watch one of those wedding TV shows. I just acted uninterested, but really, I was just trying to check out the bride’s engagement ring. Unfortunately, this show focused more on her wedding gown. I did try to see her left hand every moment it appeared on camera, but it wasn’t close enough. See, I’m trying to get an idea of what type of ring to get her. Should I get something that she would like, I would like, or both?

I decided to do some research. That’s the analytical side of me talking. Anyway, I searched the internet to see what are the popular settings for engagement rings nowadays. Of course, my mom said to ask her mother, my FMIL (future mother in law) - I'm getting this wedding lingo down! I decided to share what I found, especially to the guys who have no clue as to what to look for in an engagement ring, and here goes:

1) Colored gemstones, especially sapphire. Sapphires used to be the popular gemstone of choice for engagement rings until the De Beers claimed the diamond to be the best gemstone for engagement rings. This colored gemstone is the second hardest stone, behind the diamond. The most popular color is blue. However, other colrs, pink, yellow, and purple are considered rarer than diamonds. Now, brides are starting to pick bold colors for their center stone. If you still want to get a diamond but want something rare, choose a colored diamond.

2) Different designer cuts. Jewelers apparently reported that people are straying away from the princess cut and choosing more designer, yet not too trendy, cuts, such as the cushion, emerald, and other cuts.

3) Modern vintage look. More people are choosing rings with a center stone that is surrounded with small diamonds, like a halo. This ring has a “cleaner,” polished look, giving it a more modern feel.

4) Round, brilliant stone solitaire. Yes, the solitaire is still popular. Perhaps because it’s beautiful and elegant and, yet, a safe choice.

5) Three stone rings. Although these rings were given as anniversary rings before, this past, present, future setting is gaining popularity with a lot of engaged couples. Some people even choose to have small diamonds along the shank to give it an extra sparkle.

6) White metals. White metals, such as white gold and platinum, are currently more popular than yellow gold. They have a classier look and make the diamond sparkle even more.

So there you have it. Those are the engagement ring trends of today. I think I may choose the solitaire…maybe because it’s a safe choice, and I’m not a risky guy. But I’m still undecided as to what ring setting to choose. I guess I’ll see what my FMIL thinks.