Engagement ring ideas: The three trends you'll be seeing in 2019

Choosing the perfect ring is tough - everyone's tastes are unique, and finding the piece of jewellery that your loved one would like to wear forever is a lot of pressure.

There are also trends to consider, as styles move into and out of fashion. To help out loved-up people who are considering popping the question, experts have predicted the most popular trends as we head towards 2019.

Diamonds may be forever, but that doesn’t mean other stones can't carry the same sentiment.

As engagement rings should fit the couple’s personal style, this means the classic diamond doesn’t always have to be chosen.

According to Lorna Haddon, head of diamond rings and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, there has been an increase in engagement rings created using coloured stones - and she expects the trend to continue into 2019.

Referencing Pantone’s Spring/Summer 2019 predictions, which includes Princess Blue as one of the “hottest shades,” Haddon said “nowhere is this more relevant than for engagement rings.”

Proving that round and cushion cut aren’t the only options to choose from when it comes to an engagement ring, pear cut diamonds are currently having a moment in the spotlight - which may have something to do with Ariana Grande’s engagement ring, according to Haddon.

“Whilst pear cut diamonds might have once been considered unusual for an engagement ring, in 2019 we expect to see them rapidly gain popularity, helped in part by Ariana Grande’s recent engagement,” she said.

To make pear cut diamonds pop further, Haddon suggests “incorporating them into a halo design or enhancing [the ring] with intricate banding.”

The jeweller’s third prediction for the upcoming year is less of a focus on the stone - with unique bands becoming the focal point.

“In recent years, the ring has been all about the bling - but in 2019 we’ll see this take a twist - quite literally,” Haddon said.

The look can be created various ways, such as with a simple twisted band or a more intricate one entwined with diamonds.

While trends are fun to follow, as with most classics, the style endures for a reason - which is why Haddon expects halo engagement rings to remain popular in the upcoming year.

The halo detail is typically created by encircling a single central diamond with smaller diamonds, however, the middle stone can also be swapped with a different gem for a more signature look, such as Kate Middleton's sapphire version.

For a unique take on the design, the timeless halo can be added to any of the 2019 trends.

"Halo rings aren't going anywhere," Haddon said. "The classics will always be the classics. Elegant and sophisticated, halo designs are ideal for a bride-to-be looking to sparkle with style."