Engagement and Wedding Rings - trend report 2011

An engagement ring is one of the most important jewelry purchases you will ever make, and a wedding ring is one of the most sentimentally valuable things you will ever wear. When you set out to buy engagement rings or wedding bands, a little guidance can help you sort through the hundreds of options available to find that one engagement ring and wedding band set that is perfect for you.

The engagement ring design trends for 2011 feature affordable, simple designs that highlight top-quality diamonds in timelessly elegant styles. Here are a few engagement ring designs and wedding band trends that are flying off the shelves in Spring 2011.

Solitaires with style

The classic prong setting and tiffany-style solitaires will always be popular, but modern brides are looking for classic solitaire settings with a 21st century twist. Tension-style settings are popular this year, as are other sleek and sexy variations on the simple solitaire engagement ring. In this example, a modified bezel setting creates an asymmetrical look that looks great with a matching wedding band. If you want to buy an engagement ring to surprise your sweetheart, a modern solitaire setting is one of your best bets.

Diamonds are a guy’s best friend. Men’s wedding bands are not an area of bridal jewelry with great variations in style from year to year, unlike the more dynamic engagement ring design field, but there are some trends in men’s wedding bands that are worth noting. The use of diamonds in subtle, masculine ways is becoming increasingly popular in men’s jewelry, like in this bead-set white and yellow gold wedding band.

Sapphires go glam

Sapphires, and other colored gemstone, have been popular in engagement ring design for several months now, but the most recent engagement ring designs to leave the designers’ studios have taken the humble blue stone and set into the most glamorous engagement rings, using diamond-encrusted settings and fabulous pavé shanks to highlight the sapphire’s natural luster and deep brilliance.

Mellow yellow

White gold and platinum have cornered the engagement ring design market for many years already, but classic yellow gold is making a comeback. Simple engagement ring designs with quality craftsmanship often benefit from the unique luster and vintage appeal of yellow gold. The delicate filigree on the head of this solitaire engagement ring contrasts bright yellow gold with sparkling pavé diamonds. Yellow gold is a classic, vintage look that can bring something unexpected to a simple ring style, or follow through on the old-fashioned appeal of an heirloom design. If you are looking to buy an engagement ring for a girl who likes things classic and old-school, a yellow gold solitaire setting is a perfect choice.

Wedding bands steal the show

Wedding bands used to be the simple metal accompaniments to the more glamorous engagement ring designs.  In 2011, wedding rings take center stage, with more elegant and elaborate styles than ever. This three-sided pavé-set engagement ring can be worn on its own, as well as with a coordinating engagement ring.

Engagement ring design goes bold

Every once in a while, an engagement ring design comes along that is truly like nothing the bridal jewelry market has seen before. This sleek, modern design combines both a glossy and matte finish platinum in a curving, futuristic style that highlights the stunning round center stone. It’s an ergonomic and wearable engagement ring design that will hold a diamond securely while attracting every eye in the room.