Trend: Alternative Metals
The price of gold has recently dropped some, mostly hovering between $800 and $900 per ounce, but is still relatively pricey. The same goes for platinum which costs slightly more than gold. But there are alternatives. You just need to know what to ask for. Consider palladium. It's becoming really popular because it has a similar look and feel to gold, but you can get it for a fraction of the price. If you really love the idea of platinum, choose white gold for a more traditional-style setting. (While gold can still be costly, it's still a great deal more affordable than platinum.)
The price of gold has recently dropped some, mostly hovering between $800 and $900 per ounce, but is still relatively pricey. The same goes for platinum which costs slightly more than gold. But there are alternatives. You just need to know what to ask for. Consider palladium. It's becoming really popular because it has a similar look and feel to gold, but you can get it for a fraction of the price. If you really love the idea of platinum, choose white gold for a more traditional-style setting. (While gold can still be costly, it's still a great deal more affordable than platinum.)
Trend: Simple Settings
Though pave and halo diamond settings (where smaller diamonds border the center stone) have been a huge hit with brides during the last few years, couples are looking for simpler settings now. Solitaire diamonds are far less expensive than more embellished options, like the three-stone combination, and are very popular now. A channel-set band or traditional prong setting will also save money, and can be just as pretty as an elaborate tension or bezel setting.
Trend: Double Duty Rings
Your engagement ring and wedding band don't have to be two separate pieces -- go ahead and buck tradition! Double-duty diamonds are huge right now. Choose a beautiful band with multiple rows of diamonds and let that be both your wedding band and engagement ring, or look for rings with a split shank, where the band actually splits in half, creating a wider ring base.
Trend: Rough Cuts
Perfect for an earthy bride, raw diamonds can be just as stunning as the more traditional sparkler and cost a lot less. This style (which can vary in color from champagne to cognac) is becoming a fashionable must-have for many nature-loving couples. You can actually find a small, rough-cut diamond for as little as $600.
Trend: Colored Gemstones
Diamonds aren't every girl's best friend. Expect to see more and more brides following this (hue)-ge trend: Colored stones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are now more sought-after by brides. You can even splurge on a larger rock since you won't even spend half what you'd normally pay for a diamond. Brides interested in a canary diamond (like Heidi Klum's) will love a yellow sapphire, while a tourmaline is a good stand-in for a pink diamond look.
