Brides.com’s Top Ten Engagement Ring Styles

Cross-posted from Whiteflash News: Brides.com’s Top Ten Engagement Ring Styles

Brides.com, one of the web’s top sources for information for all things bridal, has just released their annual top ten list—and this time it’s the engagement ring styles for 2011. Check out this list of must have styles, and make sure to circle your favorite and leave it where your boyfriend can see!

1. Emerald-cut diamonds. The emerald cut is a step-cut, meaning its facets are arranged parallel to the girdle. When set in an engagement ring, this cut shows off the diamond’s clarity and luster. The simple but dramatic stone suits a simple engagement ring setting.

Emerald-cut diamond ring

1. Oval diamond solitaires. The oval diamond is an interesting take on the classic round stone. They make trendy but timeless rings, and the cool thing about oval diamonds is that they can be set in either direction

Oval diamond solitaire ring

1. Three-stone rings with pear-shaped accents. Three stone rings have been popular for a while, and recently, brides have begun experimenting with more unusual and untraditional styles, from colored gemstones to unusual side stone shapes. Pear-shaped stones add a nice touch of balance and symmetry to a three stone ring, while drawing the eye to the center stone.

Three-stone marquise cut diamond ring

1. Rough diamonds set in recycled gold. For the eco-princesses among us, looking for that earthy look in a diamond ring, the rough diamond is an unusual engagement ring choice. Before you opt for the diamond in the rough, keep in mind that it may be difficult to get your diamond cut and polished should you ever opt for a more traditional look.
2. Diamond solitaires set in rose gold. Rose gold, a gold alloy formed by mixing a small amount of copper into the 18 karat gold base, is a pretty and polished look for any kind of jewelry, especially engagement rings styles and wedding bands.

Diamond solitaires set

1. Pink sapphires. Although most people think of the sapphire as a blue stone, it can actually come in many colors. Pink sapphires are a beautiful and feminine choice for a center stone on a solitaire or an embellished engagement ring. The gorgeous color will really pop if you place a few small diamonds in the setting. A pink sapphire engagement ring is a more accessible replacement for the true pink diamond, which are extremely rare and pricey.

Pink sapphire flower ring

1. Vintage-inspired settings for cushion-cut diamonds. Vintage is everywhere these days, from the red carpet to the walk down the aisle. The cushion-cut diamond is the perfect balance between vintage appeal and modern brilliance.

Vintage-inspired setting for cushion-cut diamonds

1. Three-stone rings with diamonds. Sometimes, you just can’t go wrong with a classic, like an ultra-sleek three stone ring set with three top-notch stones like the Whiteflash A Cut Above brand diamonds. A simple setting draws the eye to the sparkle and fire of the center stones, and the three stones play off each other to form a perfect bling trio.

Three stone diamond ring

1. Princess-cut diamonds. The princess-cut is the second most popular diamond shape. It combines the superior brilliance of the classic round brilliant stone, with the visually interesting shape of the other square-shaped diamond cuts. Princess cut diamonds are stylish now, and they will stay timeless forever.

Princess-cut diamond ring

1. Cognac diamonds. The deep, smoky color of a fine glass of cognac can be found in a fancy colored diamond or colored gemstone. Gemstones such as citrine or topaz can be found in a wide range of colors from paler yellows to deep oranges. These stones can be more subtle than the more traditional colored gemstones, and they work well in yellow gold settings. Additonally, fancy colored diamonds can be found in a wide range of shades that will give your ring that gorgeous cognac shade.

Cognac diamond ring