Author: Kathy A

Let’s talk about commitment for a moment here, shall we?

Oh, you’re thinking about marriage… Actually, we’re talking about committing to the engagement ring.

Engagement ring shopping can be a lot of fun, but you have to remember that this is a decision that will stay with you for a lifetime (if you do it right).

So if you’re concerned with your ring looking dated after a decade or so, start thinking about a more traditional design. You can still put your own spin on it, but you’ll want to avoid anything too trendy.

For example, two-stone and trillion-cut engagement rings are all the rage right now, but they might be a passing trend. This might end up being a balancing act of choosing something you love right now versus something you’ll love forever.

When you really think about it, the same holds true for your wedding dress. Remember those poofy-sleeved dresses from the 80s? When you look back at old wedding pics, you know exactly what decade they came from because that style was very much a trend. These timeless engagement rings, on the other hand, will never go out of style.

1. Simple Solitaire Timeless Engagement Rings

When you’re looking for a simple engagement ring, solitaire styles are your best bet. This style is designed to showcase the beauty of the diamond, so the band is much simpler. A solitaire can have some design along the band, like cathedral windows or twisted ropes of metal, but the most traditional designs feature simple polished gold.

But if you’re looking to personalize this style, you may want to choose a solitaire ring with a simply embellished design. You can also personalize the diamond shape. A round cut diamond will always be popular, so it’s a safe choice, but you can set any cut into a solitaire setting.

2. Diamond Halo Rings

The diamond halo engagement ring adds a slightly modern twist on the traditional solitaire, but it’s also quite timeless. Because the diamond halo gives your center stone the appearance of being larger, the halo engagement ring will never go out of style. Who wouldn’t want their diamond to appear larger and more valuable? Learn more about diamond halo timeless engagement rings here.

3. Three-Stone Engagement Ring

The three stone engagement ring is timeless in its symbolism and simplicity. The three stones typically symbolize the past, present and future, which is what marriage is all about. In this case, we can say that the three-stone ring has held its favor in the past and present, and we can bet it will continue to do so in the future.

4. Traditional Pave Diamond Ring

Imagine a solitaire engagement ring with diamond accents that appear to be paved into the stone. It’s beautiful and it’s a time-tested design. In general, it’s a good idea to keep the design somewhat minimal, but you can bling it as much as you want.

The pave-set diamond ring is traditional and ultra-feminine.

5. Round Cut Diamond Rings

When it comes to diamond cuts, some are trendier than others. Typically, the fancier the cut, the more trendy it can be. Ultra-fancy cuts include pear, marquise, heart and trillion cuts.

But if you love any one of them, don’t necessarily let their trendiness dissuade you. The best thing about diamond shape is that cuts will always come back into favor. For example, marquise cuts were popular in the 70s and are now making a comeback. But in the 90s, few brides were getting new marquise engagement rings. What goes out will eventually come back in.

The one style that we can almost guarantee will be forever timeless is the round cut. This cut helps the diamond sparkle more, so it will always be a popular choice.

6. White Gold or Platinum Engagement Rings

As we’ve seen, there will always be a market for yellow and rose gold rings, but their popularity appears to oscillate. On the other hand, white gold and platinum rings will likely remain a traditional choice.

In general, all metal colors follow trends, but things are a bit different with diamond jewelry. When you’re setting a diamond into a metal, color is important. If you set a white diamond into a yellow band, it may pick up some of the warmer hue. Depending on the diamond you’re buying, you may not want this. With white gold or platinum, the diamond will remain as colorless as it is without the setting. Because it they have practical application, white gold and platinum are a bit less trendy.

7. Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

The emerald cut diamond is an interesting choice because it’s unlike most other diamond cuts. If you get an emerald cut, whether today or 15 years ago, you’re after a very specific look. It’s more about clarity than it is about brilliance.

8. Sapphire with Diamond Halo Rings

Although this ring will probably never be the most common choice, it will always remain in style. This classic ring was made famous by the lovely and late Princess Diana. And it now graces the finger of Her Royal Highness, Kate Middleton.

9. Vintage or Estate Timeless Engagement Rings

Honoring the past will always be in style. There are many types of vintage rings from various eras, and they’re all appropriate for long-term wear. Even more stylized rings often work when they’re vintage because it’s vintage on purpose. And that’s always a good look.

10. Timeless Engagement Rings with Stackable Wedding Bands

Here’s another option for you. If you’re looking to get creative but are worried about how your ring will look in a few years, consider stackable bands. Choose a traditional engagement ring setting, like a simple solitaire, and jazz it up with various colored metals or fancy-cut stones. You always have the option of simplifying by wearing only the wedding band and engagement ring in the future.

Ultimately, you are going to want to love your ring today and 10-years from now. So give this choice some thought. But try not to stress about it too much. If you end up hating your engagement ring after a few years have passed, you can always have the diamond re-set into another ring setting. It’s never to late to shop for timeless engagement rings.