Best Engagement & Wedding Rings Brands In 2022

The JCK Show in Las Vegas is the industries largest event of the year. The event typically held in June includes a peak into the upcoming trends in the jewelry for the coming year. As reported in The Diamond Talk some of what we have to look forward to in 2022/2023 include a focus on “Tranquility, Balance, Euphoria, Spontaneity, Inner Strength, and Optimism” Look for top Engagement and wedding ring brands to be highlighting these in their creations.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

What are the best diamond engagement ring designers?
Is it important to buy a designer brand engagement ring?
Where is the best place to buy a diamond ring?
Which diamond jeweler is the most affordable?

A great way to pick out a stunning, unique engagement ring is to buy a designer ring from a world-class jewelry designer. Today there are numerous designer brands creating beautiful, timeless engagement rings.

A ring from one of these designers, like this stunning two-toned couture engagement ring from James Allen is sure to stand out from the crowd and stand the test of time. Or perhaps your are more interested in a more understated style like this braided abbraccio swirl from James Allen.

Best Diamond Ring Designers

In this article, we have a list of the best brands to choose from for designer bridal jewelry. Each of these designers have something special that sets them apart from the rest.

To ensure you get the best value for these designer brand rings, buy from a reputable merchant. Most of these brands are available from trusted companies such as James Allen, Blue Nile or Brian Gavin. The other option is to buy directly from the brand themselves. Just be sure not to buy from an untrusted store, as you could end up spending too much or purchasing a cheap knock-off.

1. Verragio

The catchphrase of Barry Verragio’s company is “unlike any other ring”. This is absolutely true when you see their range of stunning, unique jewelry. In the years Barry Verragio has been making jewelry (since the age of 14!), he has perfected an elegant, European-inspired style for his engagement rings.

Verragio’s designs have a signature Lumino setting, which is designed to enhance the center diamond to make it truly stand out. This style of setting suspends a diamond in mid air, with few metal obstructions, to allow a greater amount of light to hit the diamond’s facets.

The result is a unique diamond ring, with unrivaled fire and brilliance.

Verragio rings often feature elaborate accent diamonds which make the entire ring pop, such as this white and rose gold halo ring from James Allen, and this white gold oval halo ring.

You can buy Verragio engagement rings at James Allen.

2. Danhov

Danhov produces award-winning designer jewelry, with a varied range of captivating engagement rings.

The company was founded by Jack Hovsepian in 1984 and has since developed a reputation for innovative design and a unique look for every piece.

Perhaps the trademark of Danhov engagement rings is their spiral designs. This ring from the Abbraccio collection on James Allen, for example, has a stunning all-round sparkle thanks to the 0.35 ct accent diamonds (see image below).

Another, also from the Abbraccio range, features an even more extravagant and captivating swirl setting, unlike anything you’ll find from any other designer.

Danhov rings are available at James Allen.

3. Jeff Cooper

Jeff Cooper has more than 40 years’ experience creating bridal jewelry. It’s this experience that allows his designs to reach an understated elegance that will remain classic for years to come.

The trademark of Jeff Cooper rings is a “less is more” philosophy. The designs don’t try to do too much, instead achieving the classy, beautiful aesthetic that makes diamond jewelry so sought-after for so many years.

The Greta engagement ring from Brian Gavin is a fine example of the classic Jeff Cooper design. The center stone is the star of the show, beautifully supported by a simple pavé lattice underneath.

Jeff Cooper rings can be found at James Allen and Brian Gavin Diamonds.

4. Zac Posen

For a stylish design that combines modern flair and vintage grace, look to the engagement rings of fashion designer Zac Posen.

As someone who is more widely known for designing wedding dresses, Zac Posen’s take on bridal jewelry is fresh and unique. See this semi-bezel pavé ring from Blue Nile as an example. The unique setting, which includes ⅓ ct total of accent diamonds along the band, is one you are unlikely to see anywhere else.

Zac Posen engagement rings are available from Blue Nile.

5. Martin Flyer

A family business, designing jewelry since 1945, Martin Flyer makes classic, elegant engagement rings. With Martin Flyer jewelry there is a focus on high-quality materials, great service and education for their customers, and designs that stay beautiful throughout the years. Think of an heirloom ring that can be passed down to the next generations.

A great example of the grace and elegance that is Martin Flyer is this three-stone engagement ring on James Allen with pear-shaped side stones.

For a little more style, see this romantic white gold pavé infinity ring from James Allen, set with 60 round brilliant diamonds to really stand out.

Martin Flyer rings are available from James Allen.

6. Forevermark

Forevermark is a high-end brand, whose name carries a premium price tag. While it’s questionable whether the price is justified over cheaper, better-value online sellers, there’s no denying that Forevermark is a great brand.

The big name behind Forevermark is De Beers, the world’s biggest name in diamond sourcing and marketing. This is why their brand commands such a high price. It’s not unjustified, though, as the pull and resources De Beers has means the diamonds and materials used in Forevermark jewelry are top-quality and conflict-free.

As for the designs, Forevermark produces anywhere from clean, elegant rings, to extravagant designs such as this five-band pavé solitaire ring.

If you choose to buy a ring from a physical retailer, Forevermark is a great designer brand to consider – if the premium price doesn’t put you off.

Read our in-depth review on Forevermark diamond rings here.

7. Tiffany & Co

Tiffany & Co is another option, like Forevermark, that would rate at near the top of all designer brands if quality was the sole consideration. However, like the previous option, it’s somewhat hard to justify spending the premium when there are many other phenomenal designer brands available for less in online jewelry stores.

That’s not to say Tiffany & Co engagement rings are not up there as some of the highest quality rings you can get. The design is classic and iconic, none more so than the “Tiffany” setting.

Tiffany have been in the business since 1886, and as such know how to create a diamond ring that maintains its “wow” factor for generations. Add in expert craftsmanship and high-quality, responsibly sourced diamonds, and a diamond ring from Tiffany & Co will stand up in quality against any in the world.

See our full review of Tiffany & Co here.

8. Tacori

California-based brand Tacori is one of the biggest names in bridal jewelry and engagement rings, thanks to their handcrafted artisan designs. The trademark is their classic crescent design elements, which find a perfect median between modern and vintage.

Here is an example of the way Tacori uses the crescent shape in their settings to create a unique design with a full, all-round shine.

All Tacori designs have a classic, vintage touch, which sets their rings apart and makes for beautiful heirlooms to be handed down through the next generations.

Find a retailer to buy Tacori engagement rings here.

9. Sholdt

Sholdt Jewelry Design has been producing beautiful diamond jewelry, handmade in Seattle, since 1935. With four generations of experience, Sholdt knows what it takes to create a unique, elegant diamond engagement ring.

Engagement rings from Sholdt today have a fascinating mixture of vintage class and modern experimentalism. See the “Aubrey” on Brian Gavin – a North/South half bezel design with tapered channel set accent diamonds.

Find Sholdt engagement rings at Brian Gavin Diamonds.

Why Should You Buy Designer Brand Engagement Rings?

A lot goes into your decision to pop the question. Do you really need to add the stress of trying to pick out the perfect setting, diamond and design to that list?

Luckily, there are professionals who have a special talent for the craft of jewelry design. Trusting one of these designers is a much more efficient way to come out with a beautiful engagement ring for the love of your life.

These designers excel at what they do. When you get a high-quality designer brand engagement ring, you can be confident the highest level of craftsmanship and best materials are going into your design.

There’s nothing worse than a beautiful diamond that’s let down by a low-quality or mismatched setting. Similarly, a dazzling setting paired with a poorly graded diamond. Designer brands affix their name to their designs, which means they have as much invested in creating a perfect engagement ring as you do.

These designs are not only beautiful, they are unique. Designer brand rings have their design trademarked, which means you’re not going to see the same design replicated by the mom and pop store down the road, or on Amazon. Your partner is one in a million, and so her ring should be too.

Plus, all the best places to buy engagement rings sell some of these designers in their store, so you can find them easily.

Where to Buy Rings From Diamond Jewelers Online

As we often mention, we think you’re much better off buying a diamond online than shopping for a diamond ring in a brick-and-mortar jewelry store.

This is because online vendors offer both unparalleled value and a larger selection of diamonds than any retail jewelry store or large chain of diamond jewelers. 

Most of the brands featured above can be purchased online from trusted diamond vendors such as James Allen or Blue Nile.

For example, you can purchase rings from Verragio, Danhov, Martin Flyer and Jeff Cooper from James Allen (Jeff Cooper is also available from Brian Gavin Diamonds). Engagement rings from Zac Posen can be purchased from Blue Nile. 

By buying an engagement ring from a designer brand online, you have access to a much larger selection of diamonds to pair it with. This greatly expands your options and allows you to pair a truly unique and special setting with an equally unique and special diamond. 

You’ll also receive access to great post-sales service. James Allen and Blue Nile both offer generous return policies, meaning if your engagement ring or other jewelry doesn’t end up being what you expected, you’ll be able to safely and easily return it.  

It’s also a much better option from a value perspective — something we’ll discuss a little more in the section below.

Which Diamond Jeweler is the Most Affordable?

When it comes to diamond engagement rings, there’s rarely a single “best’ brand when it comes to affordability. 

This is because three different factors play a role in the affordability of an engagement ring. The first is your choice of setting, which is what’s offered by the designer brands above. The second is your choice of diamond. The third is where you purchase the jewelry from. 

Let’s start with the first factor. Many designer brands offer a range of engagement ring settings, with options at different price points. Typically, the simpler the setting, the more affordable it will be. For example, a solitaire setting will offer better affordability than a halo setting.

Affordability can vary from brand to brand, and also from setting to setting. While there’s almost always a slight premium for designer settings, many designers offer good value for money.

For example, this 14K white gold tapered cathedral engagement ring by Martin Flyer is available from James Allen for $670, which is only a small amount more than you’d pay for their in-house 2.5mm 14k white gold solitaire engagement ring setting ($650). 

At the other end of the scale, you have brands like Tiffany & Co., which charge a huge premium for their products. While the quality of the setting is outstanding, the affordability isn’t. 

When it comes to settings, from an affordability standpoint, you’ll get the best value for money if you choose one of the in-house designs offered by James Allen or Blue Nile. 

These use the same materials as designer brands (after all, 18K gold is 18K gold, whether it’s in a Tiffany & Co. box or one with a different brand name), and are of excellent quality, but may not be viewed as “designer” in the traditional sense. 

The second factor in affordability is your choice of diamond. Diamond prices can vary massively based on a number of factors, including the four Cs. Depending on your choice of diamond, you can spend as little as $1,000 on an engagement ring or $25,000 or more.

The third factor is your choice of vendor. We’ve visited and reviewed many diamond vendors on several continents and found that James Allen and Blue Nile offer exceptional affordability at all areas of the price scale, from ultra-budget to high-end. 
If you have concerns about affordability, we recommend reading our guide to buying a diamond to find out what to look for and how to avoid making common mistakes.

Not Sure Which Engagement Ring Brand to Choose? Email Us

A designer brand engagement ring is a great way to show affection to the one you love with a unique, timeless piece of jewelry.

When you buy a ring from a designer brand, you’re getting something the designer is willing to stake their name on. If they are one of the top designers we’ve recommended, you can be confident you’re getting a masterfully crafted engagement ring.

For the best designer brand engagement rings, look to the flair of Verragio or Danhov designs. Jeff Cooper is another fine option for those who prefer a more subtle, classic look.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to buy your ring from a physical retailer, and don’t mind paying a premium, Forevermark and Tiffany & Co are among the best in the business.

We understand that the process of purchasing a diamond ring, whether designer or not, can be confusing at best and frustrating at worst.

If you have any questions about the process, aren’t sure which brand is best or just need help finding the right diamond or setting, feel free to send us an email with any of your questions.

Our team of diamond experts help our readers successfully purchase hundreds of engagement rings every month, and we’re happy to provide personalized advice to help you get the best deal on a ring your fiancé-to-be is sure to love.

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab created diamonds online. For a limited time Save 25% during James Allen Holiday Sale!

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What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Free International Shipping
• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
• Provide insurance appraisals
• One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
• Free ring inscriptions
• Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
• 24/7 Customer Service
• Best-in-class packaging

Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Blue Nile have generously offered our readers an exclusive one-time use coupon. (Click Here to save $100 off $1000 purchase)

Please enter your email address to receive your personal one-time use unique coupon code:

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What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Free Shipping
• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
• Provide insurance appraisal
• One free resizing within the first year of purchase
• High quality images of about half of their diamonds
• 24/7 Customer Service
• 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
• Best in class fulfillment

About the author

Michael Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.