Rings and Ring Styles for the 21st Century

During the 20th century, ring fashions encompassed the look of almost every bygone era, as well as contemporary styles. This was partly due to custom-made rings becoming increasingly affordable via:

• new ring making techniques (see CAD ring design for example)

• more choice in ring metals and precious stones

• the revolutionary facility of online shopping.

In the 21st century, consumers have more choice than ever before, but trends set (or at least influenced) by industry advertising or by celebrity vogue have included some noticeable new ones. Take a look at some of the top (early) 21st century ring trends below.

Engagement Rings for Men

The trend for men's engagement rings first became popular in the late 20th century mainly in the USA. However, fashion trends that start in the US have a tendency to spread worldwide, so it certainly won't be a surprise when increasing numbers of men in the western world wear engagement rings. Engagement rings for men tend to be bought either to match the ring worn by their fiance or to suit their individual style/ lifestyle. The footballer, David Beckham, famously wore a matching diamond-encrusted engagement ring given to him by his then fiance, Victoria (nee Adams) back in1998. This celebrity couple are famously obsessed with fashion and consumerism and have been credited with launching many high-profile fashion trends for haircuts, outfits, clothing lines, perfumes and jewelry.

View some of the latest rings for men.

Right Hand Rings

In the early 20th century, expensive diamond rings were presented to women to seal their engagements and were regarded not just as fashionable pieces of jewelry, but as clear statements of intent. This was due partly to women needing a financial commitment rather than just a token of love in a climate of loosening morals, but also due to highly effective marketing by De Beers. The trend of presenting diamond engagement rings became more than a trend, it became a tradition.

In the 21st century, many (professional) women are remaining either single or marrying later in life. Recognising the 'gap' in the diamond ring market, De Beers again were foremost in creating a new trend (soon-to-be tradition) of right hand rings. The idea behind the rings being that unmarried women didn't need to 'miss out' on owning and wearing beautiful diamond rings. These rings are marketed at women rather than men appealing not only to their desire for beautiful jewelry, but also to their interest in making a statement of personal choice and style. Right hand rings are typically designed to be worn on an everyday basis by non-affianced women on the middle or ring finger of the right hand (the opposite hand to engagement ring fingers). With no set 'style', right hand rings can be made to suit any design and almost any budget.

View popular right hand ring styles.

Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Rings

With the royal wedding of HRH Prince William of Wales to Catherine Middleton in April 2011, the trend for sapphire and diamond engagement rings came into its own again. The ring belonged to William's famous mother, Princess Diana and when she first wore it in1981, there was a high demand for replica rings. Princess Diana chose the ring herself and detractors at the time were a little critical of a ring choice that 'anyone could buy'. (Anyone with $60,000 that is.) When William's choice of engagement ring was unveiled, requests for similar rings were being received by jewelers around the world within minutes. Replicas cost mostly $1,000 to $2,500 using 1 or 2-carat certified sapphires surrounded by tiny diamonds (also set in 18-carat white gold). Sapphires are rarer than diamonds, but traditionally are less expensive because market demand is lower – although who knows, sapphires could become the stone of the 21st century!