Wednesday, 25th January 2006 (4109 views)

Antique-style gold rings in romantic designs are set to be popular among brides-to-be this season, industry experts are predicting.

Jewellery designer Carl Blackburn thinks that the trend towards classic designs will continue, although with a few upgrades to reflect modern affluence.

Blackburn predicts that filigree style engagement rings will be popular among couples popping the question this Valentine's day.

The rings are highly ornamental and feature gold, or sometimes platinum, worked into an open design.

The technique harks back to retro times, with an 18-carat white gold filigree ring a much-coveted item for a woman in the 1930s.

Blackburn predicts that a taste for classic styles will be matched with a revival of antique cut diamonds.

He expects "pillow cut" diamonds to enjoy a surge in popularity. Originally coveted 100 years ago, the cut was recently favoured by singer Leann Rimes and is popular among brides seeking a softer look.

Pillow cut diamonds have rounder edges and larger facets and are particularly noted for their attractive sparkle under soft lighting such as candlelight.

However, trend-watchers should not imagine that a return to the designs of our great-grandparents signifies a rejection of modern "bling".

The diamonds may be softer but they are also bigger, with Blackburn explaining that most one-carat designs have now been upgraded to three or four carats.

 

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