source: KLENOTA.com

The way couples get engaged has literally been changing before our eyes. These days, more and more couples no longer accept the idea that the size of the diamond on an engagement ring is directly correlated with the size of their love. Instead, they choose rings that say something about them, their relationship or their values.

Less carats and more personality

Just a few years ago, the rule of thumb was that an engagement ring had to be big, dazzling and expensive. Nowadays, it’s different. It’s much more important to the younger generation that the ring is personal and authentic. Minimal designs, non-traditional gemstones, handcrafted pieces or a story behind the jewelry–these are the kinds of values that young couples today are much more likely to favor when they get engaged.

For instance, many have opted for color gemstones instead of classic diamonds. Sri Lankan sapphires, pink tourmalines or champagne diamonds add a lot of personality to a piece of jewelry. And nowadays, what’s more important than the carat weight of the gemstone is whether the ring matches the style of the person who will wear it.

Engagement rings without compromises

source: KLENOTA.com

One of the biggest trends in recent years has been affordability. Inexpensive engagement rings haven’t been considered a compromise for couples for a long time now. With well thought out designs, non-traditional stones and more efficient forms of workmanship, you can now buy a quality piece of jewelry that doesn’t cost a fortune and is still valuable.

A more sustainable approach, locally made jewelry and transparent labeling when it comes to the materials used are some of the benefits that appeal to an increasingly greater number of couples. Engagement rings from Czech jewelry studios show that handcrafted jewelry with quality stones doesn’t have to represent an unaffordable luxury. On the contrary, their authenticity and simplicity are what impresses the most.

Being individual is what matters

source: KLENOTA.com

Couples nowadays look for something that will be uniquely “theirs” far more often. Not a one-size-fits-all design but a piece of jewelry that fits in with their style and life. They often choose an engagement ring together, knowing that the jewelry will be an important everyday accessory. This means that rings which are comfortable and natural and that come in simpler shapes are also the ones that are more popular.

Options to personalize the ring have become important too. These include everything from the choice of metal to the shape of the stone or an engraving on the ring. And adding an engraving is one of the easiest ways to make it unique–a subtle detail that has a lot of meaning for the two you. In terms of what to engrave, initials, important dates, or short messages are popular. At a time when there is a growing interest in jewelry with a story, personalizing a ring is something that makes it special.

The future of getting engaged will be all about stories

source: KLENOTA.com

An engagement is all about the feelings, stories and decisions of the couple themselves. And just as wedding traditions have been changing, so too have engagements–they have become less formal, more accessible and, most importantly, more personal.

It’s not important whether you choose a ring with a bold stone, a dainty minimalist band or a completely unconventional ring. What matters is that it makes sense to you. And that’s one trend that might just last.