There’s no telling how many weddings the pandemic has derailed. On the flip side, it’s equally impossible to determine how many love stories this year of seemingly never-ending crises has sparked. It’s practically a COVID-era cliché: Two people cooped up together during lockdown realize there’s no time like the present to declare their undying love for each other.
As the holiday season approaches, some of those couples may be searching for the perfect ring to express that love and seal the proverbial deal. Look no further than the five styles highlighted below—as well as the offbeat trends they represent—for an inspiring take on the year’s broadest bridal trend: rings that are uncommon, and uncommonly beautiful.
Asymmetrical Styles
New York City–based Jade Trau chose to set the 2.25 carat center stone in the double-band ring featured above at a jaunty angle, elevating it above its more straightforward cohorts. If only all serious diamond rings had the confidence to embrace asymmetry!
Unconventional Halos
The halo ring is dead. Long live the halo ring! By which we mean: The traditional halo style, with its tight surround of orderly brilliant-cut diamonds, may be passé, but don’t count out designs that feature off-kilter frames and unusual center stones, like this Ananya piece below featuring recycled vintage diamonds (ideal for the socially conscious bride).
Gypsy Rings
We adore the voluptuous curves of gypsy rings—they’re chubby in the best way possible. Los Angeles–based Emily P. Wheeler takes the trendy style to its glamorous extreme in this spectacular custom design featuring a 3 ct. Asscher-cut center stone flanked by four baguette-cut diamonds and two carré-cut diamonds set in 18k white and yellow gold.
Geometric Cuts
Further proof that when it comes to engagement ring design, the West Coast is the best coast? This bespoke Crescendo Flare ring (below) by Los Angeles–based KatKim, who anchors her diamond-set spiral of a ring with an enchanting hexagonal diamond, conjuring a vision of art deco style for the 2020s.
Pink Diamonds
News flash! Next month, the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, the world’s premiere source of fancy colored pink diamonds, is closing for good. (According to some estimates, it’s responsible for as much as 90% of the world’s supply.) In other words: The pink diamond pavé in this La Vie En Rose ring from the Los Angeles jeweler Jean Dousset (who just so happens to be the great-great grandson of Louis Cartier!) is getting rarer by the minute.
Top: Ring with 2.25 ct. diamond center and 0.8 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Jade Trau
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