So you’re planning on getting engaged in 2018… Congratulations are in order! Maybe you’ve started worrying about the guest list (and are suddenly seriously wondering if you can get away with eloping). Maybe you’re preemptively hinting at the merits of an over-the-top beachfront wedding in Tulum versus a backyard affair in your S.O.’s hometown. One thing we’re sure is creeping into your daydreams, though, is the engagement ring that’ll be sliding onto your finger once you say yes.
When it comes to the emerging styles you’re about to see on the fingers of newly engaged It girls everywhere, there’s not a basic, boring bauble in the bunch. We’re talking unexpected shapes, beautiful pops of color, and intricate bands that’ll have even the staunchest of bachelorettes among us swooning. Below, see the ring styles that Nadine Tacorian, COO and design director at Tacori (a woman who seriously knows her jewelry), calls the top trends for the coming year.
The Trend: Bloom Settings
As for the setting women will be going for in 2018, Tacorian says demand for the bloom setting—aka circling the main diamond with light-catching pavé stones—is on the rise. “A bloom plays a pivotal role in bringing your center diamond to life,” Tacorian explains, noting that a good bloom setting can make your diamond look up to 30% bigger. (Who wouldn’t want that?)
The Trend: Three-Stone Rings
Thanks to Prince Harry proposing to Meghan Markle with that three-gem stunner, Tacorian says we can prepare for 2018 to be the year of three-stone engagement rings. It feels particularly timeless with a round-cut brilliant diamond—besides, who are we to argue with actual royalty?
The Trend: Unexpected Shapes
“Fancy diamond shapes are becoming more and more popular because consumers want an engagement ring and diamond cut that is unique and distinct to their tastes,” says Tacorian, who went on to explain that emerald-, marquise-, and pear-shaped diamonds are having a moment right now. Tacori also responded to the demand for unusual shapes via its Simply Tacori collection, which offers directional, trend-led cuts for modern brides.
The Trend: A Pop of Color
At Who What Wear, we’ve never been ones to shy away from color, so we’re fully endorsing 2018’s playful use of mixed gems and different metals. “Complementary designs that mix gemstone colors and metal colors are a great option for a creative engagement and wedding ring pairing,” Tacorian explains. We love the pop of color these pretty sapphires add around the diamond at this ring’s center—so unexpected.
The Trend: Intricate Bands
Now more than ever, Tacorian says she’s noticing brides-to-be getting more and more adventurous when it comes to choosing intricate bands. Forget your plain metal band—these days, it’s all about detailed jeweled patterns, mesh-like finishes, and twisted milgrain beading. Some of our favorite stacking pairings? What we like to call a “power stack,” aka layering together a few big diamond-intense bands; a “stackback,” aka stacking a different style or metal-color wedding band in between the matching engagement ring and wedding band; and a “twin stack,” aka two of the same-style bands on each side of your engagement ring.
Want to keep looking? Check out Tacori’s full collection of gorgeous engagement rings here.
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