30 Dramatic engagement rings we love
There’s something so modern about a dramatic engagement ring. Whether it’s a vintage family heirloom, an Art Deco diamond, or a mid-century modern gold band stack, choosing a dramatic piece is the perfect way to incorporate a contemporary look while planning your future.
While modern engagement rings will always be popular (who doesn’t love a classic Tiffany solitaire or an eco-friendly, lab-created diamond?), more and more couples are looking for truly unique engagement and wedding jewelry. Specific eras of jewelry are as timeless as a solid gold band, while others—like the art deco era—are more trendy. But what's certain is that there are a plethora of options for dramatic engagement rings to suit any style; even big, bold ‘60s cocktail rings with semi-precious gems can be a fun and unique jewelry choice.
Choosing a modern engagement ring can also be a more sustainable option if you go the vintage route, as you’re basically upcycling an existing piece by giving it new life on your hand. If you love shopping secondhand and wear a lot of vintage clothing in your day-to-day life, opting for a vintage engagement ring feels like second nature. Plus, shopping vintage means there’s less worry that someone else will have the exact same ring—or that you’ll look down at your hand and feel like your ring is now dated.
Regardless of the era, if you’re considering going dramatic and want to keep up on the latest daring trends, check out some of the most popular bold engagement ring trends below…
Halo or cluster engagement rings
Both halo rings and cluster rings are a romantic and feminine style with a subtle floral vibe and a delicate profile that still packs in the glitter. These rings usually have a primary diamond in the center and are surrounded by smaller diamonds. The classic halo cluster rings we see today are inspired by the Edwardian period from the early 20th century. Queen Alexandra had a love for flowers, which led to a rise in these flower-like styles.
The unique shape of a cluster ring means you can mix and match band styles to create a wedding stack that’s truly 100 percent you. Most popular has been round diamonds, pave set around the center stone. However, Art Deco-style halo engagement rings, using tapered baguettes or other small fancy shapes prong set around the center stone, have been a new trend for 2022.
Three-stone engagement rings
We have the Royal Family to thank for the resurgence of the three-stone ring, a gorgeous (and super glam) style. This trend has been extraordinarily sought after ever since Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle with a three-stone engagement ring. Traditionally, each of these stones are meant to tell the story of the past, present, and future regarding the engaged couple, with the present as the primary center stone. In general, all three stones are the same size or the center stone is slightly larger. Three-stone rings are perfect for those with classic taste who want something chic and simple but no less impactful.
Colored gemstone engagement rings
Move over, diamonds! While the diamond will always rule supreme over the engagement ring kingdom, colored stone engagement rings have been increasing in popularity over the years and are the perfect choice for brides who fancy something different. Blue and green stones including aquamarine, emerald, sapphire and topaz are among the most popular choices, followed by fiery gems such as citrine, yellow topaz, garnet and ruby. More subtle shades are having a moment too, including pink and peach sapphire, morganite, moonstone, opal and pearl.
Art Deco engagement rings
Intricately detailed 'milgrain' rings are a go-to choice for lovers of history and all things vintage. This technique translates from French to ‘a thousand grains,’ representing the tiny metal beads that are often arranged into an intricate shape or pattern. Milgrain styles date back centuries, despite not getting its name until the Roaring ‘20s, and its popularity today stems from its ability to add a daring yet antique feel to jewelry of any age.
Art Deco engagement rings tend to have geometric patterns and often feature colored gems like sapphire, ruby, or emerald in addition to diamonds. Shapes are big in Art Deco so you'll often see large rectangular center stones, circular or square halos, or uniquely-shaped side stones.
Sunburst and ballerina rings
There's nothing quite like the multifaceted sparkle of a sunburst or ballerina ring. Both are a type of halo design, where the ring's halo fans out from the center stone like rays of sunshine or the tutu of a ballerina. Distinctive and indicative of old Hollywood glamour, these rings are certainly a decadent statement piece. Invented in the 1950s, sunburst and ballerina rings took inspiration from the rise of the silver screen where it was all about dazzling eye-catching jewels and OTT style. Their popularity resumed in the 1980s a form of cocktail ring, when extravagant jewellery was in vogue. These are the rings for brides who want their bling to make a serious style statement!
Asymmetrical cluster engagement rings
Classic symmetrical engagement ring styles are timeless and elegant, but not for everyone. Asymmetrical rings are having a real moment with brides who want an engagement ring design that's truly unique. Balance is the key word here, as it is possible to achieve balance with asymmetry. In fact, it is the goal above all else. Balance is achieved when the shapes used, and the space between them creates an attractive form. In short, it needs to “look right” despite not being the same on both sides. Asymmetry provides a great way to experiment with shape and colour to create an individual feel.
