# 1. Colored stones

Sapphires are all the rage this year, thanks to the marriage between His Royal Highness, Prince William, to Catherine Middleton, now known as Duchess of Cambridge. An 18-carat sapphire previously owned by the late Princess Diana was offered to symbolize the couple’s intent to marry. As a result, girls all over the world began to covet sapphire rings in place of traditional diamond engagement rings, wanting to emulate the new Princess.

#2. Intricate vintage settings

The 70s are making a comeback, both on the runway, and on the hands of many brides-to-be. Lofty settings where a central diamond is set against many other smaller diamonds have been seen on the engagement rings of celebrities like Kate Hudson, Nikki Reed (of Twilight fame) and Bonnie Wright, who plays Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter movies. All three ladies have gotten engaged earlier this year. To emulate this look, find a local antique jeweler, or buy certified diamonds from a trusted retailer and design the ring yourself!

#3. Twisted ring bands

Designers have put in a little swing in this year’s rings by twisting the metal into pretty, swirly shapes instead of the traditional circle band.

#4. Environmentally-friendly rings

Helping to save the planet never really went out of style, but give your engagement a whole new level of depth by purchasing a diamond from conflict-free sources. You can even recycle gold and other precious metals from existing jewelry, materials for industrial use, and electrical component pieces. This practice helps minimize gold mining, which happens to be very environmentally destructive.

#5. Classic solitaire

A single diamond, set simply in a lovely band, never goes out of style. Its chic, elegant simplicity and traditional design makes a solitaire diamond ring timeless; something that a couple can pass on to their daughter or son as an heirloom, kept within the family for generations.

For more information on engagement ring styles or purchasing loose, wholesale diamonds, visit Brilliance.com.