Sometimes looking back into the past provides new ideas for the future.  Classic jewelry and fashion designs never go out of style, and this is also true with engagement rings, although most styles are really timeless in their beautify and styling. Most engagement rings will actually be a combination of classical designs combined with modern twists and features.

One of the most obvious ways in which engagement rings can differ with regards to classic or modern styles is in the cut of the diamond or diamonds on the ring itself. Some cuts such as the round solitaire, the princess or the emerald cut are more traditional and classic. The cushion cut diamond is a very traditional cut that has resurfaced as a popular solitaire style cut .

New styles of cuts including a triangular cut known as a trilliant diamond shape. This diamond features all the shine and fire of the traditional cuts plus the unique shape that adds to any of the more modern styles of engagement rings. New cuts including diamonds in the shape of hearts, flowers and even more free-form type diamonds are also becoming more common .

However, many people are just as interesting in returning to the more tried and true styles of engagement rings. Antique engagement rings may be literally estate type jewelry, or they can be modern recreations of old classics.  Deciding if a modern or antique style is best is really related to personal taste, but it is important to take a look.

The older styles of engagement rings are far from plain and simple, especially if you consider the rings styles of the art deco area. Many of these rings are very similar to the free form modern rings and tend to focus on the natural shapes and lines of the diamonds as well as unusual looking bands and groupings of stones to accentuate the diamond

Raising the diamond off the band of the ring is common in most types of the classic engagement rings. Unlike modern styles filigree, designs including flowers or scrolling types of designs were used to add to the design to the raised section. This detail work as often completed using white gold, platinum or yellow gold.

The Victorian style of jewelry design is one of the classic styles for engagement rings that have resurfaced as beautiful option. These rings can be either a combination wedding and engagement ring or they can be combined with matching wedding bands or even simple wedding bands.

Older, classic and tried and true styles of engagement rings are often the inspiration for new designs and styles. Determining if you want to modern or classic with your choices for engagement rings is really up to you, but looking at different styles is important before you make the final decision.

To find out how people look for engagement rings today check out our engagement ring survey.