There were a slew of celebrity weddings in 2010, as well as a number of prominent engagement announcements. With the year shortly drawing to a close, here is a list of some of the more popular diamond engagement ring trends from this past year.
Non-Diamond Rings
In 1947 DeBeers created the slogan, a diamond is forever, and while it is hard to believe that diamonds weren’t standard for engagement rings before then, it is even more difficult to believe that some of the more prominent matches of the year began with something a little less ostentatious. Actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem got married this past July in a quiet ceremony at a friend’s home in the Bahamas. The couple has always been low key, so much so that they had yet to confirm if the 3 carat Sapphire ring that Cruz had been sporting was an engagement ring before they walked down the aisle. But it was, they did, and the couple is currently expecting their first child.
The biggest news to rock the wedding world in a while was when Prince William, future King of England, finally proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton. A world-wide media fervor erupted at the news, but even more so when it was revealed that he proposed with his mother’s ring , an 18 carat Sapphire, surrounded by a cluster of diamonds.
The More the Merrier – Pave’ Set Diamonds
When it comes to diamonds the old saying ‘less is more’ is almost never applicable, and pave’ set diamonds, either surrounding the center diamond or adorning the outside of the band, is a great way to add sparkle to an engagement ring. America watched Carrie Underwood blossom from reality show contestant to major country music star, and this summer she shed her single lady status when she married Mike Fisher. Underwood was seen in wearing a stunning Yellow diamond engagement ring, but what made it stand out more was the Pave’ set halo and pave’ set diamonds that followed the length of the band. The pro hockey player worked with the designer himself to create the perfect sparkling showstopper for the music star.
Split Shanks
As couples slowly move away using family heirlooms, some lucky ladies are looking into more modern designs and a split shank engagement ring was one of the most popular styles for brides this year. The look is created when the band of a ring is split into two, or sometimes even three, parts. The look has been popular with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Hudson in the past, but it seems like 2010 is the year it trickled down to the masses. The Couture 0378 from Verragio is a delicate design fit for the stars, featuring a shank that splits halfway around and continues up to form four unique prongs that slightly fold over the corners of a Princess cut diamond center. This ring is the understated definition of couture.
Head-Turning Settings
The light reflection and brilliance of a diamond makes it a natural born star, and while it is incredibly easy for it to stand on its own, more and more artistic settings are becoming a popular pairing. The Venetian 5013R from Verragio features a three stone design that is unlike any you’ve seen before. Like in most multiple diamond settings, it represents the past, present, and the future, a symbolism that is a major draw for most couples, however this design is set onto a pave’ set, twisted shank that transforms this ring into something of a work of art. This ring is also perfect for fans of vintage inspired jewelry like Megan Fox and Madonna.
These trends may very well carry into the new year, but with each year comes a fresh crop of engaged couples, so we will have to wait until this time next year to see what topped the 2011 list.