Happy 2013!

What will New Year’s Eve look like for you? We’re keeping it a little more intimate this year, but it wouldn’t be New Year’s without a little sparkle.

Looking back on 2012…

Go on, we dare you. Check out the Polar Bear Club’s Coney Island dip, by Brooklyn photographer/designer Jenna Park.

We’re loving the New York Times’ slideshow of 2012’s best book covers, selected by book cover designers.

And speaking of slideshows, Food & Wine’s Champagne cocktails look so pretty, we can’t settle on just one!

Looking forward to 2013…

Planning a wedding? Check out this New Year’s Eve wedding inspiration.

A bold New Year’s resolution for brides to be.

And finally, from one of our Facebook friends, a vintage reminder that beautiful songs and beautiful ideas endure.

Auld Lang Syne, my friends. See you next year!

Photo: Tatiana Round Eternity Set

Ask Jeff Cooper: Diamond Engagement Ring Trends for 2013

Happy Holidays! We’re already thinking about 2013, which is poised to be an incredible year in engagement ring style. Here are our top ten predictions for the best trends of the year.

1. Vintage-Inspired
Updated vintage designs are the single biggest trend we see, now and in the future. Who doesn’t want a ring that feels timeless? Vintage-inspired engagement rings have that innate sense of history and romance. Photo: Hope

2. Colored Stones
What do Penelope Cruz, Kate Middleton and Mariah Carey have in common, besides great hair? Colored engagement rings! Sapphires especially are seeing a huge rise in popularity, quite possibly due to Kate Middleton’s royal rock.

3. Halo & Double Halo
Modern brides are loving the architectural look of halos, and some couples also see them as symbolic of eternity. Either way, we think dramatic halos seem chicer by the day.

4. Princess, Emerald & Oval Diamonds
After Brad Pitt designed Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring with its impressive emerald cut diamond, was there any doubt the trend would take off? Three cuts we predict will be huge in 2013 are princess, emerald and ovals.

5. Personalization
Justin Timberlake included Jessica Biel’s aquamarine birthstone in her engagement ring. Our own Nikole Collection is based on the ring David Cooper designed for his wife, Nikole. In love and jewelry, the more personal, the better.

6. Twisted Bands
An elegant twist is such a classic, glamorous way to add dimension to a ring, we think you’ll be seeing a lot of this trend in the future.

7. Floral Motifs
Brides feel freer than ever to express their personalities, and unique engagement ring designs are gaining popularity. Floral engagement rings strike such a cool balance of feminine beauty and bold individuality.

8. Unique Settings
Blending in with the crowd is so over. While most brides want a classic look, choosing a unique setting is a great way to make it your own. We love barset diamonds for a look that’s bold, but still timeless.

9. Three Stone Rings
A lot of couples see the three-stone ring as symbolic of the past, present and future, or three of their own personal milestones. It’s just another way that couples are personalizing their experience, a trend we love.

10. The New Solitaires
Fresh, new versions of the classic solitaire will be big in 2013. We’re really feeling radically clean lines and understated details that make the center stone pop.

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