Looking for the perfect ring to pop the question with? We asked three Canadian jewellery designers for their take on the latest sparklers and engagement ring trends. Here’s what’s hot this year.
Ethical Ways
“It all started with my father,” says Virginie Roy, the founder and lead designer of Proud Diamond. “He worked with diamonds, but I was not as enthusiastic because of how they are mined.”
Putting her convictions to work, Roy helped to develop a lab-grown stone that would meet her – and her father’s – highly trained standards. The diamonds are as near flawless as the mined variety and even pleased her father’s discerning eye. “Oval-shaped diamonds and gemstones are making a comeback in this years engagement ring trends,” says Roy. “But I work with the wearer to create their own special piece of jewellery.”
Gold is still the tone of choice for most of her clients. Other standouts in Roy’s collection include the lab-grown emeralds and rubies in emerald-cut settings, and the belt pave diamond ring in yellow gold.
Colour Cues
Toronto-based fine jewellery designer and CEO Anne Sportun celebrated the opening of her redesigned store in the city’s Queen Street West neighbourhood in early April. Sportun, who has been in the biz for over 35 years, says, “Solitaires continue to be our most requested style, with more brides moving away from a prong-set stone and gravitating towards smooth bezel settings for a clean and elegant design.” Antique-cut diamonds, unconventional shapes and horizontal set stones add a touch of individuality to 2024 engagement ring trends, she adds, while still honouring the timeless feeling of a solitaire. “Our customers are also choosing a thicker wedding band to complement their engagement ring or choosing to stack with multiple wedding bands.” And, more requests for coloured gemstones. “Sometimes, more is more!”
Go Pear-Shaped
“This season, simple layered pieces with a little sparkle are making their way onto runways and down wedding aisles,” says Erin Tracy, the designer behind Erin Tracy Bridal and Fine Jewellery, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. “Silver jewelry is also making a resurgence in engagement ring trends in 2024.” Gold is definitely still in, says the Toronto-based designer, but she’s seeing a lot more silver tones.
As for engagement rings, “pear-shaped gems with a contour band and baguette shapes are trending.” Looking for a bridesmaid gift? Tracy suggests chain-link style bracelets or chunky hoop earrings. She also designs for men, and textures and layering are all gaining popularity.
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