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(Have yourself a merry little diamond; photo: BlueNile.com)

Just as the notion of a June bride is becoming rapidly outdated (almost as outdated as brides themselves, some would argue), so December is becoming increasingly popular as a time to announce an engagement, a month when almost 15 percent of all proposals happen according to Condé Nast Bridal Group's recent American Wedding Study. Why would twice as many proposals occur during December than any other month? Probably the familial to-getherness factor. "Engagement rings make for memorable presents," Kara Corridan, executive editor of Modern Bride recently told WWD, "and family get-togethers are the perfect time to celebrate the engagement."

Of course jewelers couldn’t be happier about the two-fisted shopping punch at the cash register of both gifts and engagements. "We make sure every year that on the accessible end we have a new product...and on the high end [as well]," explains Emmanuel Perrin, chief executive officer of Van Cleef & Arpels and president of its North American subsidiary.

Fashionwise, the classic round-cut still tops the bestseller list. "When you buy an engagement ring, you really want something that's classic, that will last forever," says Alyce Alston, CEO of De Beers North America; almost 80 percent of the company's engagement rings sold are round cut, and in particular, their signature $8,500+ solitaire. Similary, Cartier's round-cut Solitaire 1895, starting at $4,650, is their most popular engagement ring, while at Bailey Banks & Biddle, it's the $11,600 Endless Love engagement solitaire. Fancy cuts such as pear, princess, heart, Asccher and marquise go in and out of fashion, but the emerald cut holds steady as the second most popular cut; eg. Tiffany's $2000 Lucida, Zale's $5,000 2 carat ring,Van Cleef & Arpels $22,000+ dazzler, and Harry Winston's classic emerald cut solitaire…price upon request, thankyou.

For big spenders, colored stones are de rigeur, with rare, pricey hues of blue and pink, and large, beefy stones in the multiple carats. The "big chunks, the big [rings] in the high end...are more for your second, third time around," notes Alston. (via WWD)

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- Lesley Scott

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