When it comes to engagement rings, there are many trends that have come and gone. Nonetheless, they continue to be one of the most sought-after financed purchases, with applications for a loan for engagement ring financing at an all-time high. But what are the most popular styles of rings that are both current and timeless? Here’s what expert jewelers are saying.

Toi et Moi

“Toi et Moi” means “you and me” in French and is seeing a rebirth in interest lately thanks to celebrities like Ariana Grande choosing this engagement ring style. Toi et Moi rings typically feature two stones, with the focal stone being larger than the other. The asymmetrical look is eye-catching and a big hit with Gen Z couples who want something unusual looking.

Multi-stone

Multi-stone engagement rings are popular choices for the budget-conscious who want to get a ring that appears to have more carats without needing to make a significant investment in their wedding jewelry. Of the multi-stone style, three stones are a particular favorite as it typically represents “past, present, and future.”

Conflict-free or lab-created diamonds

In recent years, the popularity of conflict-free and lab-created diamonds has been on the rise as more people become aware of the ethical and environmental benefits they offer. These diamonds provide an alternative to mined diamonds, which are often sourced from mines where worker abuse is common.

Lab-created diamonds are gemstones that are created in a laboratory and are chemically identical to mined natural diamonds. They’re also typically more affordable than conflict-free or mined diamonds, allowing you to get a larger stone than you could normally get if buying mined instead.

Colored gemstone rings

Many couples are foregoing the clear/white stone look altogether and instead opting for colored gemstones like sapphires and rubies. Princess Diana of Wales’ sapphire-with-diamond-halo engagement ring brought the trend into mainstream culture, and its popularity has only risen since then.

If you’re considering a colored gemstone, it’s critical you pick one that can handle being worn daily. Sapphires and rubies, in particular, are durable stones that can take just as much everyday wear as diamonds, while softer stones like emeralds and opals may be damaged easily. However, don’t worry if reds and blues aren’t your color, as sapphires come in a variety of colors now.

Alternative metals and silicone

The gemstone isn’t the only thing getting an overhaul in wedding trends, as many couples are opting for alternative metals for their bands that are more affordable. Metals like tungsten carbide and titanium are popular as they’re durable but cost a fraction of gold or platinum. For those with metal sensitivities, silicone bands were often only available as wedding bands but are now gaining popularity as engagement rings, too, thanks to specialty jewelers who are creating special gemstone fittings that work with silicone rings.

The bottom line

When shopping for an engagement ring, it’s good to consider your budget and what style best suits you. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. However, by consulting with an expert jeweler, you can find the perfect ring that will forever signify your love for each other.