We asked Milly Rees, the brains behind Errai Jewellery, to walk us through the most breathtaking styles of the moment.
So you’ve discussed the future with your better half and getting hitched is on the cards. Now, the question – aside from the BIG question – is, what kind of engagement ring should you buy (or not-so-subtly hint at)? While you can’t go wrong with a classic solitaire diamond, fashionistas vying for more unique rocks can take a page from some of the shiny new trends unearthed this year. We asked Milly Rees, the brains behind Errai Jewellery, to walk us through the most breathtaking styles of the moment.
Based on what your customers have been asking for, what do you reckon is the most popular engagement ring style of the moment?
Traditional solitaire, round-cut brilliant white diamonds are classic and hence unlikely to ever go out of fashion. However, we’re seeing a few new twists on classic settings – for example, emerald cuts and marquise cuts are now being set horizontally instead of vertically.
Diamonds will never go out of style, but are any other gemstones in vogue this year?
Yellow diamonds have become more popular in the last year, and there’s been a growing demand for blue sapphires and light blue aquamarines.
Rose gold came back in a big way last year – are you expecting the trend to stick around? And which metal or material do you think will be the next big thing?
Rose gold is still very popular this year, especially as it compliments a setting with yellow diamonds. We are also seeing a lot of mixed metals being used – white gold, rose gold and yellow gold bands stacked together.
What kind of accents, cuts and ring shapes do you think are really chic now?
Cushion cuts and pears with a slightly twisted ring shank are popular right now. Also, split shanks and double halos are very in.
Have there been any trends that caught you by surprise?
An interesting trend that I’m seeing more (and love) is stacked eternity bands used as engagement rings, with either different shaped diamonds around the bands or two alternating stones, such as blue sapphire and white diamond. This is becoming a great alternative to a single stone ring.
Do you have a fave celebrity engagement ring of the moment?
Scarlett Johansson’s vintage Art Deco engagement ring, which features three circular diamonds set against a glittering rectangular base. I love the uniqueness of this ring and how it curves around her finger perfectly.
What are some of the most stand-out engagement rings that you’ve designed recently?
1. An art deco-inspired blue sapphire and diamond ring.
2. A fancy intense yellow cushion cut diamond set in rose gold.
3. A three-stack ring set consisting of a white gold band with a white diamond, a rose gold band with a pink diamond, and a yellow gold band with a green diamond.