Wedding Rings: Today's Trends – Tomorrow's Classics

Summer is a popular time for weddings. Sunny days, warm weather and a profusion of flowers provide the beautiful back drop for brides who take their vows in a church, at the beach, in a garden, or other unique setting. From the ambiance to the wedding wear to the reception, couples today wish to infuse their personalities into every detail of the day. As personalization of style also extends to the wedding jewelry, couples are giving more special thought to their wedding rings. Gone are the days of simply choosing a matching set for both the bride and groom. Instead, they are looking at everything from vintage-inspired to unique colored stones. The available ring styles include some of today's outstanding trends which are destined to become tomorrow's classics.

An important thing to remember is to find a style that appeals to both the man and woman and which will continue to bring joy for years to come. Perusing through magazines and jewelry stores allows a couple to define their style and narrow down their choices.

Several styles are turning the heads of couples this season:

Pave Settings

For a look that truly shimmers, pave settings make a band appear as if it's paved in diamonds. Tiny, fully-cut diamonds are set extremely closely together, so to make the metal around them disappear. This style affords the wearers a look nothing short of luxurious without being over the top. Couples may find the look in everything from yellow gold to platinum.

Vintage Styles

For those who love a vintage look, celebrity brides are leading this trend. Several recently-engaged celebrity couples have sealed their promise to marry with vintage family heirlooms. Even if a beautiful ring from grandma's jewelry box is not an option, vintage-inspired choices are popping up everywhere. The delicate look of vintage-inspired rings reminds us that what is old is new again during the wedding season. The most recognizable style is the Old European, but styles also come in Asscher cuts and others. For those who want to don this look, seek out styles with small scroll-like engraving; tiny, half-point diamonds, also called microset and dainty milgrain work; or raised beaded edges, as well as filigree.

Colorful Creations

For the bride who enjoys a hint of color, colored stone wedding rings are making a splash in canary yellow diamond, blue and pink sapphires, and rare light pink diamonds. Many brides choosing colored stones are also selecting a modern look, such as a tension setting. Meanwhile, colored stones are also making their appearance in four-prong classic or vintage filigreed settings. Colored stones are a great way to personalize wedding rings through a favorite color or birthstone. Brides might even opt for a setting that incorporates her and her intended's birthstones.

Stacked Bands

Stacked bands are a huge wedding ring trend this season. Two or more bands stacked together make a dramatic and beautiful statement. One way to achieve this look is with several eternity bands worn piled one atop the other. These rings, with stones designed all around the band, garner sparkling attention when several are worn together. With this flexible and modern look, a bride may wear her engagement and wedding bands together one day, and the next day, wear the engagement ring on her right hand and wedding band on the left. Stacked bands are also a great alternative for couples who want to start a small collection. For instance, begin with one or two rings on the wedding day and add to it over the next several anniversaries.