Monique Lhuillier Runway Trends — and Rings to Match!

"The story begins and ends with the ring," declares Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2014 collection run of show. A symbol of eternal devotion, your future together never looked so bright.

You might already be familiar with the renowned designer's ravishing wedding gowns, but her new fine jewelry collection, sold exclusively at Blue Nile, has given us 20 new reasons to fall in love all over again. It features 23 engagement rings that fall into four different categories (romantic, modern, antique-inspired and traditional); all of which are classic "Monique" and embody her luxe sense of style that brides clamour for worldwide.


Monique Lhuillier posing with her beautiful creations backstage at her show.

Can't choose which ring you like best? Below, we've matched up three of our favorite new looks from the catwalk with complementary diamond cuts and settings.

If you want your wedding to feel like a modern-day fairytale...
Is there anything more classic than a ballgown and round-cut center stone? For a fresh twist on this ever-popular pairing, consider floral-adorned styles. This asymmetrical horsehair peplum and Floral Diamond Engagement Ring exude romance but also make you stand out from the crowd.

If you shine in the spotlight and have a more-is-more approach to life...
Dazzle your guests and future husband in this embroidered illusion neckline sheath. Its glamorous detailing is balanced by its timeless silhouette. With its pavé-set band and milligrain detailing, the Princess Halo Engagement Ring is equally spellbinding.

If you think outside of the bridal box, but still want to look feminine and refined...
This season, Monique debuted coat dresses in jacquards and signature laces. Non-traditional brides, we know you've got the style chops to pull off this retro-flirty ensemble. For the perfect finishing touch, we recommend the Pavé Petal Engagement Ring with gradated sidestones.


After you've selected your gown and engagement ring, the fun doesn't stop there — next, you get to pick out your wedding ring. It can be challenging to find a complementary band that you can wear both alone and with your engagement ring. The Monique collection offers 12 diverse styles so that you're guaranteed to find a perfect match, from modern curved bands to traditional prong styles to three rows of pavé-set diamonds (my personal favorite). Best of all, everything is reasonably priced so that you don't blow your budget. Now if only we could collect them all...that's what wedding anniversaries are for!

 

—Stefania Sainato