Classic designs have earned their classic status through their display of style that’s always in good taste, and their enduring beauty has earned them a number of spots in Apples of Gold’s top 100 engagement rings. The 3/4 Carat Diamond Circle Ring in 14K White Gold is one such style. This glamorous ring features a 0.40 carat round diamond and accents it with a 0.35 carats of smaller stones. These gems surround the center diamond, creating the illusion of a larger stone, as well as stud the slender 14K white gold band. The sophisticated sparkle of this piece, coupled with its simple yet stunning design, renders this ring a timeless treasure.

The best diamond rings for today’s brides don’t utilize only traditional white diamonds. Blue and black varieties of these timeless stones add unexpected but beautiful touches to engagement rings. Styles that feature these unique gems are ideal ways to express a love that’s anything but ordinary.

The 1/2 Carat Art Deco Black Diamond Ring adds a striking, slightly mysterious touch to a design inspired by the 1920s, by replacing the traditional white diamond with an alluring black diamond. This unique stone peeks out from the center of the gleaming petals of a 14K white gold lotus flower as it opens elegantly to reveal the gem within. This blossom sit on a band carved with an intricate leaf and swirl motif that adds textural contrast and that calls to mind the lavish designs of the Art Deco period. This ring is a wearable work of art and a lovely expression of the beauty of your relationship.

Antique-style engagement rings make up a sizeable percentage of Apples of Gold’s bestselling engagement rings, and they remain favorites for their ability to communicate that true love endures for the long haul. In an age when life seems to be moving faster every day, pieces that call to mind a simpler time are welcome breaths of fresh air and lovely ways to celebrate that your relationship is worth slowing down for.

The 3/4 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut “Floret” Diamond Ring remains Apples of Gold most popular engagement ring, and it serves as a gorgeous example of the ability of vintage designs to capture the enduring beauty of love. A 0.28 carat princess-cut diamond serves as the center stone for this exquisite piece, while two smaller princess-cut stones hug it from either side. Six additional channel-set diamonds adorn the band, as intricate carved motifs make this ring far from mundane. These meticulously-carved floret and leaf designs provide both elegance and charm, and give this 14K white gold ring a big dose of feminine beauty.

Diamond engagement rings such as these are truly extraordinary picks. They’re the perfect way to celebrate extraordinary love.

The Vintage Flower 1/4 Carat Diamond Wedding Ring Set is adorned with flowers that will never fail to bloom. This unique engagement and wedding ring set features a bouquet’s worth of meticulously-carved flowers, all perfectly placed upon an airy foundation of 14K white gold. The engagement ring in this set is highlighted by a quarter-carat round diamond that’s surrounded by a gleaming framework of openwork and floral motifs. The coordinating slender wedding band is adorned with similar motifs and curves alongside its partner in perfect harmony. This pair is a lovely way to celebrate love that is always blossoming.

The 3/4 Carat Art Deco Diamond Wedding Ring Set captures the style of the 1920s with dozens of glittering diamonds. The center stone of this pair’s engagement ring is a timeless round stone, slightly over a quarter carat in weight; while this diamond has plenty of sparkle on its own, it’s far from the only source of glimmer in this set. Two concentric frames of smaller round diamonds surround this center stone, forming square-shaped borders with rounded edges that extends that extends the appearance of these rings’ spotlight gem. The bands of the both the engagement ring and the wedding band are studded with additional round diamonds, adding the perfect finishing touch to a look that’s both glamorous and timeless. It would have been just as at home on the left hand of an old Hollywood star as it is on the left hand of any modern sophisticated bride.

No stone captures lasting love quite like a diamond: as the hardest of gemstones it displays a perpetual brilliance that serves as a fitting symbol of lasting love. Vintage bridal ring sets that are overflowing with diamonds amplify this symbolism as they combine time-tested styles with the most resilient and beautiful of gemstones.

The 1.69 Carat Antique Style Diamond Bridal Set is a stunning example of a vintage pair that’s lavished with diamonds. Over 160 diamonds glitter from this dazzling engagement ring and wedding band set. A third-carat round diamond rises from the engagement ring, presiding over two diamond-studded bands. Channel-set stones cover every visible side of these bands, divided into rows by delicate beaded edges. This set sparkles from every side, and serves as a lifelong reminder that your love is beautiful no matter how you look at it.

The Victorian Era and the Art Deco period are alive and well in these gorgeous diamond bridal sets, and their enduring beauty is the perfect way to celebrate your lasting love. These vintage engagement and wedding ring sets will never grow old—just like your love.

William Shakespeare wrote that “Love’s gentle spring doth always fresh remain.” When the initial butterflies of new love wear off, true love remains fresh and never stops growing. Diamond rings that call to mind the vibrancy of spring create pretty pictures of affection and commitment that will never grow stale.

The 0.95 Carat Diamond Flora Ring in 14K White Gold captures the beauty of the natural world and preserves it in dazzling fashion. A 0.75-carat round diamond plays the starring role in this uniquely gorgeous ring, presiding over a collection of side stones that point the way to this central gem. These accent diamonds form an elegant stem and leaf pattern that makes this a truly exceptional piece.

In addition to bringing a touch of life to your look, rings with botanically-inspired beauty can serve as stunning ways to pop the question. Engagement rings with floral designs are gorgeous ways to express that your love fills you with vibrancy and allows you to bloom.

Victorian and Art Deco styles with floral touches are excellent ways to represent a love that is always in bloom. These rings have proven their staying power, making them wearable symbols of an affection and commitment will never die. The 1/4 Carat Vintage Floral Diamond Ring is a lovely example of vintage styles’ ability to communicate enduring love. This century-old design features a round quarter-carat diamond, placed in an airy openwork setting. Delicate engraved flowers accent this sweet and sophisticated ring and give it a sense of old-fashioned yet timeless beauty. This piece could serve as a feminine fashion statement or as a unique engagement ring. Or, if you’d prefer to pop the question and tie the knot with a Victorian floral style, this striking diamond ring is also available as part of a matching wedding band set.

The Floral Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold is overflowing with diamonds and this abundance of stones creates a stunning three-dimensional flower that’s sure to turn heads and solicit compliments. A marquise-cut diamond, over a third carat in weight, forms the center of this dazzling blossom, while six pairs of diamonds, upheld by white gold “petals” surround it. Additional channel-set diamonds are lavished upon the top half of the band. The white gold foundation upon which these stones are set provides a cool, gleaming backdrop for this brilliant blossom.

Whether you’re itching for spring or looking for a way to celebrate a love that fills you with life, diamond rings with floral designs are beautiful options. Unlike the blossoms that will soon be popping up through the snow, these flowers will never fade.

Classic precious gemstones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds add timeless touches of rich color to rings that are inspired by times past. For instance, the Vintage Filigree Ruby Ring in 14K White Gold places a 2.5mm round ruby in the center of an intricate 14K white gold design. An airy filigree motif adorns the top of this demure piece, while engraved flowers and ribbons are expertly carved onto the slender 2mm band. This ring captures the romanticism of the Victorian Era and makes it accessible for modern women.

The ability of vintage styles to capture the romanticism of times gone by allows them to serve as meaningful and beautiful engagement rings. When given as symbols of commitment and affection, these pieces become not only stylish statements, but also declarations of a love that will last for years and years to come.

For instance, the Enchanted White Topaz Ring in 14K White Gold readily serves as a feminine, meaningful and surprisingly affordable engagement ring. A 4.5mm round white topaz glimmers from the center of this Victorian design; this gem is a budget-friendly stand-in for a diamond that has a beauty all its own. The setting that holds this unique gem is painstakingly crafted into an emblem of an era of romance. Swirls and cutouts form a memorable motif that elevates this ring far above the ordinary.

Of course, vintage diamond rings also serve equally well as statements of good taste and declarations of love. A diamond—the hardest, most durable gemstone—seems especially fitting is styles that have proven their staying power, and its matchless sparkle breathes life into time-tested designs.

The Vintage Fleur-de-Lis Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold is a fitting example of an antique style that’s full of life. The graceful Fleur-de-lis (French for “flower of the lily”) motif that gracefully adorns this ring has been used as a symbol since the 12^th century, a time when it represented French royalty, as well as light, life and perfection. Later, English kings incorporated this symbol in their coats of Arms, and it’s even said that Joan of Arc carried a flag that portrayed this motif when she led the French troops into battle. Needless to say, this design has a long history. But, when it’s crafted in airy fashion from 14K white gold and accented with a 0.10 carat round diamond, it becomes a gorgeous piece for the present.

Antique-style gemstones rings may be inspired by the past, but they’re far from outdated. As these pieces prove, these designs haven’t lost any of their appeal.

These rings originate in a simpler time—a time before cell phones, the internet and instant everything, when life moved at a markedly slower pace. By slipping one of them on your finger, you bring to mind a less complicated era when beauty and romance were celebrated and savored.

Apples of Gold’s collection of vintage gemstone rings features a range of stone, from jewelry classics like emerald and amethyst to unique gems such as pink topaz. Each one gives these time-honored styles a new personality, providing a number of modern interpretations for today’s women.

The Vintage Emerald-Cut Amethyst Ring in 14K White Gold places a stunning emerald-cut amethyst, 10mm high, on display like a piece of fine art in an exquisite frame. However, unlike the pieces that line museum walls, this piece showcases its beauty wherever you go. A sizeable, glimmering violet stone gives a regal personality to this ring; however, that’ not all there is to admire about this piece. An elegant filigree setting surrounds this Victorian-style ring, making clear the level of craftsmanship that was poured into creating it.

Fans of 1920s-inspired style also have a number of head-turning bridal pieces to choose from. For example, the Vintage Floral Aquamarine Ring in 14K White Gold places a cool, glimmering aquamarine, over a half carat in weight, in the spotlight. A lavishly carved floral motif adorns the band, giving this piece a look that’s extraordinarily beautiful.

In addition to their ability to make statement of style and good taste, vintage gemstone rings can also communicate lasting love. Gemstone engagement rings inspired by the past readily serve as symbols of love that stands the test of time. Celebrities including Carrie Underwood and Emily Blunt wear vintage styles on their left hands, demonstrating that these rings can serve as incredibly glamorous symbols of lasting affection.

For example, the Enchanted Garnet Ring in 14K White Gold seems to have been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. A round garnet adds a burst of rich crimson glimmer, and gives this ring a timeless appeal. Victorian-inspired filigree creates an airy yet substantial setting that’s rich with lively swirls. While this ring is a striking fashion statement on its own, it also readily symbolizes love when it takes on the role of a unique engagement ring. Or, if you’d prefer a perfectly coordinated wedding jewelry set, this ring is also available as part of the Garnet Bridal Wedding Ring Set in 14K White Gold.

Whether you’re looking for a ring that’s on trend for your right hand or a unique engagement ring, vintage gemstone rings deliver. Each of these pieces provides a touch of the past that’s welcome in the present.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top five engagement rings of 2012:

1. 3/4 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut “Floret” Diamond Ring: This stunning piece is both a glimpse into the romanticism of the past and a beacon of hope for the future. Three princess-cut stones—one 0.30 beauty and two smaller side stones—create the centerpiece of this ring, while six channel-set round diamonds accent the band for extra sparkle. A meticulously-carved leaf and floret motif adorns this band on three sides, completing a look that overflows with elegance.

2. Antique-Style 1/3 Carat Diamond Wedding Ring Set: For those in search of perfectly-coordinated bridal jewelry style, this pair of rings came out on top. A 0.35 carat diamond glimmers in the vintage engagement ring rich with swirls and cutouts, while a slender matching wedding band curves alongside. While this 14K white gold set was the most popular, if you’d prefer another metal, this pair is also available in platinum, yellow gold or 18k gold by request.

3. Art Deco 1/2 Carat Diamond Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold: This 1920s-inspired ring is a true stunner. A stylized flower of 14K yellow gold elegantly opens its shining petals to reveal a half-carat round diamond. A 14K white gold band provides contrast in color as well as texture: a swirling leaf motif gives this band a lively, graceful touch. This is a unique look that’s sure to turn heads.

4. Antique-Style Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold (0.35-carat): It’s no surprise that this ring made the top five twice if you count its appearance as part of the bridal jewelry set featured in the second-place pick. This piece’s feminine vintage styling and sparkling diamond made it a winner in its own right.

5. 3/4 Carat Diamond Circle Ring in 14K White Gold: While this ring isn’t a vintage design, its timeless glamour would have been just as at home on the finger of an early Hollywood star as it is on the left hands of many of today’s brides. A dazzling 0.40 carat diamond is surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds and set on a diamond-studded band for look that’s bursting with sparkle.

Each of these gorgeous rings made a big splash in 2012, and they’re showing no signs of stopping. The timeless beauty of these pieces also makes them perfect for the year to come.

The Christmas carol “Silent Night” captures the miracle of Christmas unlike any other song. However, it didn’t start as a song at all; rather it started as a poem written by Father Joseph Mohr in 1816.

For two years this poem remained unknown, until the author was inspired to set it to music. The church organ was broken, which would prevent many existing Christmas carols from being part of that year’s Christmas Eve service, and Mohr turned to the church organist, Franz Xaver Gruber to help him turn the poem into a song that could be performed even without the organ. Although Gruber had only a few hours before the service, he composed a simple melody and a guitar accompaniment and the two men sang the song together that night at the Church of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf, Austria.

A few weeks later, when renowned organ builder Karl Mauracher came to the church to fix the organ, he heard Gruber play the melody that he had composed. Mauracher took the song to his own village, where two famous groups of singers heard it and added it to their repertoires. Today the words of Mohr’s poem are sung in over 300 languages around the world.

The sparkle of vintage diamond rings allows them to beautifully capture the miracle described by “Silent Night.” The 3/4 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut “Floret” Diamond Ring perfectly meshes vintage beauty with modern sophistication. This stunning piece features three princess-cut diamonds, one 0.30 carat stone and two smaller side stones, and is accented by six additional channel-set diamonds that adorn the lavishly-designed band. A feminine floret and leaf motif is carved into this band on three sides, creating a ring that’s stunning from any angle.

Or, go for a slightly more subtle but equally stunning choice such as the Vintage Filigree Diamond Band in 14K White Gold. This airy ring is as light and sparkling as a snowflake. A round diamond is suspending in an elegant filigree motif, while graceful flowers cascade down each side of the band. This piece only becomes more beautiful when you lean in for a closer look.

The 0.35 carat Antique-Style Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold surrounds a round diamond with an intricately-carved Victorian-inspired setting. This light but substantial design is created with swirls and cutouts that elevate this ring to something truly special. If you prefer, this piece is also available as part of a stunning bridal jewelry set, accompanied by a coordinating engraved wedding band that curves in perfect harmony with its partner.

These vintage diamond rings call to mind a simpler time—a time when it was easier to slow down to marvel at the miracle of Christmas. Choose one to celebrate that first Silent Night.

For a simple, seasonal way to surprise that special someone, try hiding the ring in the tree or tying it to an ornament. The Christmas lights will increase any diamond’s sparkle and maximize any metal’s shine.

Two-tone wedding bands gleam with contrasting shades of precious metals, creating styles that are both versatile and eye-catching. The Art Deco 1/2 Carat Diamond Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold is a prime example. The ring features a glittering ½ carat diamond that’s revealed as a smooth, stylized 14K yellow gold flower opens its petals, giving a new twist to solitaire style. In contrast to the simple, sweeping shape of this flower, a 14K white gold band is carved with a swirling paisley-like petal motif. This ring makes the lines and shapes of the Art Deco period relevant in the present and for the future.

A Christmas sleigh ride can set the stage for a memorable proposal, adding a sense of old-fashioned charm. If you live in an area that’s too warm for snow, a horse-drawn carriage is an equally romantic alternative.

Vintage engagement rings are particularly fitting for a sleigh ride proposal. For instance, the 3/4 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut “Floret” Diamond Ring captures the romanticism of the Victorian Era with unmatched sparkle and beauty. A 0.30 carat princess-cut diamond is accented by two princess-cut side diamonds and six smaller round channel-set diamonds, all set in a band gorgeously carved with a leaf and floret motif.

If you’re looking to propose in a big way, consider using your front lawn (or an out-of the way place at a local park) to spell out your proposal. If weather permits, write it in the snow on a large scale, illuminating your message if you’re planning on popping the question after dark. You could also use candles to form the words “Marry Me?” or create your message with Christmas lights on the ground or on the roof.

Rings with multiple diamonds look particularly stunning when they’re reflecting the light of a candle or of any illuminated proposal, as demonstrated by the brilliant 0.95 Carat Diamond Swirl Engagement Set. This pair of rings contains 59 diamonds in all, working together in perfect harmony to form a show-stopping contemporary look. The engagement ring in this set features a gorgeous 0.50 round carat diamond, while smaller stones encrust the band and encircle the center gem like a lively ocean wave. The coordinating diamond-covered wedding band moves with its partner without missing a beat. It’s just one of several of Apples of Gold’s diamond bridal sets that glimmer with multiple stones.

No matter how you pop the question, any of these engagement rings will help make your proposal unforgettable. These stunning rings represent the love that makes your heart sparkle.

The Christmas Carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” captures this hope, but, much like today, the time in which the words to this famous carol originated was a time of many uncertainties. Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow first wrote the lyrics on Christmas Eve, 1963, just months after the battle of Gettysburg had taken over 50,000 lives. The U.S. Civil War was still raging and Longfellow’s son had been severely wounded. In addition, just two years earlier, Longfellow’s wife had died tragically in a fire. It was hardly a time of peace.

As he heard the Christmas bells ring, Longfellow wrote:

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

However, Longfellow wasn’t immediately moved by the bells’ message:

And in despair I bowed my head

“There is no peace on earth,” I said,

“For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

However, as he continued to listen to the bells peal, he realized that because of the message of Christmas, there was always hope:

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men.”

A faith that right will prevail gives hope to every area of our lives, including our relationships. Wedding jewelry celebrates this hope, and there’s no better time to shop for it than this joyful time of year.

The Victorian-inspired Paisley Design Wedding Band 14K White Gold captures a sense of joy. An elegant three-dimensional paisley design graciously adorns this feminine band, giving a nod to the past while looking hopefully to the future. Rows of milgrain frame this lively motif, while polished edges provide a sleek finishing touch.

Braided wedding bands celebrate the way that a husband and wife are woven together so that they move through life as one. The 14K White Gold 7.6mm Braided Wedding Band Ring is an eye-catching example. Ribbons of gleaming 14K white gold are tightly woven into a stylish symbol of your connection, while milgrain and polished edges add class.

An engagement ring captures the hope of spending the rest of your life with the one you love, and vintage styles celebrate the timelessness of this hope. For instance, the Art Deco 1/4 Carat Diamond Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold harkens back to the 1920s, but its design perfectly captures the promise of life together. A 14K yellow gold lotus flower gleams as it opens to reveal a sparkling round diamond. In contrast, this ring’s 14K white gold band is adorned with a graceful design of leaves and paisley.

The promise of Christmas infuses every area of life with hope. Celebrate the hope of life together with joyful wedding jewelry.

Platinum

Platinum wedding bands like the Platinum Braided Wedding Band Ring are the ultimate expression of a love that’s a rare treasure. At 30 times less common than gold, platinum is incredibly precious, and it possesses several unique properties. Platinum wedding rings have a bright, naturally white sheen that doesn’t cast any of its own color onto a diamond. They never fade or tarnish, and are quite strong, making them resistant to wear. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a perfect choice for anyone with sensitive skin. Although its rarity gives it a higher price tag than other metals used in wedding jewelry, it’s the perfect choice for a once-in-a-lifetime investment.

White, Yellow and Rose Gold

Gold is the most commonly used metal in wedding bands, and for good reason. Aside from its gleaming good looks, it’s also more affordable than platinum and stronger than sterling silver. All three colors of gold are actually alloys which combine gold with other metals to give them added strength. Each color has its own personality: white gold has a cool, silvery sheen, giving rings such as the Hammered Milgrain Wedding Band in 14K White Gold a look that’s both cotemporary and classic; yellow gold exhibits a sunny hue that has made it the most traditional of metals, as the “I Am My Beloved’s and My Beloved Is Mine” Wedding Band demonstrates; and rose gold gives off a glow that communicates warmth and affection, such as in in the Paisley Engraved Wedding Band in 18K Rose Gold. Although white gold wedding bands are the most popular, a huge variety of styles are available in all three colors of this versatile metal.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver wedding bands like the Silver Heart Diamond Floral Wedding Band are a favorite for those on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice style. With the cool, versatile sheen that has made all types of silver jewelry popular, these rings are able to blend seamlessly with the personal styles of many of today’s brides and grooms. Like the gold used in jewelry, sterling silver is an alloy which adds other metals to silver to make it strong enough for jewelry. Although silver is susceptible to oxidation, the resulting tarnish isn’t hard to remove.

Titanium

Titanium isn’t a traditional medium for wedding bands, but it’s gaining fans for its winning combination of strength, sleek good looks and affordability. Stronger than steel, this metal is used in aircraft, making it a fitting symbol of love that’s unbreakable. However, despite its strength, it’s quite lightweight, making it feel almost weightless on your finger. Titanium wedding rings such as the Titanium Celtic Knot Wedding Band Ring are able to stand up to wear, and they’re non-reactive, which means that they won’t tarnish or rust. Like platinum styles, they’re also hypoallergenic. However, they come with a significantly lower price tag than platinum or gold rings

Ultimately, the wedding band you choose should be determined by your personal preference. Decide which factors are most important to you, and use this guide to help you narrow down your options.