As couples postpone their nuptials to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), there’s no denying that wedding season will look and feel different this year. But that doesn’t mean prospective partners will stop shopping for engagement rings altogether. In fact, as more Americans practice social distancing, the amount of time cooped-up couples spend browsing online is bound to increase.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that the wedding ring trends we expect to stick around during this unprecedented year are uniformly minimal: Simple, pared-down styles are the perfect accessory during a time of high drama.
Simple, Thin Solitaires
Blame it on the popularity of stacking rings—and a kick in the pants courtesy of the coronavirus—but the halo style that has dominated the bridal category for the better part of the past decade finally appears to be on its way out. In its place, retailers are reporting a resurgence of interest in simple, “whisper-thin” solitaires—unfussy, clean, and modern designs that place an emphasis on the center stone as opposed to an elaborate setting.
Yellow Gold
White gold has dominated the engagement ring category for years—according to The Knot’s 2019 Jewelry & Engagement Study, the metal accounts for 54% of purchases—but among tastemakers, yellow gold is on the upswing. We can speculate that it has something to do with the metal’s innate warmth—just what we need during these chilling times—or the inevitable association with investment value, but yellow gold’s resurgence is very likely a reflection of the natural pendulum swing that rules all jewelry trends.
Deco-Era Cuts
The 2020s are ushering in a century of art deco style, and with it, fresh takes on classic geometric diamond silhouettes, from hexagonal shapes to Asscher and emerald cuts in chic bezel-set solitaires. One hundred years ago, the period was a time of unprecedented prosperity—even though it followed on the heels of the 1918 influenza pandemic. Is history bound to repeat itself?
Top: Pear solitaire ring in 14k white gold with 1.5 ct. ALTR-created diamond, $8,499; ALTR
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