We’ve all heard the statistics about just how many people get engaged over the holidays (it’s around 40% between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day according to Wedding Wire). Heck, you might even remember last year being overwhelmed with the ‘we’re engaged’ social media posts right after Christmas or New Years’.
If you had asked me about holiday engagements last year, I might have just rolled my eyes and called it too cliche (sorry). And then… 2020 happened. I got engaged in the midst of pandemic hell, over the summer, and quickly realized that for all the hardships of this season of life, the joy that has come with calling my partner “fiance” every day is priceless. So now, I’m on team just-do-it!
What I learned while Engagement ring shopping
I haven’t said this out loud until now, but.. y’all… it turns out that the process of getting two secret surprise wedding rings right on the first try… just doesn’t always happen. Our ring journey has been a little less storybook than we might have hoped. We have had to deal with some back and forth on design/style/sturdiness on my first ring, and sizing back and forth on both rings… and now, finally, 6 months after our double engagement, we both have rings on our fingers. I don’t tell you this story to scare you, just to share that if you’re on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring (or wedding band), I have a few words to the wise:
- Work with a company you have trust in—do your research, read the reviews, trust your gut.
- Try to really know the ring size you need—be sneaky, enlist a friend or family to help, or whatever you need to do to figure out what size is going to be best.
- Take deep breaths and stay patient—it will all come together and be oh so magical, swear.
To help you out on your wedding ring hunt journey, we’ve rounded up a whole bunch of our favorite options from around the internet today. Even though I have my dream ring on my finger, that my amazing partner chose for me, it is still endless hours of fun to look at all the baubles out there. So engagement ring, simple band, or wedding sets… we’ve got you covered. (Now… how do I tell my girl that I want like six different wedding bands?)
2021 Engagement Rings
Traditional-ish Engagement Rings
Diamonds Cluster Ring by Mejuri
We couldn’t resist the sparkle of this vintage-looking diamond cluster ring. I mean, c’mon!
The Emerald Solitaire by Gemist
Looking for something simple and stunning? Send a hint to your love with this fab emerald cut ring.
Trillion Diamond Ring via Vrai
We’ll be dreaming about this dainty diamond from Vrai.
Moissanite Engagement Ring by Olive Avenue Jewelry via Etsy
Love the look of diamonds but want a different stone? Opt for a moissanite ring!
Heirloom Petite Milgrain Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold via Blue Nile
This beaut is sure to have you in awe for years to come.
Inverted Three Diamond Ring by Lauren Wolf Jewelry via Esqueleto
If you want a unique twist on a traditional three stone ring, think about an inverted option like this one!
Sleek Diamond Dome Eternity Ring via Blue Nile
Give us alllllll the sparkle.
Rose Gold Oval Brilliant Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring by Love By Oh Kuol via Etsy
A rose gold twist, here for it!
Art Deco Diamond Triangle by Artemer via Local Eclectic
We never get tired of art deco vibes and this ring is bringing vintage vibes right into the new year.
Sometimes you just want a simple showstopper. This is it!
1/2 ct Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Ring by Welry
Medium Five Baguette Diamond Ring by Artemer via No.3 Shop
Hello, pretty baguettes!
Kobelli Diamond Engagement Solitaire Ring, 1 Carat
For the modernista in your life.
Trio Diamond Multi-Stone Ring by Vrai
Two is company and three is a crowd? Not in this case!
Art Deco Engagement Ring by Evorden via Etsy
Bring on the bling!
Gemstone Engagement Rings
Affordable, unique and extra sparkly. Sign us up.
Morganite and Aquamarine Diamond Cathedral Ring by Blue Nile
For all the folx that say yes to “more is more” (that’s us).
Glitter Vibes Yellow Sapphire Ring by Gemist
Add a little sunshine to your hand with this yellow sapphire wedding ring from Gemist.
Leda The Swan Ruby Ring by Catbird
You know we love a good pink and red moment.
Three-Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring by Blue Nile
Talk about a dreamboat of an engagement ring!
Love the look of darker gemstones? Think about adding smoky quartz to your list!
Eternal Ring by ManiaMania via Catbird
Is it blue? Is it green? The jury may be out on this one but we can all agree that this sapphire is wishlist worthy.
The Aster Ring With A Sleeping Beauty Pear Cut Turquoise by Alexis Russell
Step aside diamonds, you’re not the star of the show here!
Radial Cluster Hex Yellow Sapphire Ring by Bario Neal
Here for using yellow-oranges as an everyday neutral. We’re not the only ones right?
Oval Cut Sapphire Ring by Mejuri
Now here is the Pantone Color of the Year of the year in all it’s glory!
Are you getting retro Palm Springs vibes from this peridot ring? We sure are.
The Emerald Solitaire (Champagne Sapphire) by Gemist
Here’s a pop of pink you for you!
East-West Oval Opal Solitaire Ring with Diamonds by Angara
Color us mesmerized. We can get lost in this opal all day.
Wedding Bands
Knife Edge Semi Pave Ring by Jennie Kwon via Catbird
We’re loving the sharp cut of this pave wedding band from Jennie Kwon.
Like a little texture on your jewelry? Add this gold hammered band to your list. (It comes in white gold and rose gold too!)
Coexist Band by ILA via Catbird
Maybe you opted for the classic diamond engagement ring, so add a pop of color to your ring stack with this turquoise band by ILA.
14K Gold Curved Wedding Band by Kundanika Jewels via Etsy
Simple is the name of the game with this wedding band!
Is there anything more glam than a finger full of baguette diamonds? Not likely!
Automic Gold Curvy Mirror Band
No ring round up would be complete without a classic gold band!
The Vintage Diamond Band by Noémie
A vintage band to go with your vintage engagement ring.
Woodland Ring with Single Diamond by Ash Hilton
APW fave, Ash Hilton, has us like 😍😍😍 with their collection of Woodland Rings!
Shield Band with Blue Enamel by Bario Neal
A little enamel goes a long way with this Shield Band from Bario Neal.
Half White Diamond Half Multi-Color Sapphire Eternity Band Ring by Noémie
Can’t decide whether your want neutral sparkle or a little rainbow bling? Have the best of both worlds with the colorful wedding ring.
Ring of Salt Band by Sofia Zakia via Fiat Lux
The circle of protection feels fitting for a wedding band, no?
4mm Rose Gold Band by Good Gold
Another APW fave, Good Gold, can do no wrong with their simple (and comfortable) wedding bands for all.
White Diamond Float Ring by Jennie Kwon Designs
Is it magic though? Nope. Just great design by Jennie Kwon!
Black Onyx Eternity Band by Olive Avenue Jewelry via Etsy
We’d cross over to the dark side for one of these black onyx eternity bands!
Kobelli Titanium 8mm Domed Band with Spalted Tamarand Sleeve
Here’s a nature inspired ring for the earthy babe in your life.
Written In The Stars Band by Sofia Zakia via Catbird
Make this wedding band extra special by customizing it with your love’s own zodiacal constellation!
Engagement Ring Sets
Moissanite Wedding Two Ring Set by Silly Shiny Diamonds via Etsy
Sparkle on top of sparkle, we have no shame!
Korbelli Moissanite Drop Halo Bridal Set
Wear them together, wear them individually. Neither is a bad look!
Are you and your boo both into colored gemstones? Add this set to your cart for the emerald bands of your dreams ASAP.
Triangle Cut 8x8mm Moissanite Ring Set by Breeze Studio Co. via Etsy
Modern geometric styles aren’t just reserved for wedding decor, keep the theme going by sporting this look in your day-to-day!
Diamond Bridal Set (3/8 ct. t.w.) in 14k Gold by Macy’s
Like the modern take on your mom’s wedding set, but make it 2021.
Vintage Alexandrite Engagement Ring Set by Belloring via Etsy
Hiiiiii. We’ll take one of these, thanks!
Vista Galaxy Diamond Set by Young In The Mountains
We wouldn’t be mad looking at this set on our hand everyday!
Raw Stone Engagement Ring Set by Raw by Olivia Mar via Etsy
Raw stones deserve more love and this one is beautiful!
Couples Ring Set by Pale Fish NY via Etsy
Maybe you and your partner are looking for complimentary rings and not the whole matchy-matchy vibe, we found it!
So, APW… are any of you planning to propose over the holidays? Or in early 2021? Have you chosen a ring? What about wedding bands? I’m frozen and can’t pick one, let me know what you’ve found out there.
