Top 3 Engagement Ring Trends for 2012

If you were watching diamond jewelry trends in 2011, you’ll know that last year was quite an exciting time in the world of diamond engagement rings. From all the pomp and circumstance of Kate Middleton’s royal engagement and wedding, to the made-for-TV hooplah of Kim Kardashian’s marriage (and subsequent divorce), and all the celebrity engagements in between, 2011 kept the diamond jewelry industry busy trying to keep up with all the ladies of Hollywood and their trend-setting engagement rings.

Now, while I can’t necessarily predict which celebrities will be saying their “I dos” in 2012, I have spent some time debating what I think the top three diamond engagement ring trends for the year will be. So ladies, and gentlemen, time to listen up!

In my opinion, the diamond fashion trend for 2012 will be eye-catching designs that create an overall striking and unique look. Think rings that seamlessly mix creativity and style with elegance and class, and it’s really no surprise that these three styles are sure to be such a hit with brides-to-be in 2012.

The Halo—Halos are in, and it’s easy to see why. Originally a fashion icon of the 1920s and 30s, halo diamond engagement rings create a beautiful, art deco look that maximizes the brilliance of your diamonds for a truly spectacular look. Especially for couples who are looking for superior value in their engagement ring, the halo of diamonds around the center stone create an amazing effect to make the center stone pop. I expect to see a variety of halo-style diamond engagement rings on the hands of celebrities and average brides alike in 2012…and not just because it’s my personal favorite style (yes, I have a halo and yes, I am biased!).

Split Shanks—So, sometimes the prettiest things have less-than-beautiful names, as is the case here with split-shank engagement rings. I used to confuse this style with the typical twisted band, but it’s definitely worth it’s own category. Spectacular for showcasing your center diamond, the defined split shank creates a striking look that maximizes the light returned from every angle (making your diamond sparkle even brighter!). A long-time favorite of Hollywood’s leading ladies, I have a feeling the split shank will once again be making the rounds as one of 2012’s most popular styles for women everywhere.

Big Solitaires—Solitaire engagement rings are always in, but the key to this year is “big.” And yes, I mean, one, two and even three carat dazzlers. For a while, it seemed that couples were understandably scaling back, but we’ve really been seeing that trend take a turn upward in the past few months. Maybe it’s all the press around enormous stunners on celebrity hands making women yearn for their own, but honestly, who doesn’t love the look of a brilliant round or Dream cut solitaire engagement ring? With multiple options on the band design that make it perfect for any woman’s fashion style or personality, these timeless classics are going to once again light up the bridal industry of 2012.