The Top Diamonds of 2011

There are numerous ways to cut a diamond.  However, what is popular one year is often considered passé the following year as the jewelry industry is subject to the arbitrary rules of fashion.   Thankfully though, most women care little for what the fashion industry says and stick to what suits them.  For those who feel a need keep up with the trends, here are the most popular diamonds of 2011.

1. Round brilliant diamonds.  These diamonds, which are popular because they are considered to be the most classic stone, can be found in all sizes, with the most popular being between the half-carat diamond and one carat diamond range.  They are especially popular in engagement and wedding jewelry.

      2. Colored diamonds.  These diamonds have become popular due to their shade and not because of their shape or cut.  Colored diamonds are usually matched with metals that will enhance the color, such as pairing blue diamonds with a white gold ring. 

3.  Princess cut diamonds.  Princess cut diamonds have resurged in popularity because of their use by celebrities.  In addition, because of their square shape that requires much less labor than a round brilliant, they are larger sized diamonds.,  Some of the most popular setting used with these diamonds are pave and channel settings.

4. Asscher cut diamonds.  These diamonds have resurged in popularity because of resurgence of vintage jewelry, especially rings that featured these roughly square shaped diamonds.  They are usually larger sized diamonds.

Rosie Tupper by Andreas Sjodin for Elle Sweden May 2011

Dream of Spring – The May issue of Elle Sweden shows us big floppy hats are back with fashion editor Lisa Lindqwister’s romantic picks starring cover girl Rosie Tupper. Photographed by Andreas Sjodin, Rosie embraces a spring wardrobe of lightweight dresses from the likes of Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana and Yves Saint Laurent.

Isabeli Fontana by Greg Kadel for Vogue Spain May 2011

Entre Flores – Bringing a sense of romance to the spring season, Greg Kadel photographs Isabeli Fontana in highlights of the season for the May cover shoot of Vogue Spain. Styled by Katie Mossman, Isabeli dons an array of seductive ensembles from Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci and Alexander McQueen among others.

The Top Dual Use Engagement Rings

Most wedding rings and engagement rings have very different designs.  Indeed, if you were to survey 100 random people, the engagement ring would likely be a solitaire with single large diamond on it and the wedding ring a piece with more considerably more diamonds and sophisticated design.  However, the truth is that the rings are often so similar that one may be used for the other.  Keeping this in mind, here is a short list of the top rings that may be used in engagement ring settings and wedding rings.

Eternity rings.  Eternity rings are typically used as an anniversary or wedding ring due to their price, but they are now also used as engagement rings.  These rings have diamonds - usually round brilliant or princess cut diamonds - set all the way around the band, although gemstones such as sapphires or emeralds may be used as well.

Pave rings.  Pave settings make use of several small sized round brilliant diamonds that are set close together, creating the illusion of the upper part of the band being paved with diamonds.  These rings are usually used as fancy engagement ring, although they are now popular as wedding rings as designers an jewelers have found new ways to use the pave setting to create sophisticated patterns that are worthy of a bride on her wedding day.

Three stone rings.  These rings are the most sentimental of these rings that can be used both for engagements and weddings.  Three stone rings feature three stones – typically diamonds or other precious gemstones - that symbolize the past, present and future.  Because of the meaning associated with the stones, they are appropriate for both occasions.

Josefine Ekman Nilsson by Joel Rhodin for Elle Sweden April 2011!

Magazine: Elle Sweden
Issue: April 2011
Editorial: Vietnam
Model: Josefine Ekman Nilsson
Photographer: Joel Rhodin
Stylist: Emine Sander

Imogen Morris Clarke by Pablo Arroyo

Carnival Outing – Like a little girl at a carnival, Imogen Morris Clarke stars in the spring campaign from Red by Valentino. Taking on the season’s inspiration of girlish fantasy in picture form, Imogen wows in feminine frills and womanly accents lensed by Pablo Arroyo.