The Hottest Bridal Trends for 2013

2013 is the year for something bold, something old, and often colorful when it comes to engagement ring trends. In response to the wave of women buying rings with diamond halo surrounds and the trend towards cushion-cut diamonds, the more adventurous of today’s engagement ring shoppers have been branching out from these classic, yet commonplace styles to express their own unique personalities. You’re seeing more and more brides-to-be wearing rings with colored stones, fancy cuts, different metals, and daring settings. These unconventional rings have become more distinctive and decorative than in previous years.

 Here’s a look at what has been setting the trend this year:

Unique and Original

Modern brides have been turning away from more traditional rings and asking for styles that better express their own individuality. There seems to be a backlash against the cookie-cutter styles of the past decade where many brides could be seen wearing similar rings. Today’s bride and brides-to-be want rings that are more memorable and uniquely theirs, the answer to this is the single or double row diamond pave surrounds and single or three sided pave diamond shanks. Many women have also added a new twist to their ring designs by replacing the clean gold shank with detailed coils and complex twists that create the perfect setting for their unique creations.  Most of these rings are fashioned to the bride’s individual taste and can be easily customized to her unique specifications. These trends are hugely popular and will continue through 2013-2014. 

Solitaire engagement rings with an elegant and unusual north-south-east-west setting have been increasingly popular. These rings typically have a round brilliant cut diamond set onto prongs arranged with a diagonal placement, which can also give the appearance of a larger stone.

Diamond eternity bands are a timeless classic, this popular wedding ring can be made either as a semi eternity or full eternity and are a beautiful complement to all engagement rings. Symbolizing the eternal nature of marriage, many brides want a simple, strong statement of their commitment and the find it in the eternity band. The eternity band is also a popular wedding anniversary gift.  

Old is New Again

The romance of past eras has found its way into the ring designs of today. The art and style of Victorian and Edwardian England, as well as the Art Deco “bling” of the Roaring Twenties can be seen in antique-styled designs made popular by such TV dramas as “Downton Abbey”.

These ring designs embrace the tradition and timeless appeal of a family heirloom with a nod to the retro-chic flair that appeals to modern sensibilities. Ornate openwork scrolls, delicate lacy filigree detailing, floral patterns, and other intricate designs add a romantic aura of chivalrous love and noble intentions. These rings make a bride feel as if she were taking part in a classic fairy tale.

Color is All the Rage

With such fashion trendsetters like Kate Middleton, Penelope Cruz and Halle Berry wearing colored gemstones such as ruby, emerald or sapphire over the traditional white diamond, there has been a surge of interest lately in engagement rings with colored center stones. Diamonds in shades of black, cognac and champagne browns, and especially the fancy yellows have been the most popular of the colored diamonds this year.

 Shapes, Settings, and Mixing Metals

 Another trend this year has seen women looking for diamond cuts that are different than what has been the norm over the past decade. Cushion, emerald, and princess cuts have been strong sellers though the more traditional round brilliant cut diamond still outsells all these other shapes.

 Brides are also getting creative with the settings and metals used. Where traditionally most rings would be gold or platinum, nowadays you're seeing many more exotic settings (like Kat Von D's black diamond and skulls ring). There are also many people who are taking a mixed-metal approach by stacking or twisting white, yellow, and rose gold into cool, modern statements that really stand out and start conversations.

 At  Ex Aurum we are pleased to provide high quality custom design bridal jewelry at wholesale prices. Our experience and quality is second to none. Please visit our website or call and make an appointment to see our fine jewelry.   It will be our pleasure to serve you.