Rules of Engagement: Expert Advice From Leading Jewelers

The latest in our series sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company takes a look at trends and tips for engagement rings.

The Washington Post reported Gallup figures earlier this year indicating approximately 390,000 married same-sex couple in the United States -- and that was before the historic June ruling granting a constitutional right.

"No longer may this liberty be denied. No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were," wrote Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.

It's been an exciting 2015, and the marriage momentum is only getting stronger, with more gay and lesbian couples preparing to walk down the aisle. And that means big spending. NerdWallet estimates our fabulous taste may contribute an additional $2.5 billion to the U.S. economy's wedding industry... including plenty of carefully curated engagement rings.

There are a lot of sweaty palms this month. According to The Knot, December is the most popular month to get engaged, with the average engagement ring costing more than $5,800. EDGE asked industry experts for their tips on planning and purchasing the perfect engagement ring, and what's on trend for 2016.

Color Me Fabulous

New York-based Anna Sheffield delivers a stunning array of designs for modern couples looking to capture their own personal style. Working with diamonds and a diverse range of precious and antique gemstones, mixed metals, and gold, Sheffield's collection are the ultimate showstopper to say, "I love you." She offers expert advice on both style and budget:

Style
Yellow gold has become more prevalent as a metal color choice for commitment jewelry in the past several years. Also I see more people wanting to mix colored stones into their sets, such as emerald, ruby, sapphire in bands and engagement rings. We often use champagne diamonds because they are beautiful, rare and sparkly, but in a more tone-on-tone way with colored gold. And they are priced in such a way you can get a larger stone in champagne for the same cost as something smaller in a white modern cut.

Men tend to prefer more classic bands, especially if the ceremonial ring may be their only jewelry. But we have seen more men who want bands with black diamonds, which I think is amazing. Some of our bands feature a pav� of black diamonds similar to a classic eternity band, but the stones are set along the outside edge instead of the top -- it's subtle but still significant.

Budget For Your Beloved
"I feel like this is not to be determined by any factor other than what is a comfortable amount for the person or couple to spend. It's a piece of jewelry to last a lifetime, so it's certainly not the place to skimp. But the engagement ring doesn't necessarily need to be expensive by nature. There are so many options now. And then there is always adding a second ring later -- meaning the wedding band and beyond. There are anniversaries and other occasions to celebrate in a couple's life and add additional rings. Stacking is always a winning combination!"

The Perfect Cut

Head to the Midwest for expert advice and a globally sourced jewelry collection at Wixon Jewelers. Founded by Dan and Hope Wixon in 1988, the Minneapolis-based showroom features a shimmering number of engagement rings in various styles, and you're bound to see the couple's three Labradors gently lulling about.
Marketing Director Jayme Pretzloff offers his industry insights:

"Halo and pave styles are the top trend in engagement rings, and have been for the last couple of years. However, there are so many interesting and unique ways to design a halo ring so it is special and unique to each bride," says Pretzloff. The round shape is still the most requested cut. It is traditional, exceptional, and drop-dead gorgeous. There is no other shape that sparkles as much. That being said, just because it has the biggest sparkle doesn't necessarily mean it is the best for you. Each bride has her own unique style and preference."

"One of my favorite current trends is cushion cut diamonds," notes Pretzloff. "They were popular back in the early 1900s and have recently again become a favorite. Originally referred to as the candle light diamond, they are one of the most romantic and whimsical shapes that still manage to pack a major sparkle. One can typically get a bit bigger fancy shape diamond for the price versus a round. In addition to cushion, the most popular fancy shapes are princess, radiant, oval and emerald cut. Even if you've always pictured yourself in a round, try on something different because you just never know what might end up being 'the One.'"

The Heart of the Ring

Our clients that shop here come in with a wide range of budgets. We believe that every woman deserves the ring of her dreams, and try our best to make that happen. The center diamond, regardless of its carat weight, is the heart of the ring. Fancy shape diamonds tend to look a bit better in sizes over one carat. There are certain shapes that show bigger than others. A princess cut and an oval might weigh exactly the same, but chances are that the oval will actually look bigger because of the way it is cut. The same goes for a round versus marquise.

But more important than the size of that center diamond is the quality. By putting just a bit more emphasis on the quality, you will actually get a bigger and better look. Quality shows big, and speaks volumes. Quality is something that we focus on with every one of our pieces. With certain shapes, it can be of extra importance. Take an emerald cut, for example; the way this shape is proportioned delivers a pretty clear visual of the entire interior of the diamond. With a round diamond, you have so much extra brilliant sparkle that it's not as easy to notice characteristics in the diamond.

Ultimately it is just about finding the perfect blend of features for you.

Whether you're about to make that special purchase or already have a ring in hand, make sure it's insured with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company.