Danielle has been a jewelry collector since she was four years old. Her career in the jewelry business officially started in 2008 when she launched her blog, Gem Gossip, which focuses on jewelry trends, antique and period jewelry, celebrity jewelry, and features exclusive designer interviews. Her hopes for the future include a jewelry line and a book documenting her vast collection.
I work at a jewelry store, and every day I hear the same refrain: “There are just too many engagement rings to choose from, and they’re all so pretty! How could someone pick just one?”
Choosing a ring is tough; it’s the one accessory you’ll be wearing every day of your married life. If you’re overwhelmed by the vast array of choices, don’t fret! Allow me to break down the top five engagement ring trends. Trust me, you’ll love them all.
Halo Style
[Platinum Halo Ring by OroSpot | Shop Halo Rings]
This design features a diamond in the center, surrounded by smaller, full-cut diamonds. It creates the illusion of a bigger diamond, an ode to the illusion setting of the 1940s, except with diamonds rather than more metal or the “boxhead” style.
Split-Shank
[White Topaz Split Shank Ring by Onegarnetgirl | Shop Split Shank Rings]
This style takes any shaped diamond in the center and flanks it with a split-shank band, with or without diamonds. The split in the shank can be subtle or dramatic, depending on its width.
Classic Solitaire
[Classic Solitaire Ring by Ldiamonds | Shop Classic Solitaire Rings]
Just as it reads, one diamond set in a mounting with no other diamonds. There are lots of different looks possible for this timeless and versatile concept: a four-prong setting, six-prong setting, or bezel setting. A round, brilliant cut diamond in a four-prong setting is the ultimate classic. The metals can vary as well: white gold, yellow gold, platinum or even rose gold.
Antique
[1925 Antique Ring from Erstwhilejewelry | Shop Antique Rings]
I consider an antique ring to be anything pre-1940s. (If I wore my grandmother’s ring from the 1950s, I would categorize it as “vintage.”) There are many styles for antique rings, and many are unique, usually set with Old Mine, Old European, or Transitional cuts.
The Art Deco period (1920s-30s) is popular right now. This style is characterized by a white on white look, provided by white gold or platinum with diamonds. Filigree and/or hand-engraving is evident throughout. Choose this style if you truly want a “one of a kind” sort of ring.
Unconventional
[Egyptian Gold Ring by Arosha | Shop Unconventional Rings]
Why be conventional? Embrace a non-diamond gemstone or a ring with a unique shape. Birthstones are great options for an alternative gemstone; most gemstones are less expensive than diamonds, so this could mean more money in your pocketbook at the end of the day. On the other hand, all gemstones are softer than diamonds, so durability can become an issue — after all, you will be wearing this ring every day! Ultimately, if a ring speaks to you and it doesn’t look like a typical engagement ring, there is one one rule above all: it’s your ring, so do what you want. The importance lies in what the ring symbolizes and the memories you create while wearing that sparkler every day.
Danielle has been a jewelry collector since she was four years old. Her career in the jewelry business officially started in 2008 when she launched her blog, Gem Gossip, which focuses on jewelry trends, antique and period jewelry, celebrity jewelry, and features exclusive designer interviews.
3 Featured Comments
Sign in to add your ownACupOfSparkle from ACupOfSparkle says: Featured
I have always been in favor of unconventional rings; not only the style but also the gemstone. I would be curious to know how diamonds become the engagement ring stone. My engagement ring has a beautiful fire opal stone and I love it! I would love to see more engagement rings with different gems in the future. I think the trend will change at some point :)
1 year ago
Sharon Moores from slathered says: Featured
My husband wanted me to have a piece of him and who he is. He grew up in Maine near tourmaline mines, so he had a local jeweler create a ring sporting two beautiful green Maine tourmalines. I love that it's unique and ours.
1 year ago
BlueBrocade from BlueBrocade says: Featured
Antique rings are definitely my favorites--they are amazing, intricate works of art, in designs you don't see anymore, each with long histories of love and memories of those lovers before us who chose that same ring. I love that idea--how an antique ring can connect us to long histories of love stories before ours. Lovely post!
1 year ago
114 comments
Sign in to add your ownLaura from compassionmalas says:
Very beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for the lesson in ring styles. I particularly admire the photography!
1 year ago
NecessiTees from NecessiTees says:
Love the Egyptian design! Beautiful!!! They all are!
1 year ago
Kelly from KikuPaper says:
Especially like the antique ring.
1 year ago
twentytwotwenty from twentytwotwenty says:
LOVE the antique ring!
1 year ago
Jelena from CeruleanBird says:
Always unconventional ;) .I just have one from white and yellow gold without stone similar that egyptian.
1 year ago
Hillary De Moineaux from VoleedeMoineaux says:
Yellow Gold is coming back.
1 year ago
Shreyasi Sharma from ShreyasiSharma says:
love the Egyptian ring!
1 year ago
iammie from iammie says:
So pretty!
1 year ago
Sasha from whatnomints says:
None of these! I've repeatedly told my boyfriend of 6+ years not to waste his money on an expensive ring (I'd probably lose it anyway ...) I would much prefer sleek onyx to the ubiquitous diamond.
1 year ago
Amber from BambuEarth says:
♥♥♥ LOVE all of these. Mine is more of an antique syle / unconventional because I have a square halo style ring with a band of round diamonds for my engagement ring and then a lace type wedding band. They didn't come as a set, but I love the antique look it brings to the engagement ring. I like that it's unique. Love that Egyptian ring, what a statement! ♥♥♥
1 year ago
Rose Waterrose from Waterrose says:
I love the vintage/antique rings.... and of course arosha's!
1 year ago
TresChicNmodern from TresChicNmodern says:
WOWWWWWWWWWWWW SUCH STUNNING JEWELRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AWESOME STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
Gina from ArigigiArt says:
Every ring is so beautiful but my fav is gold one in egyptian style.
1 year ago
Unique Fabric Gifts from uniquefabricgifts says:
Very beautiful rings!
1 year ago
TheIDConnection from TheIDconnection says:
The antique ring is beautiful!
1 year ago
ACupOfSparkle from ACupOfSparkle says: Featured
I have always been in favor of unconventional rings; not only the style but also the gemstone. I would be curious to know how diamonds become the engagement ring stone. My engagement ring has a beautiful fire opal stone and I love it! I would love to see more engagement rings with different gems in the future. I think the trend will change at some point :)
1 year ago
Angela Cotton from cottonbirddesigns says:
Beautiful collection!
1 year ago
Laura Mae Jewelry from LauraMaeJewelry says:
Thanks for the post! I've been on the hunt for a great ring for over a year now!! :D
1 year ago
Monica Rutt from rootsandflowers says:
I like the antique rings, beautiful!
1 year ago
Stephanie from DottiesPhD says:
A very interesting contrast between your "conventional" and "unconventional" rings!! That's so fun. Your jewelry collection must be lovely, I'll be looking forward to that book!
1 year ago
VintageMarketPlace from VintageMarketPlace says:
love the antique styles. Makes me want to add an antique anniversary band to my settings
1 year ago
Emma Shepard from SewWonderfullyMade6 says:
Very pretty! It's so hard to pick a favorite!
1 year ago
Sharon Moores from slathered says: Featured
My husband wanted me to have a piece of him and who he is. He grew up in Maine near tourmaline mines, so he had a local jeweler create a ring sporting two beautiful green Maine tourmalines. I love that it's unique and ours.
1 year ago
Natalia from Nikifashion says:
Awesome rings!
1 year ago
Amy from flintandspark says:
SO many beautiful engagement rings on Etsy! My ring is from a local (at the time) jeweler in Dublin, Ireland.
1 year ago
Lisa Jersey from JerseyGirlTrinkets says:
I LOVE rings and these are all FABULOUS! :)
1 year ago
Mary from SweetPeaTotes says:
Congrats Danielle for making it onto the Etsy blog! I have a very talented daughter. Love ya sweetie!
1 year ago
Heather Salzman from JoyousCrafts says:
Wow! beautiful!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat from mazedasastoat says:
Enough of the wedding posts... how about writing about something that concerns us for more than one day of our lives? Too challenging?
1 year ago
joolrylane from joolrylane says:
Beautiful !!!
1 year ago
Brittany Hodgson from BeatriceCLaNore says:
I like this posting. My wedding ring started out as a marquise solitaire. After the wedding it grew with a wrap around style diamond band. I love the antique rings but something custom made is always nice too :)
1 year ago
Annette from TheLeveretsNest says:
thanks for the article! rings are beautiful! Danielle says it nicely here - if a ring speaks to you and it doesn’t look like a typical engagement ring, there is one one rule above all: it’s your ring - and I sure love, love, love this stunningly gorgeous wings ring by Andrea - http://www.etsy.com/transaction/74771379
1 year ago
Melissa Pancakes from littlepancakes says:
Unconventional for me... I've got some favorites on etsy with twig designs.
1 year ago
Jess from volkerwandering says:
I am attracted to the antique and halo style! I currently have a cubic zirconia heart shaped halo style (just a present). At first I was worried I would bang it into things, but it's tough, and pretty! Hooray for rings!
1 year ago
Michelle Wey from ModernistaJewelry says:
Everything about this post is very elegant. The halo style is particularly enticing. Makes me want to experiment with diamonds!
1 year ago
messinabella from BandBEstate says:
great post!
1 year ago
LivingVintage from LivingVintage says:
Great picks! Love your blog too.
1 year ago
rivahside says:
beautiful
1 year ago
goodbeads from goodbeads says:
Beautiful Rings,Great work!
1 year ago
Renata and Jonathan from RenataandJonathan says:
great post !
1 year ago
Erika Cz. from ErikaMayDesigns says:
I love antique rings, but be sure to mention next time that antique rings may need the prongs retipped (That one in the photo sure dues!). And ALL jewelry needs to be taken in time to time to be spruced up by a professional because metal DOES wear down eventually.
1 year ago
Dotty Walker from SewThoughtfulBlanket says:
Love all of them!
1 year ago
BlueBrocade from BlueBrocade says: Featured
Antique rings are definitely my favorites--they are amazing, intricate works of art, in designs you don't see anymore, each with long histories of love and memories of those lovers before us who chose that same ring. I love that idea--how an antique ring can connect us to long histories of love stories before ours. Lovely post!
1 year ago
AJ Marsden from OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
I love that antique ring! They are all so pretty!
1 year ago
Gillian from GoldAdore says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
Madi from 15MadisonStreet says:
I love the antique one!
1 year ago
pengworkshop from PengWorkshop says:
Very beautiful rings!
1 year ago
mrszeus says:
I love love the antique ring also !
1 year ago
msklek from msklek says:
I chose specifically to have NO engagement ring. Really thoughtful and provocative write up in The Atlantic yesterday for those who are interested in the history of engagement rings. http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/04/the-strange-and-formerly-sexist-economics-of-engagement-rings/255434/
1 year ago
VaLon Frandsen from thevicagirl says:
I have been looking into the engagement rings lately (not sure why, I have no guy.) But, I think I like the solitaire the best. However, I have also been liking the the ones that have a floating diamond, and you don't seem to have those listed.
1 year ago
Kathy from KatDesignsNYC says:
Wonderful post!
1 year ago
Jenna Callahan from WeThreeTrees says:
When I was replacing my original engagement ring/wedding band, the girl at the counter at the jewelry store said "You should get whatever you want!" I chose a green amythest ring (with diamonds surrounding it). I don't care if its not "conventional". I LOVE IT. Its a beautiful smoky blue/green that looks almost like a mint color sometimes. I've had it for nearly a year now and when I look at it, it makes me so happy. I'm forever glad that I chose this one. :)
1 year ago
lovelygifts from lovelygifts says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
Ada Ada from idajewelry66 says:
Very beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for the lesson in ring styles.
1 year ago
Ada Ada from idajewelry66 says:
Very beautiful rings!I love that antique ring!
1 year ago
Ada Ada from idajewelry66 says:
Very beautiful rings!I like the antique rings.
1 year ago
Nicole Nicoletta from MintMarbles says:
ooh my they are all so beautiful!
1 year ago
Peshka from Peshka says:
Love!
1 year ago
Erika from ErikaPrice says:
They are all stunning! OK then, if I say "yes" can I have any of them please! No? Oh, all right then, if you insist, I'll go for the classic solitaire. Thanks! Love you :) x
1 year ago
Victoria Baker from LittleWrenPottery says:
Wow, I love the vintage style rings the best they have such a classic timeless look!
1 year ago
Kathy Johnson from BridalSashesOnly says:
Love the rings, my style is LOTS of diamonds!
1 year ago
Carolyn S. Miller from AutumnLeavesJewelry says:
love all the rings! Thank you for adding Unconventional to this collection!
1 year ago
Kathy Sander says:
Love the antique ring :)
1 year ago
Addy from Addy says:
Very pretty rings! I found it hard to decide between vintage and unconventional so went for both!
1 year ago
Kirsten Skiles from KSkilesJewelry says:
If I were to buy an engagement ring specifically from Etsy, I would look for a ring in a style that couldn't be found in a conventional jewelry store. To me, that is the point of buying from Etsy, to buy unique, clearly artist-made, pieces, whether jewelry, clothing or wall art.
1 year ago
Krista from TheBeadtriss says:
Lovely! ~KK~
1 year ago
Sienna Orlando from siennaorlando says:
This is a great little breakdown of styles. I LOVE my antique engagement ring from the 1920's. It has so much character, and the idea of reusing something instead of buying new really appealed to me.
1 year ago
DueAmici from handandheritage says:
We love them all!
1 year ago
Michele from IntheMoodforVintage says:
Although exquisite charmers, they are deceptive charmers. Diamonds unfortunately lose value. Prices are artificially set high for a product that is mined in abundance...therefore creating an even greater automatic devaluation right after purchase. Similar to driving the new car off the lot. They are nice to admire but I wouldn't allow my true love to waste his hard earned money on one.
1 year ago
Sally from SallysVintageKitchen says:
Great article! Beautiful rings!
1 year ago
Jennifer Beaudet from JBeaudetStudios says:
I love them all but the antique is my favorite!
1 year ago
DansMagic from DansMagic says:
The anubis is my fav out of all of those. Always love the more unique pieces.
1 year ago
Maria from VintageEclectica says:
Love!!!! Great information, thank you. Beautiful rings!!! Antiques rock!!!
1 year ago
Liudmila Rosario Ponko from PonkoWorld says:
So beautiful!!
1 year ago
Som from SomsStudio says:
Such beautiful designs!! I love them all.
1 year ago
littlebrownbantam says:
Great article and beautiful rings shown as examples :o)
1 year ago
Janessa Robbins from AnarasCorner says:
I love the modern halo style ring with a classic round cut diamond, Of course, with a beautiful, sparkling gem in the center I think I like them all!
1 year ago
md. alamin says:
Nina of Egypt – Exquisite Handmade Jewelry, Home Décor, and Unique Gifts Nina of Egypt is an exceptional source for unique gifts, handmade jewelry, and ethnic home decor, representing the unique cultures of artisans in Egypt and the Middle East. http://www.ninaofegypt.com
1 year ago
Zane Saracene from Zalavintage says:
Hope to read more from you soon!
1 year ago
RapscallionVintage from RapscallionVintage says:
Very informative article. I inherited my husband's Grandmother's ring from the 40s and I honestly don't think I've ever owned something as special or delicate. I love it dearly but I am of the mind, who says a girl can't have more than one ring! In the future I hope to own my very own Tacori original!
1 year ago
Barbara Polinsky from bmjnyc says:
Great information!
1 year ago
Kate from GardenDaisiesStudio says:
Love how you organized the different types. My husband knew I am a little different and that I would appreciate a vintage/antique ring much more than going to a jewelry store (although we looked at handcrafted ones on here, too!). He ended up choosing an art deco engagement ring from the 1930s and a late 1920s wedding band with little, subtle engravings in it. I couldn't have picked them out any better :) I love them and no one else will ever have the same combination, let alone the same rings, probably.
1 year ago
Jeananne Sizemore from ArtWhimsCrochet says:
I will admit that the featured antique ring is my favorite :O) A great guide that includes many styles - would be perfect for helping the proposer to scout out what their significant other likes.
1 year ago
Kathleen from myvintagecrush says:
Gorgeous!
1 year ago
Laurie Lewis from ShopHedgerowRose says:
I'll have one of each please! :)
1 year ago
WestCermak from WestCermak says:
I love antique rings – there is so much history, known or unknown. Although it is always lovely and fairytale-like to believe that the previous owner(s) lived and loved their significant others for their lifetime, I think it holds so much meaning for the current receiver as well. If those rings could talk…
1 year ago
Dianita from dianaarcuri says:
I'm loving the halo style, but somehow I'm a bit scared of diamonds since you don't know who to trust anymore this days. My hubby bumps my self steem in ways I could never imagine. He wanted me to have a beautiful diamond ring, so he spent a whole month learning of diamonds and all the theories that surround them, it's a very simple design, but with 3 of the biggest diamonds I've ever seen (those kind you just stare at jewelries because there's no way you're going to get a big ring someday, or at least I thought >..<
1 year ago
Pasi Torkkeli from TorkkeliJewellery says:
Beautiful selection of engagement rings:) In here women usually have an ordinary band as a engagement ring and usually the wedding ring is the one ring with bigger diamonds or gemstones in it. My girlfriend has always told me that she want to have a big and "American style" Engagement ring and she wants her wedding band to be more simple. When I proposed my girlfriend last month I wanted to make her a beautiful solitaire ring with diamonds in the band. She has always loved brown Diamonds, so I spend a lot of time finding her just the perfect colored brown diamond in brilliant cut.
1 year ago
Pasi Torkkeli from TorkkeliJewellery says:
And as in here I mean Finland:)
1 year ago
Poppy Porter from PoppyPorter says:
My engagement ring definitely comes under unconventional! There are two of them, gold curls with a pointed garnet on one and pointed topaz on the other. Made by Tim liley of London and bought at the Goldsmiths Fair held every year in the fabulous Goldsmiths hall in The City.
1 year ago
pocketsize says:
Unconventional here! My husband found a beautiful petite amethyst and garnet ring from Lura Jewelry here on Etsy and requested one like it in my size with moissanites and rainbow moonstone (my favorite stone). It's perfectly my style, and the fact that he picked it out on his own really shows how well he knows me!
1 year ago
Yanina Faour from OleanaJewels says:
The Antique and Halo style are absolutely stunning! It's a terrible thing that we can only pick one ring to wed with isn't it? Thank you for sharing your blog post! As a jewelry designer I invite you to take a look at my Etsy store collection.
1 year ago
alwaysdaddysgirl from alwaysdaddysgirl says:
I wear a plain vintage sterling silver band as I work construction for half the year. I also have custom made band with a small ruby from an etsy seller that was for my 10 year anniversary. My original wedding ring is a celtic band. My engagement ring was a regular ring that had 2000 in the side with a tiny diamond that we thought was neat. I would like a ring with a vintage cut stone in it just to wear as they are so beautiful. Old engagement rings are works of art.
1 year ago
ScoutingSquirrel says:
I designed my own ... a wishbone shape 'mountain' with a small triangular diamond at the top, I had looked at trilogy rings of three diamonds to represent past, present and future, and my triangular diamond coveres this meaning too. That is flanked by my birthstone, peridot, which will need to be replaced about every ten years but this doesn't bother me, and then sapphires as a manufactured sapphire was part of his first Christmas present to me, bought early and in time for a posh ball he was taking me too and also because the blue and green represents the water and land of our hobby of Scouting and also fits the 'mountain'. The peridots and sapphires are rectangles un the flanks of the wishbone shape. The jeweller had terrible trouble fitting all the stones in to the size of my ring and I therefore know it is unique! It is also very very special to me and gives me plesaure every time it catches my eye. The article, linked above, from theatlantic.com had a few comments relating to 'what does the lady give to the man as her sign of committment', well, I 'borrowed' a favourite landscate photograph of his and commissioned a painting. Not the same monetary value as my ring but very special to him and out on display for both of us to enjoy.
1 year ago
Stephanie Maslow Blackman from metalicious says:
I love Danielle's blog! As a jeweler I had the hardest time coming up with my own engagement ring and this was more than 10 years ago before I truly honed my metalsmithing craft. Today I make modern engagement rings from recycled metals for other happy couples. I love to be a small part of someone's 'forever.'
1 year ago
Wendy from WendysJoy says:
My husband and I were very lucky and got to use three family stones: A center diamond from my great Aunt's engagement ring, and two side diamonds from a ring that belonged to my great grandmother. I love the "miner's cut" of the stones. My husband picked out a new setting that honors the antique cut. I feel like I carry his promise of love plus the memory of those two sassy, fantastic women on my hand everywhere I go.
1 year ago
Jade Le Maître says:
I have an engagement ring designed by Arosha - the unconventional type :) Arosha made for me a special listing, with an Isis ring and a white sapphire gemstone. so beautiful! A real "wow effect" for the best day of my life :)
1 year ago
alex sandra says:
I want to buy a GOLD RING can anybody help me with that here is my email............alex_sam201194@yahoo.com
1 year ago
Tammy Perone from tochess says:
I just recently got married (11-11-11) and my ring is an edwardian dome ring in white gold with an aqua marine stone. I can't tell you how many compliments I get on it. I am older now and married someone I went to high school with...our rings are totally different, but each represent who we are and our eternal love. Listen to your heart, it will tell you which is right for you.
1 year ago
Sara Hunter from SaraHunterDesigns says:
Simply beautiful!
1 year ago
Windy City Novelties says:
The rings are all so gorgeous!
1 year ago
Barbara from ionesAttic says:
I have never owned a diamond ring. When I was married in 1975 I wanted to be unconventional and actually asked my mother if I could borrow her wedding band for the ceremony. She refused, so we purchased a couple of wide gold bands. My marriage that lasted 26 years, dissolved 10 years ago. Now, I am finally interested in a diamond ring for myself. My dear mother had her 1945 simple engagement diamond reset in the 1960's to a rather gaudy dinner ring setting. She has promised it to me... and is in full agreement that it should be reset into a simpler, deco style.
1 year ago
Isabel Label from AlienLabel says:
Vintage rings are my favourite, as well as ones where the centre stone is not a diamond. It's a bit more mysterious and unexpected. In fact there is a lovely vintage citrine engagement ring in my shop, if anyone is interested :)
1 year ago
Lina Yu from linayu says:
I love it! So nice, those are really good silversmiths!
1 year ago
Adriana from ripeshop says:
I was recently engaged and we went with a classic solitaire princess cut, but I bought a vintage wedding band here on Etsy because I love, love, love vintage rings. Since then I've also bought a couple more right hand rings that are antique, art deco rings and I'm so happy with them. The craftsmanship is so great and I love wearing something that has history behind it. Thanks for this great post!! :)
1 year ago
LaDonna Maddy from GiftsForNow says:
I am going to go with a combination of the split-shank style and an unconventional style. I have been married before, and I want my ring to speak to the uniqueness of my current relationship, not necessarily to what is expected or conventional (after all, the relationship with my fiance has been anything but either of those!). I've never been crazy about diamonds - I find them to be a rather cold stone - but I love opals, particularly fire opals, but they are a soft stone, creating a potential problem since, as the above article points out, I will be wearing the ring everyday. I've finally decided that I am going to keep a diamond as the centerpiece of the ring, but I am going to have small opals on the shank portions of the ring, where they are will be more embedded in the band, thus less likely to fall out.
1 year ago
fancy chen says:
I love antique ring style very much.It is pretty memorable if you get it. If you like fashion jewelry,please contact me to provide you jewelry wholesale from China. email:elitejewellry@gmail.com
1 year ago
Christa Smith from EnveloveInvitations says:
These are very beautiful. I am a big fan of unique engagement rings. :)
1 year ago
Pink Poppies from pinkpoppies1991 says:
I love antique rings. Remind me of princesses !
1 year ago
Saara from SaaraReidsema says:
Lovely!
327 days ago
stephenn fletcher says:
Thanks for This post..Great work! I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. http://www.quantum-diamonds.com/
293 days ago
Simong Paul says:
Its really awesome designed engagement rings.Mainly the unconventional engagement ring design is great..
255 days ago
llewellynh says:
I have a 6 ct green tourmaline step emerald cut that was set in the 1940's in sterling silver. I want to use it as an engagement ring but everyone is screaming it must have white gold. The problem is I like the setting just as it is. Would it be OK to leave it alone and then use a thin white gold wedding band.
213 days ago
Simong Paul says:
Mostly I like the classic solitaire engagement rings design.I particularly admire your jewelery collection. I love your blog too.
189 days ago