Modern Engagement Rings
Propose to the one you love with a contemporary style engagement ring. Our selection of modern engagement rings offers a present day twist on traditional designs. We offer both lab-grown diamonds and diamonds sourced from Canada that are natural, conflict-free and traceable.
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Guides
What is rose gold?
How to choose an engagement ring
The 4Cs of diamonds
Conflict-free diamonds & ethical diamonds
Why choose a modern engagement ring?
If your partner favours contemporary styles in fashion, art, and music, then a modern engagement ring might well be the right choice. But what does this mean in practice?
Previous eras are typically associated with specific styles: vintage-style engagement rings from before World War One were often elaborately set with many small diamonds; Art Deco rings from the interwar era tend to be much simpler, featuring straight edges, geometric shapes and bold lines; while solitaire and trilogy styles are timeless classics, spanning many decades.
By definition, contemporary engagement rings don’t fall into any of these categories – but while it’s easy to say what they aren’t, it’s harder to define what they are.
Simple designs with clean lines
While there isn’t a single technical feature common to all modern style engagement rings, it is true to say that most of them are stripped-back, simple designs that feature clean lines. Beyond that, a handful of features are often associated with contemporary-style rings.
Tension settings (or alternatively faux-tension settings) are one of these. In a tension set ring, the gemstone is held in place by compression or merely appears to be in the case of a faux-tension setting. The shank tends to be as wide or wider than the gemstone, giving the ring a chunky, modern appearance. The tension setting was pioneered within the last forty years by the German manufacturer Niessing and is perhaps the archetypal modern engagement ring.
A swirl-style setting is a variation of a faux-tension setting. In both instances, metal is pushed over the girdle of the gemstone to secure it, and the culet or tip of the diamond is recessed into a bridge (sometimes replaced by a bezel). The difference is that with a swirl setting, the shoulder of the ring extends to ‘swirl’ around the gemstone.
Another popular contemporary configuration is to set a single gemstone in a rub-over setting (where a rim of metal extends all the way around the gemstone). This gives a simpler, cleaner finish than the traditional claw setting.
Unconventional alignment of gems
Finally, the alignment of the gemstone itself can give a clue as to whether you are looking at a contemporary-style engagement ring. Traditionally elongated gems (like oval cuts, emerald cuts, and marquise cuts) have typically been set with the long side of the stone running along the length of the finger, the idea being that this configuration is most flattering to the hand. Recently, however, it has been increasingly common to see diamonds and gemstones set the other way, running across the finger for a modern look, or offset, perhaps at forty-five degrees.
In the gallery below, you can view some of the modern rings we’ve made to order for previous clients. Alternatively, you may wish to browse our Engagement Ring Collection for our modern designs in stock.
Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or to discuss commissioning your own bespoke design.
I honestly cannot recommend Ingle & Rhode enough
Ben and I knew that we wanted a conflict-free and ethical diamond, and we were so delighted to find Ingle & Rhode (and I was so glad to be part of the process...!) Ellie was so warm and helpful, and clearly passionate and knowledgeable about what she does – we really enjoyed meeting her on several occasions, and she responded to all our questions and requests quickly and with such consideration; we really felt that we were getting a bespoke, personal, 1:1 process. I am beyond delighted with my beautiful Aria ring with my stunning lab-grown diamond – I'm 6 weeks engaged, and still don't stop staring at it in all different lights. Thank you so much Ingle & Rhode - you made the world of difference to us in the months before getting engaged, and we have not stopped telling people about you since.
Ingle & Rhode were exceptional throughout the whole process
I was purchasing an engagement ring, so I had a lot to learn. Their website is very useful and helps you build your own ring. I also had an appointment for initial discussions and consultations. They were great at talking through options, giving suggestions and advising on ring size. I work overseas and so the logistics were complicated but they were so flexible and helpful. Everything went well and the ring was even delivered to the house. Brilliant follow up service for additional questions and support. Beautiful products and great service.
Beautiful, ethical jewellery - can't recommend enough!
I am so glad that I found Ingle & Rhode when looking to buy my partner an engagement ring - they are superb, and the products are wonderful.
Buying an ethical ring was really important to my partner and I, and so I was immediately drawn in by Ingle & Rhode - unlike a lot of ethical jewellery companies, their rings are still very contemporary.. which was exactly what my partner wanted!
I had a couple of calls with Ellie during the process, who was so helpful - despite not having a great idea of what to go for, she was decisive and led me towards my own decisions; highly recommend speaking with the team, because they are wonderful (and lovely people too).
Can't recommend using Ingle & Rhode highly enough - my partner loved the ring that I chose, and we would definitely use them again for jewellery in the future.
My experience from start to finish was superb
I have my dream ring which is my 10 year anniversary ring and its STUNNING I can’t stop looking at it. It took about 4 months from start to finish but so worth the wait. We had to find the right diamond and it then had to match my image I had in my head for the setting. From my first phone call to picking up the ring Ellie has been fantastic and very informative along the way. Hayley, the designer was so patient with me going back and forth on design and also had amazing ideas to really elevate the ring. The product and service is truly wonderful so much so I want to buy a new piece every year ( just have to convince the hubby ;) !! Well done team I&R
Simply stunning!
I have just collected my beautiful bespoke ruby and diamond ring from Ingle & Rhode. The journey started with an email enquiry and a face to face meeting with Natalie, who was so helpful and talked through with me some ideas I already had. This ring isn't an engagement ring but more of a statement piece, and I knew that I wanted to find a product that fitted my ethical & environmental values. Hayley then took over with the design process which was so enjoyable, and I have loved watching and being involved with my ring slowly evolving from 6 initial designs. I was really happy with the final CAD artwork and now that it has been turned into the finished piece, it is simply stunning. I could not be happier with my purchase and would thoroughly recommend Ingle & Rhode to anyone looking for a bespoke design and ethical values for a special piece of jewellery, whatever the occasion. Thank you to the whole team!.
The Bespoke Experience
If you’d like a ring that’s completely personal to you, then our bespoke design service is the perfect way to bring your vision to life. From the initial design process to the hand finishing by our master craftsmen, we’ll help you to create a uniquely ethical ring that’s right in every way.
- From £1500
- Design to delivery in 4-6 weeks
- Complimentary sketches of potential designs to bring your unique ideas to life
- Work one-to-one with an I&R designer to create a truly unique masterpiece
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