Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Stonechat Jewellers, who specialise in handcrafted bespoke rings, have carried out a detailed survey which captures current engagement ring trends. The results are truly surprising – they highlight just how far romance and marriage have come in recent years. From proposal rings to unusual gemstone choices, these trends demonstrate how much has changed when it comes to buying an engagement ring.
ONLY 20% OF WOMEN WANT TO BE SURPRISED WITH THEIR ENGAGEMENT RING!
While only 20% of women want their partner to choose their engagement ring, 36% of women surveyed still wanted to be surprised with a ‘promise’ or ‘proposal’ ring. This new concept allows the element of surprise while leaving scope for a woman to choose such an important ring – she will, after all, be wearing it for a long time!
75% OF WOMEN ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A TRADITIONAL ENGAGEMENT RING
These are modern times and there are so many different setting styles!
Only 25% favour a traditional setting while 40% of those asked like minimalist or contemporary design. A vintage look, which can be easily captured in a modern ring, still catches the eye of 1 in 5 ladies. Interestingly, only a small percentage put an emphasis on the overall size of the ring – big is not necessarily better!
ONLY 56% OF WOMEN WANT A DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
Although diamonds would have traditionally been considered a girl’s best friend, there is such a wide range of coloured gemstones to choose from – beautiful blue sapphires remain popular at 14.4%. Notably, morganite, which is a relatively new option for an engagement ring, has surpassed more traditional gemstones such as ruby and emerald.
HOW MUCH DO COUPLES SPEND?
When it comes to budget, gone are the days when a certain percentage of his income was to be spent on an engagement ring. Nowadays, 25% of customers focus on the €2000-€3000 price bracket, while an overwhelming majority of people will spend up to €5000.
HALO SETTING IS MOST POPULAR
A simple claw set solitaire can be very beautiful but is declining in popularity with just 1 in 4 choosing it. Halo settings, which have taken over from traditional clusters, are the preferred setting style of almost 25% of those asked. Unique bezel and tension settings also provide popular modern alternatives.
WHITE METALS TOP OF THE LIST
While yellow gold is still a beautiful and warm option, white gold and platinum are extremely popular, being the choice of well over 60% of ladies. Yellow gold is making a comeback however, as the second most popular choice, with 23% of votes. That said, 18ct rose gold is on the up as it is established as a metal colour that works particularly well with certain coloured gemstones like morganite and chocolate diamonds.
40% FAVOUR A ROUND STONE
Round diamonds and gemstones remain favourites with 40% choosing this shape. 25% of those asked favoured a princess cut (square stone), while emerald cut (rectangular) and oval stones also hold their own.
Stonechat Jewellers surveyed 1,300 people across Ireland regarding everything from ring styles to budgets in order to uncover the top trends in 2019.
Stonechat Jewellers is Ireland’s foremost contemporary jewellers. Specialising in Irish design and handcrafted engagement and wedding rings, Stonechat Jewellers is based in the Westbury Mall, Dublin 2.
Their full collection can be viewed in store and on their website –
www.stonechatjewellers.ie
