Tradition is a wonderful thing, particularly where weddings are concerned. However, making room for new practices and aesthetics as you plan to celebrate your lives together can enrich your special day just as much as the tried and true. For a fresh, modern interpretation of romantic classics, there’s no better place to begin than with the engagement ring. Updated designs and lesser-known metals have inspired some of the most beautiful rings we’ve ever seen, and few trends exemplify this more than rose gold engagement rings.
Rose Gold Engagement Rings
Rose gold, sometimes called pink gold, was created when artisans began experimenting with different mixes of metals to produce different colors and weights in the final product. Because all gold used in jewelry like engagement rings contains a percentage of other metals necessary to make it strong, options for color and customization at the base level are numerous. Other variations such as green gold and black gold have achieved respectable popularity over the last several years, but rose gold is now in such high demand that it has achieved comparable status to old favorites like yellow and white gold.
Engagement rings and wedding bands in this warm, unique hue are among the hottest wedding trends of 2015.
Classic Solitaires
For brides seeking just a slight modern twist on classic engagement rings, or to form a perfect blend of old and new, a simple solitaire setting rendered in gorgeous rose gold is all it takes. As you can see in the styles curated below, even this straightforward style is open to creative, unique tweaks that set it apart from other solitaires.
From left: Classic Solitaire Setting, $298 R2938; Ridged Solitaire Setting, $450 R2779; Swirl Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting, $525 R2966; Dainty 1.5mm Solitaire Basket Setting, $465 R2998
Vintage Inspiration
Another attractive and interesting example of rose gold’s “old meets new” style potential is this beautiful metal’s easy combination with vintage design elements. Simple diamond accented bands, art deco halos, and whimsical Edwardian leaf and vine bands all get a refreshing new look in rose gold settings, preserving the tradition and aesthetic sensibilities of the old days while breathing new life into these classic styles.
From left: Plain Band Oval Halo Engagement Setting, $980 R3015; Twisted Diamond Band Basket Setting, $1210 R3042; Vintage Leaf Diamond Engagement Setting, $890 R2994; Classic French Cut Basket Setting with Diamond Accents, $1290 R2981
Milgrain and Hand Engraving
Milgrain, the tiny beaded or ridged pattern often seen accenting the edges of a band setting, and other hand engraved accents come in and out of fashion from year to year. Currently, these design features are experiencing yet another revival, and it’s no accident that they’re frequently paired with the rose gold trend. The striking color of rose gold engagement rings draws the eye more than the yellow and white tones of traditional engagement rings, making the impact of small, intricate details more pronounced and dramatic. Milgrain and hand engraving give the elegant styles shown here a more finished, handcrafted look that is a nod to vintage designs, as well as new looks.
From left: Hand Engraved Solitaire Basket Setting, $990 R2949; Pave Accented Hand Engraved Engagement Setting, $1490 R2858; Hand Engraved Pave Halo Setting for Cushion Cut, $1690 R2839; Hand Engraved Tapered Solitaire Setting, $550 R2956
Split Shank
The split shank setting is elegant, eye-catching, and the perfect way to add uniqueness and creativity to a traditional solitaire or diamond-accented band. Special details like hand engraving, tulip settings, and fancy diamond shapes add yet another dimension to these beautiful split shank styles. The split shank is also very versatile, opening the door to a world of custom and handpicked elements for building your dream ring.
From left: Pave Diamond Accented Tulip Setting, $1580 R2919; Split Shank Solitaire Setting for Oval Cut Diamond, $750 R3041; Flower Halo Split Shank Diamond Engagement Setting, $1950 R2894; Hand Engraved Split Shank Tulip Setting, $750 R2973
Show Off the Metal
Rose gold’s striking color is what sets all of these styles apart from the everyday engagement ring, and many brides to be are choosing rose gold engagement rings that put this beautiful metal in the spotlight just as much as the brilliant center and accent stones. A broad, sculpted band on a rose gold engagement ring creates a surprisingly modern, rich look, reminding us all just what it was that made us fall in love with rose gold in the first place.
From left: Baguette Accented Rose Gold Engagement Setting, $750 R2687; Three Stone Bezel Set Engagement Setting with Round Diamonds, $1325 R2588; Flat Edge Cathedral Setting, $575 R2744; Angular Engagement Ring Setting with Baguette Accents, $1550 R2516
Pile On the Diamonds
The bright contrast of rose gold provides the ideal backdrop to make strong diamond accents stand out even more dramatically. Close-set and invisible set diamonds appear even more impressive, while diamond accents set with an individual stone setting process like pave or bezel have their cool sparkle showcased on the warm, rosy bands.
From left: Emerald Cut Three Stone Engagement Ring Setting, $795 R3060; Invisible Set Princess Cut and Baguette Engagement Setting, $1980 R2321; Cushion Double Halo Split Shank Engagement Setting, $1690 R2971; Tapered Baguette and Emerald Cut Three Stone Setting, $3150 R3039
Two Tone Metal Combinations
Of all the looks we’ve covered here, a band accented with gold in other colors is by far the most modern application of the delightful rose gold trend. Sometimes this is very subtle, like our many rose gold settings featuring white old prongs that add to the brilliance of the diamonds. In many styles, though, the mixed media effect of working with gold in two or more different colors is the ring’s defining feature.
From left: Rose Gold Accented Bezel Pave Diamond Setting, $3050 R2836; Round Diamond Three Stone Trellis and Pave setting, $1775 R2799; White and Rose Gold Pave Halo Setting for Round Diamond, $990 R2877
The rose gold engagement ring trend is just one of many style sweeps on which we’ve offered in-depth coverage and advice. Visit the Adiamor.com blog regularly for more posts in the On Trend series! Adiamor has been a trusted name in the fine jewelry industry, serving customers in southern California and worldwide for nearly 70 years, helping to match them to the perfect engagement rings, wedding bands, and upscale fashion pieces for their proposals, wedding days, and red carpet appearances.
