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Year: 2021
Everything you need to know to create a custom-made diamond engagement ring.
1. Find the diamond engagement ring designer or jeweler that speaks to your style.
When you are creating a custom ring, you need to work with a designer or jeweler whose style and quality you admire. “You might pick the best diamond, but if it’s in a poor-quality setting then you won’t be happy,” says Manny Soin – owner of Middleton Jewelers.
2. Establish a budget and prioritize what matters most to you.
Determining a budget up-front makes it easier to identify a range of diamond options. Most people have to compromise on something to stay within their budget, so it’s best to know in advance what matters most to you, whether it be a larger stone, a diamond of the highest possible quality, or a setting with side stones. Once a budget is established, Middleton Jewelers sources a range of diamonds to present to clients for comparison and consideration. While each diamond should have a GIA certificate that incorporates the 4 Cs to identify the stone’s quality, it’s important to remember that two stones with identical GIA grading reports can still appear very different.
3. Bigger is (generally) better.
“The size of the diamond is the most important factor in designing a ring,” says Manny Soin. “The average consumer won’t notice tiny inclusions or a hint of warmth, but they will notice the size of the stone from near and far.”
For that reason, Manny steers his clients away from VVS stones if they are on a limited budget saying: “I don’t believe in paying for something you can’t see. I am also not afraid of a little warmth in a stone. I don’t prescribe to the thought that only the whitest of diamonds are beautiful.”
On the other hand, Middleton Jewelers does have an incredible selection of VS quality natural and lab-created stones that can deliver an extra “pop” we coupled with a colorless factor as well. Middleton Jewelers has everything you need in every range of the highest quality products.
4. Research ring styles and stick with what you love.
We advise that you spend time researching for inspiration and trying on different rings to discover the styles you love. Find what you like, dislike, and what feels good on you. Just continue to remind yourself not to be swayed by trends; celebrity engagement rings get a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean they are right for you.
5. Choose a diamond engagement ring for your style—and lifestyle.
Once you have chosen the diamond, the right designer or jeweler will work with you to create a diamond engagement ring that suits your lifestyle. Also, women today want more durable ring styles that they can wear from the office to the gym. (As such, Manny notes that micro pave settings are losing popularity.)
Your ring should also match your individual style, be it modern or vintage. “At the very least make sure you are buying a diamond shape you will love forever,” says Manny. “It’s pretty inexpensive to change a diamond setting after a few years, but it’s expensive to change the stone.”
Additionally, it’s important to consider your wedding band when selecting your ring style. Perhaps you’re envisioning an engagement ring that pairs with stackable wedding bands? More and more women are going in this direction because different stackable bands easily allow for the changing-up of a look based on time of day, attire, or mood. Middleton Jewelers is known to create custom wedding bands that can integrate with engagement rings.
6. Get creative: it’s all in the details
Different metal finishes, detailing, unique side stones, and the personalization of a ring with engravings and other hidden elements are what really allow for a ring to stand apart. MJ loves to find deeper meaning, we love listening to stories and other things that are significant to individuals and their relationship. From there, we are able to figure out how to integrate symbols and characters, such as flowers, birthstones, and spiritual motifs, on the insides of the rings.
The design team always provides clients with sketches of their diamond engagement rings for approval, and then 3-D renderings are made before wax molds are carved for each design. Make sure you approve your ring every step of the way to ensure you are getting everything you want. And don’t be afraid to make modifications along the way (just make sure to do so before the wax mold is made).
7. Buy a diamond engagement ring without leaving home
Technology has made it much easier to create custom-made rings by presenting diamonds, settings, and styles in images and videos when you can’t meet directly with a jeweler, but nothing replaces the feeling of trying on a ring in person.
Once a client places an order, the GIA-certified diamond ring is made in Middleton WI, and delivered within two to three weeks. With a little research and planning, you easily design the custom diamond ring of your dreams—the ring that tells your unique story.
Top Ten Engagement Ring Trends for 2021
Trends are an interesting phenomenon in the world of fashion and culture. Sometimes it’s clear and relatable when something is all of a sudden considered “trendy”, other times (leggings as pants?) make us scratch our heads in confusion. In the bridal world, trends tend to emerge a bit slower than other markets, and thank goodness for that because no one wants their engagement rings to go out of style when they’ve barely celebrated their first wedding anniversary. So let’s dive right into the trends we see in the world of bridal today and we see continuing well into the 20s.
1. The Skinny on Thin Bands
First came the skinny jeans and then came the skinny bands.
Thin, delicate, plain, or diamond-encrusted bands first emerged on the scene a few years ago and quickly began flooding social media while marketing pushes such as “whisper” thin bands have consumed the advertising campaigns of many bridal designers. What is the attraction you ask? Isn’t bigger better when it comes to diamond jewelry?
In fact, the juxtaposition of the thin band with a large center stone are two anomalies that work together beautifully bringing full attention to the center stone. This unexpected combination of opposite scales really makes the center stone pop and appear larger. However, our advice is don’t go too thin; we recommend at least a 1.8 mm width for the best stability and endurance.
If a band is too thin, it runs the risk of cracking, bending, or losing its shape over time. This is especially important to note for ladies who are quite active in their lifestyle. Ladies with slender fingers and small delicate hands pull this look off best while the look may get lost or appear too small on bigger hands. A wider wedding band, double or triple the width of the engagement ring, looks best with this design, the width balancing nicely alongside the center stone.
2. Go Long with an Elongated Center Stone (Ovals, Pears, Emerald Cuts)
The perks of choosing an elongated center stone shape for your engagement rings, such as an oval, pear cut, or emerald cut are quite obvious. Not only do these shapes tend to make fingers appear longer and more slender but they look bigger than rounds in the same carat weights. Ovals have continued to be the number one fancy shape for brides in the past few years while emerald cuts exude sophistication and old-world glamour and elegance.
3. Chevron or “V” Engagement Rings
Characterized by their formation of a distinct V shape on the finger, chevron engagement rings are ideal for the trendsetting, ultra-unique ladies among us who appreciate a romantic, quirky and delicate aesthetic. The best way to wear these types of rings is by pointing down towards your fingertip, like an arrow.
4. Solitaires
Like the little black dress, the solitaire never really goes out of style. Their enduring appeal has a lot to do with their simplicity, and propensity to showcase the center stone best. However, the band or shank design can make the ring feel dated. For instance, in the 90s, a wider width was the preference when the modern, slightly masculine look was in. However, these days the look that feels most fresh and modern is a thinner more delicate band, whether it’s plain and rounded or set with pave diamonds.
The best part is that solitaires look good on everyone and the setting is relatively inexpensive allowing you to really funnel your funds into the 4C’s. Solitaires are also the easiest rings to layer with other rings such as your wedding band and or an anniversary band to create an amazing bridal stack.
5. A Fine Vintage
We continue to see strong demand for vintage-inspired engagement rings. Touted for their timeless appeal, these rings all do have something in common—they are imbued with character, soulful elegance, and charm.
Maybe it’s the idea of having a ring that could someday serve as the family heirloom you can pass on to future generations or the belief that an engagement ring should possess serious character and old-world charm, one thing is for sure, a vintage-inspired engagement ring looks unique and exudes romance. Today’s vintage-inspired rings strike the perfect balance of antiquity and modernity, look incredibly fresh, and come in all metal colors including rose, yellow and white gold as well as platinum.
6. A Rosy Outlook
Both modern and romantic in feel, rose gold engagement rings are the breakout new (but really old) metal choice. Rose gold has a long and rich history dating back to the early 1800s. In recent years it has become even more popular among brides who want a ring that exudes sweet feminine charm with a modern, romantic feel. Whether used in vintage-inspired or floral designs or in clean modern ones, rose gold feels new again.
7. Three’s the Charm
Thanks to Meghan Markle, we have seen a substantial uptick in demand for three-stone engagement rings.
The classic choice is usually a round center stone flanked with round side stones but these days the variety of combinations are much more exciting. An oval looks great with half-moon diamonds on each side while an emerald cut looks elegant with baguettes or trapezoids as its partners. And a princess cut flanked on each side by glimmering trillion diamonds is both unique and elegant. The three-stone has come a long way and brides are excited to jump on the bandwagon. One thing that remains, their meaning of love, friendship, and fidelity makes them a great choice for brides who desire a sentimental meaning for their engagement ring.
8. Floral
Gifting flowers to the object of one’s affections has often been viewed as one of the top romantic gestures and an engagement ring with floral elements solidifies that sentiment. The floral engagement ring came on the scene in 2018 and has widely appealed to the masses. It looks ultra-feminine and romantic especially if set in a rose gold setting but feels modern and unique in platinum or white gold setting. Delicate vines lined with milgrain accents and leaves set with sparkling diamonds, rest assured this much-adored styling is here to stay.
9. Hidden Halo
While the halo is still widely popular with today’s brides, not all ladies embrace this type of setting. For those who don’t want a solitaire or a halo, but still want some interest in their ring there’s a newcomer in town that’s garnering mentionable attention. A close cousin to the halo, the hidden halo features smaller diamonds set around the head which are facing out from the side allowing for major sparkle to be seen from all angles.
10. A Knack for the Stack
Thanks to Instagram and Pinterest bridal stacking continues to awe and inspire future brides as well as those already married. Women are happy to not just wear their engagement and wedding ring anymore but to add on with curved diamond bands and other interesting stackable rings allowing them to really express themselves and showcase their unique personal style. These “additions” not only look trendy and modern but make great gifts to celebrate important occasions such as birthdays and anniversary gifts.
For these and other on-trend jewelry, view our full catalog and explore all of our engagement rings
If you’ve decided to propose to your partner, you might be feeling nervous and worrying about how to do it the “right way.” Getting engaged is a huge milestone. So, before you get down on one knee, learn some dos and don’ts of traditional marriage proposals.
The Dos
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- Test the waters: Before you propose, the two of you should have already spoken about getting married. Make sure marriage is something that each of you wants, and verify that you both agree on major issues, such as having children. A proposal is a big question that shouldn’t come out of the blue. You don’t want your partner to be taken completely off guard.
- Make it a surprise: Even though you should discuss getting married, the marriage proposal itself can be a surprise. Find a moment and a manner that your partner won’t be suspecting.
- Prepare yourself: “Will you marry me?” is a simple question, but it’s a weighty phrase that leaves many proposers completely tongue-tied. Practice! It might feel silly but say the words out loud a few times. Also, consider writing down and memorizing exactly what you want to say to make sure you’re as smooth and confident as possible.
- Find the right engagement ring: Because wearing an engagement ring is a lifetime commitment, make sure it’s the right one. Try to find an opportunity to window shop for rings with your partner to see what they like, or bring it up in conversation. You can also ask your partner’s parents, siblings, best friends, etc., to help choose the ring.
- Know whether they want to pick out the engagement ring: Some people are particular about their jewelry and want to be a part of the selection process. Honor that by going ring shopping together. Sure, you’ll lose that element of surprise, but you can still surprise them with the proposal.
Talk to their parents: We’ve come a long way from the days of dowries. But there’s still something respectful about asking for the parents’ blessing.- Pick a personal spot: Think about your favorite romantic places, and choose a meaningful spot to pop the question. It can be as simple as in your living room or as elaborate as whisking your partner away for a weekend in Paris—whatever is significant for you as a couple.
- Be creative: Incorporate your and your partner’s personalities, hobbies, etc., into the proposal. Make it unique and memorable rather than a cookie-cutter proposal.
- Drop to one knee: There is something so charming and romantic about a person getting on one knee and asking the love of their life to marry them. Even if you’re not traditional, it will make the proposal more momentous.
- Tell your partner why you want to marry them: Don’t just utter those four little words. Tell your partner why they are the one for you, what marriage means to you, and what your hopes for the future are.
- Share the news when you’re ready: Don’t feel like you have to blast the engagement right away to all your family and friends. Take however long you’d like to reflect on your engagement and togetherness, and then announce the news.
Talk to their parents: We’ve come a long way from the days of dowries. But there’s still something respectful about asking for the parents’ blessing.
The Don’ts
- Make it public: Unless your partner has said they want a splashy proposal with an audience, it’s much easier to make the proposal special by keeping it intimate. Have that magical moment between just the two of you.
- Hide the engagement ring in food: Unless you have a personal reason for doing so, hiding the engagement ring in food is a tired idea. It’s been in many movies and TV shows, so you won’t win any points for creativity. And there’s the possibility they could swallow it.
- Propose at a sports game: Sports games generally aren’t the best proposal venues unless that’s your partner’s preference. They’re loud and distracting, so you likely won’t be able to have any of the romantic reflection that such a momentous occasion deserves.
- Do it in front of their family: Proposals in front of the family add yet another layer of stress that you don’t need. Make this moment just between the two of you. Your families will merge with your marriage by default, but they don’t need to be present when you pop the question.
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- Make it too complicated: Try to be unique and creative with your proposal plan, but above all, keep the focus on what really matters: the proposal itself. If you can’t focus because you’re worrying about whether the limousine will make it to the balloon ride in time, then you’re worrying about the wrong thing.
- Propose too early in the relationship: When you’re swept up in a new relationship that’s going especially well, it’s hard not to do impetuous things. However, make sure you really know each other and what each of you wants from a marriage before you commit.
- Expect them to say “yes” immediately: Asking someone to marry you is a big deal. If your sweetheart says “maybe,” take it in stride. Give them some time to consider the proposal. You want them to be as sure about their decision as you are in yours.
The 9 Engagement Ring Trends You Need to Know for 2021
By now we’re all very aware that nothing, not even a global pandemic, can stop love. And it certainly hasn’t put a stop to engagement season! The latest engagement ring trends are still on display, and designers, and couples, are getting more creative than ever when it comes to ring shopping.
“I believe the moment calls for spectacular and precious things,” says designer Anna Sheffield. “Wedding ceremonies may change or be on hold for now, but the desire to celebrate love and union is going strong.”
So what does the latest crop of rings have to offer? We’re diving deep into the top engagement ring trends for 2021. Whether you already have the ring of your dreams picked out (dropping hints counts), or you and your partner are just starting to talk about what that bling might look like—you’ll want to be armed with all the latest engagement ring trends before you safely visit your favorite jeweler, or virtually discuss the ideal ring with a designer.
Wedding ceremonies may change or be on hold for now, but the desire to celebrate love and union is going strong.
We rounded up some of our favorite jewelry designers to talk all things engagement rings—from the latest trends, to how the pandemic has changed the way couples are shopping for rings. Here, the engagement ring trends you need to know for 2021.
Unique Rings With Personal Details
In a year full of such uncertainty, couples are taking control of what few details they can as it relates to marriage—and one of those is focusing on personal touches when it comes to engagement rings. “A huge difference we’ve seen is that clients have much more time and space to explore what they want, so they are coming to us with much more personal, thoughtful, and insightful directions and ideas,” Azlee’s CEO and designer, Baylee Zwart, says.
“Right now I am seeing a huge surge in clients wanting alternative engagement rings, mainly in the form of a unique cut or an unusual custom-designed setting,” jewelry Angie Marei tells us.
People are continually searching for ways to do things differently. We’ve seen all the rings flashed on every social media channel.
Tacori’s COO and Design Director Nadine Tacorian agrees and says that customers are eager to celebrate love by making the ring their own. “Rings with secret details—hidden messages of love only you and your partner know about,” Tacorian adds.
“People are continually searching for ways to do things differently. We’ve seen all the rings flashed on every social media channel. People are looking to add another layer to the traditional wedding band, putting some extra love and meaning behind it,” says Madeline Fraser, founder, and CEO of Gemist.
Band Style Rings
Given the ever-changing landscape of weddings, jewelry designers are seeing clients turning to band-style engagement rings for a two-in-one situation. “I am seeing an increase in brides that are opting for band-style engagement rings in lieu of a single stone engagement ring,” says Grace Lee. Lee counts her Marquise and Pear diamond band and 5mm crown Bezel eternity band as the most popular.
KatKim designer Katherine Kim is also seeing this trend on the rise “Since a lot of weddings are being postponed we have been seeing a rise in rings that can serve as both an engagement ring and wedding band from our Crescendo Flare Collection,” Kim says.
“Traditionally in many European countries they do not give engagement rings but rather wedding bands/eternity bands as engagement/wedding bands rings,” says designer Emily Rudman, founder of Emilie Heathe. She adds that the current crop of pandemic safety measures have helped keep this trend going. “It’s also easier to clean/sanitize and can endure the constant washing and hand sanitizing we are doing these days.”
Classic Styles With a Modern Twist
The nature of virtual ring shopping has given rise to a return to classic styles for engagement rings. “Because less clients are coming in person to our showroom to try on different settings, more and more are playing it safe with classic styles, like a solitaire or 3-stone ring,” says Nicole Wegman founder of Ring Concierge.
Stylist Micaela Erlanger, whose Forevermark X Micaela Erlanger collection is an office favorite, is also seeing classics making a comeback. “Going into the new year we are seeing couples gravitate towards classic cuts like round, oval, and cushion set in delicate platinum settings that really allow the diamond to pop,” Erlanger shares.
Famed-jewelry (and the absolute best Instagram to follow for ring inspo) Stephanie Gottlieb agrees. “Overall I think our brides are embracing “fashion-forward” bridal designs with traditional elements (which is really my MO when it comes to Bridal jewelry; classic with a modern twist),” Gottlieb says.
Anna Sheffield is also seeing this timeless trend making an impact for 2021. “I think there is something to be said for really timeless rings, and choosing a super special stone,” says Sheffield.
“A more traditional ring with a pretty silhouette and exquisite detail speak to today’s bride and this trend will continue into 2021,” Cathy Waterman tells us. We definitely agree there’s something to sticking to a tried-and-true style in the midst of dealing with the unexpected.
Heirloom-Inspired Old European Cuts
It’s no surprise that engagement ring shoppers are considering family traditions and legacy as they search for the right sparkler and opting for rings that feel like an heirloom. In a year where families were largely kept apart, longing for loved ones is making couples nostalgic and they’re thinking about future generations as they begin their own families. “Engagement ring trends we anticipate in 2021 are heirloom inspired designs – connecting modern love stories to vintage details, creating new family traditions and legacies,” Tacorian adds.
The responsibility and the symbolic value carried by an engagement ring might be heavier than ever.
Olivia Landau, founder, and CEO of The Clear Cut, agrees that the trend has longevity. “Old European cuts are one of my favorites because their unique faceting pattern makes them one of a kind and timeless!”
“A lot of weddings are becoming smaller or being postponed due to the pandemic so, in a sense, the responsibility and the symbolic value carried by an engagement ring might be heavier than ever,” says designer Moritz Glik.
Virtual Shopping Makes Things Easier, and Faster
We’re living in a virtual world and that applies to more than just Zoom meetings. Jewelry designers got creative this year, taking a business that relies on literally getting your hands all over something, and making it virtual. The results opened up a whole new way of shopping and a whole new clientele for many designers. “We are finding that couples are acting more spontaneously and wishing to expedite the proposal and engagement process. With so much uncertainty, it’s nice to take control and keep the process simple,” Ashley Zhang says.
“Since the pandemic and other events in 2020, I feel consumers, in general, are encouraging purchases from smaller independent business’ where they can get to know the designer behind a brand,” says Marei whose business has seen an increase in online inquiries and sales over the last year.
Thanks to her large social footprint, Gottlieb was prepared for the switch. “Our bridal business has been virtual for quite some time, since our audience is coming to us from Instagram, and includes shoppers from all over the country, and the world. So luckily we were prepared for this “remote” shopping experience. For us, videos have been the most helpful element to provide our clients a full visual of their purchasing options.”
Join us at Middleton Jewelers for our WEDDING BRIDAL EXPO MADISON WI APRIL 17TH 2021. At this wedding and bridal event, we will feature a full vendor list including custom diamond engagement rings, custom wedding bands, a custom tuxedo/wedding dressmaker, a wedding cake baker, a wedding florist, a wedding photographer, as well as a wedding food catering company for all of your wedding meal needs in Madison WI.
FREE EVENT PASS TICKET INFORMATION!
If you would like event passes to the Bridal Expo Wedding Planning Event in Madison Wisconsin CLICK HERE for tickets and reservations! THIS EVENT IS FREE!
Both of the owners of MJ are ordained ministers so they can even be a wedding official that marries you and your spouse! Come join us the weekend of April 17th, 2021 to be a part of the biggest bridal and wedding expo event ever in the Madison, WI bridal expo history!
Bridal Expos in Madison WI have been on hold due to the pandemic but Middleton Jewelers is here to solve all of your wedding planning needs in 2021. If you are in Madison WI and WEDDING PLANNING then you must be at the wedding and bridal expo on 4/17/2021 in Middleton. The address is 6629 University Avenue in Middleton, WI.
If you like to book an appointment for the wedding expo please feel free to contact us at 608-831-5656 to book an appointment with JOEY. Call anytime Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday.
See you at the Bridal Expo!
SAVE BIG ON YOUR BIG DAY(S)!
Middleton Jewelers are launching a brand new promotion to help you celebrate your special days of the year in class! We are offering up to 75% OFF any purchase made for your birthday or anniversary of any kind! All you have to do is submit your anniversary or birthday to us in the “chat now” box in the bottom corner, or stop in to sign up!
Whenever it is your birthday or anniversary just let us know and get 40% OFF on the spot, or if you are shopping online you can ask us for a special coupon code JUST FOR YOU!
Up to 90% OFF Diamond & Gold Jewelry!
Welcome to Middleton Jewelers Valentines Day Soiree Sales EVENT! Up to 90% Off Diamond, Gold, and Gemstone Jewelry. Come into our store for our sales event, shop online, or email joey@middletonjewelers about a private high-end jewelry showing party for you and your close circle. Middleton Jewelers is committed to being safe during the covid-19 pandemic and still offer curbside, home pickup, and virtual appointment services. Please contact us or email joey@middletonJewelers.com to set up any style of consultation you are comfortable with – including IN PERSON!
Valentines Day Soiree at Middleton Jewelers: Up to 90% OFF diamond and gold jewelry. Huge jewelry sale madison Wisconsin valentine’s day jewelry sale.