10 Gorgeous Engagement Ring Trends for 2016

Christmas might be over, but as we get the first few weeks of 2016 under our belts, engagement season is still very much in full swing.

Not only have we Valentine's day, and leap day coming up, (ladies, the 29th of February is when tradition has it, that you get to pop the question), but there are also lots of couples still choosing their own rings after surprise engagements over the holidays.

So, with sparkler shopping very much on our minds, we thought we'd team up with Joseph Jewelry, to bring you our top ten engagement ring trends of 2016.

Joseph Jewelry create the most beautiful custom engagement rings, with endless options for every kind of style.

Whether you want a vintage ring or a modern one, a coloured stone or a diamond, a rose gold band or a platinum one, their website is laden down with ideas for creating your very own perfect piece of jewellery.

Their incredible service allows you to be involved in every step of the process from designing the ring to your exact specifications, to creating full scale wax models, (so you can really see how your ring looks before it's made) to choosing the finish and stones for the final product.

Joseph Jewelry are passionate about creating timeless engagement rings that not only will you adore, but that are also heirloom pieces, that will be treasured for generations.

So, while we're talking engagement ring trends, the cuts, colours, metal types and design styles that are set to be big in 2016, the best thing about Joseph Jewelry, is that you can take an element of a trend, or a combination of a few, and use it to create your very own ring, that's as classic, or as cool, as you like.

Pretty great, right?

Okay, so without further ado, check out the rings that we think are going to be a pretty big deal in 2016.

1. Open Setting

Solitaire rings were huge about 15 years ago, and they're already making a comeback in a big way, but this is an even more special take on the single stone style.

Rings with an open setting are especially popular among celebrities, because they are the perfect way to show off a really standout stone. Look for a four prong setting to give maximum impact to your diamond or gemstone, and consider a pavé band to really amp up the sparkle of a more simple solitaire ring.

2. Halo

Halo rings have been among the most popular choice for brides-to-be for a few years now, and there's good reason why this trend isn't going anywhere.

Not only are halo rings all kinds of pretty, but they're a great way of amping up a smaller stone or giving serious sparkle to a more muted gem like an emerald, sapphire or black diamond.

3. Marquise

While the more unusual cuts of diamonds have been gathering momentum over the last couple of years (pear cuts were huge in 2015), we reckon the next 12 months will be all about the marquise.

There's something really vintage-looking and timeless about this distinctive, regal shape, which makes it a beautiful addition to any ring. Though by playing around with the placement, or pairing it with other stones, it can also be a modern, unique, and entirely versatile cut.

4. Over Under

We've been spotting these ‘over under' style rings popping up here and there over recent months, and we reckon they're set to take over as a trend this year. As with rings with open settings, these are really great at showing off a quality stone, and are perfect for someone with a clean, modern style.

Ask about rings with a wrapped or split shank to check out the gorgeous variations this trend has to offer.

5. Ornate Bands

Vintage style wedding rings are always in fashion, but this new take on the trend has us especially excited. From elaborate filigree bands, to something a little more artisan or bohemian, textured and embellished bands are taking on new levels of style.

For brides who are less about the centrepiece and more about the aesthetic of the ring as a whole, this is the trend for you.

6. Rose Gold

No jewellery trend has grown quite as quickly in recent years, as rose gold. With its pinkish undertones, this chic metal adds a lot of romance to a ring, and is a much more subtle setting for white stones than its yellow counterpart.

Particularly pretty with pink stones like morganite, we also love the idea of pairing it with turquoise, black diamonds or rubies. Definitely a trend to follow if you're looking for something elegant, understated or unusual.

7. Touch of Colour

We just love that brides are getting more creative with their choices of coloured stones in engagement rings.

While the classics like blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies are as popular as ever, the likes of pink sapphires, morganite, canary diamonds, black diamonds and peridots are all set to enjoy a bit of a moment in 2016 too.

8. Princess Cut

One of the more classic cuts of diamonds, princess cuts have seen a resurgence of late, as a centrepiece in more contemporary settings.

As one of the more affordable cuts, princess rings are beautiful as a simple solitaire, but for added impact, choose them with a halo setting, paired with baguettes, or with a pretty pavé band.

9. Baguettes

Baguette cut stones pack in a lot of bang for your buck, and work really well as accent stones for your engagement ring, which is perhaps why they've become hugely popular in jewellery over recent years.

Harking back to art deco designs, these long, narrow stones give a glamorous, vintage finish to more modern designs. Perfect for someone who wants the best of both!

10. Modern Metals

It used to be that engagement rings came in white gold, yellow gold, or maybe platinum, but now rings can come in all manner of metallic hues, textures, and finishes, all as precious and long-lasting as gold.

As couples continue to add more personality to their ring choices, it's little wonder that their choice of metals has become a lot more creative too.

We love the idea of mixing metals, opting for a brushed or hammered texture, or choosing a modern jewellery metal like palladium or tungsten (which is massively popular in men's wedding bands BTW!)

For something really unique though, check out Joseph Jewelry's marble effect, Mokume rings. Each of these handmade rings is entirely one of a kind, resulting in something truly special and personalised in the most dazzling styles and hues.