Welcome back to the Diamonds Hatton Garden blog (our first entry for 2022) where we bring you the latest updates and developments from our Hatton Garden jewellers. 2022 is finally here and we’re beginning to daydream about fresh starts, new trends to look forward to – and engagement season.
2021 was a whirlwind of emotions, challenges and more but for brides all over the world it was just the beginning of a great adventure. And rest assured, the global pandemic did not stop couples from committing the ultimate act of love. In fact, some say it brought people even closer together. With luck, this year will bring the same joy to those who found their one and only amongst the turmoil. In today’s blog, we’ve rounded up our top engagement ring trends for those planning to pop the question in 2022—from new takes on traditional styles to exciting new classics. Our wedding engagement rings trends for 2022 have been chosen by our Hatton Garden jewellers to inspire those who are looking to tie the knot in the coming 12 months.
2021 encouraged a return to simplicity and authenticity on the whole and that new set of priorities resonates in 2022 as one considers what engagement ring best suits an impending proposal. Keeping things personalised and subtle is fresh, daring, and strong that reflects your connection with your soon-to-be spouse.
Diamond Framing
Diamond framing is another way to talk about the setting of the centrestone within a ring. With a large push towards art-deco inspired settings which create a unique silhouette, enhancing the centrestone large, chunky settings will be a popular trend to help maximise the look of the diamond and create additional depth, the illusion of size and brilliance.
Diamond Accents on a shank
This is a beautiful and artistic engagement ring design that you won’t see everyday. The sharp points and accented structural supports are just some of the unique and well-thought-out design elements in this style. It presents a full and powerful look while remaining light, delicate, and open. This engagement ring style is not to be missed for those looking for a more contemporary engagement ring design.
Pink and Rose Gold Colourways
Just a kiss of pink diamond or rose gold, rather than going full-on in the engagement ring can add depth and contrast making your diamond engagement ring even more special.
Rose gold jewellery is definitely a trend you will be seeing for this 2022 proposal season and last year demand for Rose Gold engagement rings and wedding rings soared. Even though it is not as popular as white or yellow gold, it is a great addition to your jewellery collection. Rose gold jewellery trends for this year include modern adaptations of more classic jewellery styles. Rose gold has always been considered more trendy and special than yellow gold or even white gold. Whilst less popular,you can feel confident that these colour combinations will give you that special feel that captures your love and relationship.
Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring
For a ring to be considered truly antique it must be at least over 100 years old. If you are lucky enough to be the recipient of a ring passed down from generations ago you are sure to have an heirloom that holds much sentimental value, family history and unparalleled craftsmanship. However, if you’re in love with the look of vintage engagement rings but you’re not able to get your hands on a true heirloom, a vintage inspired engagement ring would be the perfect option. There are 5 different eras of antique jewellery spanning from the 1700s to the early 1900s, with each having a distinct design style. These eras are Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Vintage inspired rings can have some or all of the common characteristics of a vintage style engagement ring. Whether in setting technique, filigree, engraving, shape or special finishes.
Vintage carries a lot of history and whether you use an heirloom that’s been in your family for generations or start a new tradition by purchasing an antique ring, you’ll be incorporating that history into your own story. Vintage rings often stand out as representations of the time periods and art style they were made for. So, if you or your intended fiancee are interested in a particular era — such as Art Deco — choosing a vintage ring from that time is a great way to add some stylish antiquity to your union.
One of the most popular characteristics of the aforementioned Art Deco era are angular, geometric shapes, which were so commonly used in this period. Baguettes, hexagonal and octagonal halo frames, emerald cuts, as well as the use of colored stones were common elements distinguishing this era from the rest.
Split Shank Engagement Rings
Split shank rings split in two, either with one, both or neither parts of the split band set with melee diamonds. It’s an ultra modern ring style and a beautiful idea for an engagement ring. A split shank ring is little out of the ordinary, so the perfect choice for contemporary tastes thar veer from tradition. Set your split shank engagement ring with an elongated shape such as an emerald cut diamond, set in ‘east to west’ style (horizontally) for an engagement ring trend that is set to rise in 2022. Alternatively, you can choose a split shank ring setting for an otherwise traditional design – think a round diamond,
Double Halo Settings
These ultra-glamorous, yet incredibly romantic engagement rings feature a unique double halo that gives it a floral-inspired look. In these designs, a round, white diamond is enclosed in a smaller halo set with pave diamonds. This inner halo is surrounded by a beautifully detailed halo set with larger diamonds. This second halo gives the impression of a blooming diamond flower.
Director Harel Kuzi says “Couples want the engagement ring to signify so much more than their union, they want them to show the wearer’s personality and have some essence of the giver’s heart as well. The personal touch really sparks, and a couple’s engagement ring can really tell a story. Of course, getting creative with your ring sometimes means bucking trends, and that’s ok. Your engagement ring reflects your relationship and is a constant reminder of your love for your partner—forever”
Diamond Shapes
2021 witnessed a rise in popularity of fancy cut diamond shapes as couples looked for a unique way to find a special way to showcase their love. In particular, pear cut diamonds are becoming more popular and, in our opinion,are the very image of style and grace. Their elegant curves allow the stone to sparkle even brighter, be it in a solitaire or halo setting. Elongating the finger, pear shaped diamonds have a wider crown and girdle that concentrate the main size of the diamond at the top compared to the more popular round brilliant diamond making them an exceptional choice and value.
Size
If you’ve already started looking for wedding bands, you know there is an abundance of options. One of our favourite styles is the wide wedding band. Brides fall in love with this style of wedding ring because of the statement it makes on their hand. A wide wedding ring is anything wider than 8mm. These rings have more material and can either make a bold statement with an intricate design or speak to the purity of love with a smooth, contemporary finish.
We hope that our engagement ring guide for 2022 has been inspiring and giving you ideas as to the wonderful possibilities of what choices are out there. For more information and to speak to our family-run jewellers, contact harel@diamondshg.co.uk or call +44 7951 060238.