For many people, reaching a point in their relationship where they start thinking about marriage is a magical time. While you may spend weeks planning the perfect proposal, you'll likely spend just as much time trying to choose the perfect engagement ring. There are many factors to consider when making such a big purchase, from price range style, not to mention figuring out your partner's ring size without giving away your plans. If you're struggling to find the ring that screams your partner's name that you know they'd love, keep reading for this year's engagement ring trends to see if one would be a perfect fit. 

You & Me Rings 

The You and Me ring setting is one of the most romantic and special trends this year. This setting takes two stones of different colors and cut and sets them next to each other. Pretty straightforwardly, the different stones symbolize you and your partner spending forever next to each other. Recently, Megan Fox received a stunning You & Me ring from Machine Gun Kelly. Her ring features a pear-cut traditional white diamond set next to a pear-cut emerald. While jewelers feature pre-made rings set in the You and Me style, you can also have a bespoke ring featuring whichever stones and cuts you prefer if they hold special meaning to you and your partner. Some couples opt for a You & Me ring set with their birthstones which gives a personalized touch. 

Heirlooms & Antiques 

Another trend making serious waves in the bridal community is people proposing with family heirloom rings or purchasing antique rings. While antique and estate jewelry can run pretty high price-wise, it's worth shopping around if your partner has a love for all things vintage and Old World. Antique rings that use non-traditional center stones like Sapphires and Pearls are in trend and certainly a unique look when so many people go the route of a traditional white diamond. Suppose your partner loves the unexpected and likes to stand out from the crowd, shop estate sales, antique stores, and online jewelers who specialize in estate jewelry to find the perfect ring. Art deco-style rings are also in vogue and are easy to find online through sites like Etsy and eBay.

Special Cuts 

While the round white diamond reigns supreme as the most common cut and color selected for engagement rings, brides are looking for something more this year. Modern brides are looking for rings that feature a solitaire stone that makes a statement. Current favorites to fill this need are pear, oval, and marquise cut engagement rings. Once considered juvenile and for young girls only, the heart cut stone is in trend this year too. A fun and whimsical twist on the heart-cut stone is opting for a pink diamond or even a more expensive ruby instead of a white diamond. 

Morganite & Moissanite 

One option for couples who want a giant stone but can't afford the price tag or ethical conflict of an Earth-mined diamond in the carat size they're seeking is to go with diamond alternatives. Morganite and Moissanite fit the bill in this department. Moissanite looks indistinguishable from a traditional white diamond, though some varieties have a bit more shine and sparkle. Moissanite is a naturally occurring, brilliant gemstone, but most Moissanite jewelry is lab-created because of its rarity. Morganite is another diamond alternative, but it's peachy and pink hues are a great alternative to a white diamond. Because of their beautiful color, Morganite is exceptionally beautiful when set in a rose gold setting. Both Morganite and Moissanite are much more affordable than Earth-mined diamonds, so if you know your partner would love a ring in several carats size, these options are worth looking into. 

Engagement rings are a special, physical symbol of you and your significant other's decision to spend forever with one another. While shopping for an engagement ring can feel daunting because of all the specifications you must consider, don't let yourself feel overwhelmed. While engagement ring trends come and go, the above-mentioned trends are modern twists on traditions. Let the above styles be a starting point or final destination in your search for the perfect fit.