1) The main trends in engagement rings are unique designs featuring metals like palladium and colored gemstones instead of just diamonds. Halo and antique styles are also popular. 2) There are many options for wedding bands, but most brides prefer ones that sit flush with the engagement ring. However, wearing rings on different fingers is also common. 3) The article provides details on popular diamond shapes for engagement rings like round, princess, cushion, and emerald cuts, noting what each shape says about the bride's personality. It also discusses other gemstone and metal options and tips for budgeting and ring selection.

1. E-TEC PHOTO
174 LONGISLANDBRIDEANDGROOM.COM
JEWELRY
FINDING THE
PERFECT MATCH
WRITTEN BY ERIKA GENOVA
“
Y
ou have found the one person you want to spend the rest of
your life with and now it is time to find the one ring you will
wear for the rest of your life. Long Island Bride and Groom
has compiled information for you regarding the latest trends.
ENCHANTING ENGAGEMENT
According to Jeremie Calvin of Blooming Beauty based in Los
Angeles, CA. the main trend in engagement rings is something unique
because everyone wants a one of a kind engagement ring.
“Palladium rings are in the same family as platinum and are naturally
You should not be concerned with
being traditional. You have to
remember that it is your ring and you
should do what makes you happy

2. EXO PHOTOGRAPHY
EXO PHOTOGRAPHY
TREASURED MEMORIES
LONGISLANDBRIDEANDGROOM.COM 175
white and hypo-allergenic. These rings are becoming increasingly
popular despite few jewelers working with palladium,” stated Calvin.
He also mentioned white and rose gold as other metals becoming
more sought after choices.
Solitaire engagement rings have and always will be popular. Calvin
suggests the possibility of adding accent diamonds to dress up this type
of ring. When it comes to choosing your engagement ring Calvin states,
“the sky is the limit and that there is a ring out there for everyone.”
WEDDING BANDS
There are many different options when choosing a wedding band
stated Calvin. Traditionally brides choose a wedding band that their
engagement ring fits into or one that can be worn under the engage-
ment ring. Other brides choose to wear the engagement ring and
wedding band on different fingers, according to Calvin.
“Wedding bands have remained much more traditional, despite
the wide variety of styles that are available today,” states Katelyn Cris-
toforetti, Perfection Stylist at Hearts on Fire.
If you want to have a matching set, Calvin suggests asking the manu-
facturer before officially choosing your ring because many companies do
not offer this. Cristoforetti agrees that most women prefer the band to
sit flush with the engagement ring for a unified look. “You should not be
concerned with being traditional. You have to remember that it is your
ring and you should do what makes you happy,” stated Calvin.
JS VISIONS PHOTO
DÉJÀ VU STUDIOS

3. 178 LONGISLANDBRIDEANDGROOM.COM
JEWELRY
ALWAYS IN STYLE
According to Calvin there are three very popular ring styles;
authentic antique, antique style and halos. “When buying an authen-
tic antique ring that could be 100 years old it is important to have the
main diamond as well as the accent diamonds inspected by a repu-
table jeweler to insure that they are real,” states Calvin.
Antique style rings are very similar to authentic antique rings, just
brand new. “It is possible to still have the feel of a true antique ring
reproduced to a newly created antique style ring,” says Calvin. Cris-
toforetti agrees that halo engagement rings are extremely popular.
“Instead of the normal round halo style, many ring designs include
floral motifs, twists and other design elements that still create the big
look of a halo but a more unique style,” stated Cristoforetti.
DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND
There are a variety of different shaped diamonds that one can have
for an engagement ring. Each shape says something different and
should fit the personality of the woman wearing it.
Round Diamond
The round shaped diamond is the most popular diamond style for
engagement rings. The dynamics of the shape of this diamond show
the most sparkle in comparison to the other shapes. This style is per-
fect for the traditional classic bride.
“
Princess Diamond
Princess diamonds are the second most popular choice. This style
is also traditional and started making its mark in 1980. Like round
shaped diamonds this style can also work in almost any style ring. This
style is perfect for the bride who wants a fairytale wedding while still
keeping the classic tradition.
Cushion Diamond
Cushion shaped diamonds with their rounded corners and curved
sides are the perfect middle ground between the round and princess
cut diamonds. This is one of the oldest styles having been around for
about 200 years with a recent revival in popularity. This style is perfect
for the simply romantic bride.
Emerald Diamond
The emerald shaped diamond is a more unique shape that may not
sparkle as much as others due to its shape. With its large surface area
this shape is perfect for the confident bride who knows exactly what
she wants and isn’t afraid to let everyone else know too.
Asscher Diamond
The asscher diamond originated in Holland and is similar to the
emerald shape, but with a smaller surface allowing it to have a greater
sparkle. This style is perfect for a bride who loves vintage.
The round shaped diamond is the most popular diamond style for engagement
rings. The dynamics of the shape of this diamond show the most sparkle in
comparison to the other shapes.
TREASURED MEMORIES

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Heart Shaped Diamond
The heart shaped diamond is a clear symbol of love that is sure to
catch the attention of anyone who sees it. This style is fitting for the
bride who is known to wear her heart on her sleeve.
Oval Diamond
Oval shaped diamonds are just elongations of the round cut dia-
mond, which means with its longer shape it appears to be greater in
size when compared with other diamond shapes. This style is perfect
for the sophisticated bride who wants to step away from tradition to
something more unique.
Marquise Diamond
The marquise diamond appears larger than actuality because of its
long and narrow shape allowing more surface area than any other
diamond shape. This style diamond is fitting for the stylish bride who
knows just how to handle the right amount of bling.
Pear Shaped Diamond
The pear shaped diamond,referred to as the teardrop diamond,should
be uniform and perfectly symmetrical when placed in the ring. These
diamonds are perfect for the perfectionist bride who has a unique style.
COLORED STONES
Colored diamonds are beginning to appear in many jewelry
stores, but their high price is making them just out of reach for most.
However, Calvin suggests taking into consideration other colored
gemstones. “Sapphires, for instance, are more rare than diamonds and
come in a variety of colors; white, pink and blue which are almost as
durable as a diamond,” according to Calvin.
Birthstones are also growing in popularity. Calvin recommends to
consider how durable the stone may be and to be sure that the stone
can be made to fit into the particular ring setting chosen.
BUDGETING FOR THE RING
When it comes to budgeting for an engagement ring Cristoforetti
states, “people should always first and foremost stay in a range where
they are comfortable. While many sources state that your ring should
be equivalent to about three months of your salary, the situation differs
for every person.”
According to Jamie Herrmann of Brilliant Earth based in Los Ange-
les, CA., “before selecting an engagement ring, decide on a budget
that makes you comfortable and that ensures your ring is affordable.”
“Nobody should start off their marriage in financial stress. There is a
beautiful engagement ring for everyone, you just have to get creative
when looking for one,” said Calvin.
HELPFUL TIPS
Calvin says there are two important things to consider before
shopping for an engagement ring or wedding band. “First, know your
budget. Second, educate yourself so that you know as much as pos-
sible before purchasing,” states Calvin. Calvin suggests that consumers
take the time to learn the Four C’s of diamonds; Cut, Color, Clarity and
Carat-Weight. The Gemological Institute of America is one of the best
sources to obtain your diamond knowledge. According to
Cristoforetti, “don’t get stressed about it! This time
in your life should be exciting. Don’t be afraid
to ask questions and do research, but also
let the experts help you.”
You have found the love of
your life and now you are taking the
next step. The engagement ring
and the wedding band will forever
symbolize the love and commit-
ment you share with one another.
It is important to choose something
that you will still love for years to
come because when you look down
at your hand you will remember the
memories you have created since
you found the perfect match. ■
CLIX COUTURE PHOTOGRAPHY