The winter holidays are the perfect time to get engaged. The spirit of giving, combined with great shopping deals and the time spent with the ones we love, bring on the time of year known as engagement season. With so many special occasions that occur within the winter months, it is likely you already have a wedding to plan.

If you are shopping for an engagement ring, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of choices that are available this season. The trend is engagement rings that reflect the bride and groom’s personalities. More and more wedding ring designs are going away from the traditional diamond solitaire.

Some brides are skipping the diamonds altogether, and replacing them with sapphire, emerald, or ruby stones. Others are combining the two, with a center diamond stone and colorful gemstones surrounding it.

The hottest wedding ring trend this year is ornate ring designs, featuring beautiful antique settings with real attention to detail. Even if you opt for a small stone, a unique setting will let it really stand out in the crowd.

Brides are also opting for custom-made settings. Drawing from different periods of history, you will start seeing engraved patterns on the wedding bands. Whether inspired by Egyptian, Gaelic, or Renaissance designs, engagement rings are taking on a whole new meaning.

While shopping for your engagement rings this season, don’t be afraid to try something new. Go for rings that complement your style and personality. Then, get ready for all of the other wedding decisions the two of you will make together on the road ahead.