We’ve spoken to a selection of our favourite jewellery designers to find out what their current picks for engagement rings are and what the predominant buying habits are for couples. It turns out majority of couples are choosing, designing and buying their dream rings together (engagement rings included), which we think is a beautiful way to start the wedding and marriage journey. Prepare to be dazzled below…
1. Sutcliffe Jewellery Diamond Engagement Rings and Bespoke Handcrafted Jewellery of exquisite design from New Zealand’s foremost master craftsmen.
From your collection what is your current top pick for a timeless engagement ring?
We try to make all of our engagement rings timeless. We don’t go too over the top with design for wedding jewellery as it needs to look good for a life time. We definitely are creative and look to design rings that aren’t just stock standard, but with wedding jewellery our philosophy is timeless with a twist, so you still get something that’s unique but wont look dated in 10 years time. Something like “The Archenar” is a great single stone classic with a twist. Its made or platinum and rose gold which is modern while still being classical.
From your collection what is your top pick for an engagement ring with a coloured stone/s?
For coloured stones I would always recommend one of our sapphire or ruby ring as they’re the second hardest stones (diamonds being the hardest), so they stand up to everyday wear pretty well. “The Luminary” is a beautiful timeless piece that will bring the owner a lifetime of joy every time they look at it.
If you had to choose your ultimate engagement ring from your collection, what would it be?
If I had an unlimited budget… Either the Archenar or Icy Artistry. I couldn’t choose just one!!
Do you find couples often design/choose engagement rings together or does only one person come in to choose? What is the ratio for you?
That’s a real mix. I would say its about 50/25/25. 50% of couples come in and design together, 25% of males choose the ring for their partner and 25% of females come in by themselves and design the ring and then he will come in to see what he’s paying for.
Where do you think engagement ring trends are currently heading and why?
The single stone will always be in high demand but we are seeing more and more people go for 3 stone rings at the moment, and we are also seeing a higher demand for rose gold and platinum rings. The mix of rose and platinum we are seeing in both single stones and 3 stones.
2. Partridge Jewellers A common theme of family unity, the passing of knowledge and values from one generation to the next, and the highest commitment to craft, quality and service.
From your collection what is your current top pick for a timeless engagement ring?
Can’t go past the classic Solitaire – where we have added an extra element of diamonds in the side profiles. This design can be crafted in Platinum or 18ct Gold and is elegant & refined in its styling. The side detail is befitting to the centre stone and gives that extra finishing touch to the ring
From your collection what is your top pick for an engagement ring with a coloured stone/s?
A diamond engagement ring is traditionally the favoured, yet this is changing and many are moving to a Sapphire option. My pick with this is to move into my preferred cuts being the cushion cut. The brightness, hardness (9 on the Mlohs Scale) and durability, means it is extremely beneficial for a lifetime of wear. Coupled with the fact the stone’s hue and saturation of colour is vibrant, and in certain angles cam take on a violet blue tinge is appealing The ring I have selected, features a very good example of a well cut Cushion cut Sapphire centre with Trapezoid cut diamond shoulders. We tailor this design to meet client requirements.
If you had to choose your ultimate engagement ring from your collection, what would it be?
The Moval cut by far. This is exclusive to Partridge Jewellers and is to be pronounced in the French term, as Mo’Val. The cut is a cross between a marquise and an oval, longer and thinner in shape, with lovely rounded edges. The Moval are exquisitely beautiful and demonstrate an intense refractive nature, plus they look considerably larger than a regular oval cut of a similar weight. It’s aesthetic beauty means that due to its elongated shape it will make the finger appear longer than it really is. A Moval is cut to specific proportions to maximise the stones beauty and brilliance and no two Moval cuts are alike, adding an exclusive element. My pick from this collection is this 4.47ct Cut Centre flanked by a Round Brilliant cut diamond halo and diamond set shoulders.
Do you find couples often design/choose engagement rings together or does only one person come in to choose? What is the ratio for you?
More than often it is a joint decision, as generally speaking you are dealing with a combined monetary spend, it tends to be that both partners are involved in the selection process and both work towards a piece that accommodates their style. Majority rules, and we may see only 10 -15% of this type of purchase done without the presence of the recipient. I have to add, I really enjoy assisting clients who come in to purchase under the vise of spontaneously proposing. The traditional element is still important for some.
Where do you think engagement ring trends are currently heading and why?
The trends are very much in a White metal, be it White gold or Platinum. Trend is in a Round Brilliant cut diamond centre stone, or with a fancy cut, diamond centre stone, surrounded by a diamond halo. More than often, the topside of the ring is much larger than the shoulders or the shank (band) of the design. Social media tends to be a factor in trend styling, yet there is a strong demand for bespoke and one of a kind designs. Many want to be involved in the process from design to completion and Partridge rewards itself on our expertise in this area.
3. Worth & Douglas As symbols of your love and commitment, your engagement and wedding rings are the centrepiece of your marriage ceremony. Every Worth & Douglas ring is made with meticulous craftsmanship and to the highest quality.
From your collection what is your current top pick for a timeless engagement ring?
The classic solitaire in platinum.
From your collection what is your top pick for an engagement ring with a coloured stone/s?
We love a good cluster of stones which enhances the overall look and have always been partial to this rose and white gold ring with the mix of champagne and white diamonds. The neutral contrasting colours in both the stones and metal really complement each other.
If you had to choose your ultimate engagement ring from your collection, what would it be?
This is my personal favourite, and in fact inspired my wife’s engagement ring (pictured with a matching wedder). We liked the art-deco influence in the design.
Where do you think engagement ring trends are currently heading and why?
We see oval, pear and even marquise shaped stones becoming popular with those who are after a unique look. I can’t see the solitaire ring being bumped from the top spot however – it’s timeless elegance can’t be beat and a wedding ring sits so nicely alongside.
4. Jewellers Workshop At Jewellers Workshop we have been making beautiful jewellery in Auckland’s High Street since 1987. We specialise in custom designed jewellery, using our own unique alloys and crafting techniques to make jewellery of exceptional quality.
From your collection what is your current top pick for a timeless engagement ring?
For me personally, it would have to be our Freyja (the Trilogy) ring. It is so flattering to wear and I love the symbology behind the three diamonds; the past, present and future of your love story… The centre stone is the largest to remind us to stay in the moment! This is a classic style but with a multitude of options for making it uniquely yours.
From your collection what is your top pick for an engagement ring with a coloured stone/s?
I have an affinity with everything peach, so it would definitely have to be our Persika ring. The hand-selected sapphire is for me the ‘perfect’ shade of peach, and the ring is immaculately finished with some cheeky shield diamonds on either side. This way you can maximise the size of your ring with a centre coloured stone & still have the traditional diamonds incorporated in a modern way!
If you had to choose your ultimate engagement ring from your collection, what would it be?
My dream one is definitely our Malou ring; I love that this style feels both pared back and fun at the same time. The ultimate juxtaposition. However, in truth I created this for my sister.. she’s a lucky girl – you know it must be real love to give your sis your dream ring!
Do you find couples often design/choose engagement rings together or does only one person come in to choose? What is the ratio for you?
Around 50/50! It’s a very personal choice for couples as to whether they would prefer the classic surprise proposal, or the experience of designing their engagement ring together. We would also recommend having some subtle conversations with your partner before you commission a surprise piece! Alternatively, we do offer our gentlemen a ‘proposal ring’ so they can propose with their selected diamond then come back with their partner to design the forever ring, so it’s the best of both worlds!
Where do you think engagement ring trends are currently heading and why?
The traditional classics – solitaires and trilogy ring – still reign supreme for an engagement ring as a timeless choice. However, I think we will see more unconventional takes on these classic designs; like east-west settings, and fancy diamond shapes – oval, marquise, and shield to name a few. Designs that allow people to express their individuality, while also being classic enough to stand the test of time.
5. Julia Marin Julia’s work explores the possibilities of playing with minimalist compositions while utilising traditional silversmithing techniques.
From your collection what is your current top pick for a timeless engagement ring?
I specialise in custom pieces, to me the perfect timeless engagement ring is when you can combine these three elements: it has to be personal to you, reflect who you are and your values; it has to show the right balance between classic and contemporary; and it has to be crafted in the best materials.
From your collection what is your top pick for an engagement ring with a coloured stone/s?
For a colour stone engagement ring I recommend Sapphires, they come in a variety of stunning hues and are my number-1 choice after diamonds for their . Tourmalines are also a great pick.
Where do you think engagement ring trends are currently heading and why?
I believe engagement trends often fluctuate around variations of the classic solitaire and the three stones rings, but lately I’ve been very excited with the infinite varieties that ’toi et moi’ and clusters settings offer us to create bespoke pieces. It allows us to be more playful while still elegant and timeless.
6. Julia deVille It is the destiny of Julia deVille and all of us here under her ordinance, to facilitate and proliferate your personal love story into amuletic palpability.
From your collection what is your current top pick for a timeless engagement ring?
The Atreus Ring with Halo Wedder Fine: An 18ct white gold and diamond ring showcasing a one carat old cut diamond, flanked with 4 small rose cut diamonds on the shoulders. The pavé set diamond wedding band is custom fitted to the engagement ring, a match made in heaven. Photograph: Jessica Tremp @brownpaperparcel
From your collection what is your top pick for an engagement ring with a coloured stone/s?
The 20,000 Leagues Ring: 18ct rose gold, morganite, pink sapphires, rose cut diamonds. This is my all time favourite ring. I have a white gold, sapphire and diamond version myself. I love the idea of a large and colourful engagement ring as a symbol of big love! Photograph: Rufus & Cooper
Where do you think engagement ring trends are currently heading and why?
My clients come to me specifically because I don’t follow trends… so I can’t really comment on this. What I can say though, is I’ve noticed more people are concerned with the origins of their diamonds. I have always used ethically sourced diamonds, my favourites being Australian Argyle and antique/heirloom stones.
7. Roccabella Designers of edgy fine diamond jewellery. Silver, platinum, white, yellow and rose gold. Specialising in diamonds and semi precious stones.
From your collection what is your current top pick for a timeless engagement ring?
When it comes to timelessness, I would recommend a Hearts On Fire diamond ring. My top pick would be Sloane Silhouette, this ring is equal parts minimalist and oh-so-romantic. This design looks amazing regardless of the carat weight, simply, because all Hearts On Fire Diamonds are perfectly cut insuring maximum sparkle no matter the size. Hearts On Fire collaborated with designer Hayley Paige to bring us this design which is inspired by her Sloane gown.
From your collection what is your top pick for an engagement ring with a coloured stone/s?
Our Petra ring by Selin Kent, at the heart of this ring is a custom-cut hexagonal blue tourmaline its like looking into a deep ocean. Selin has chosen to pair with yellow gold and a sprinkling of diamonds. I can’t get enough of blue tourmalines not only are they beautiful they also encourage communication which I think is key when you are in love.
Where do you think engagement ring trends are currently heading and why?
I predict that rather than a particular ring style setting the next trend, it’s going to be about ethics, sustainability and traceability. We are gong to see more coloured gem stones sourced from small scale ethical mines and branded diamonds that can be traced. Bespoke and independent designers that have the greater good at heart, are going to be coveted. I think we are heading in this direction because we all want to be a part of the solution rather than the problem. I’m super excited to be a part of this journey with our couples.
