THE NEW NAMES IN ENGAGEMENT RINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW

As engagement season rolls on, you may find yourself getting all too familiar with the signature cuts and common carat weights of the top names in the engagement industry. But, aside from the jewelers fit for the traditionalist, these new boutique brands could be the best place to find the sparkler you've been imagining ever since it clicked that he was the one. Here, the 16 names in engagement rings and bands worth discovering.

MCTEIGUE & MCCLELLAND

Ever since the two founders of this engagement ring go-to met in an elevator in New York's diamond district, they've collaborated on a collection that combines spectacular gems with otherworldly metalwork and craftsmanship.

MOCIUN

Caitlin Mociun's international upbringing in California, Malaysia and the Czech Republic informed the clothing line she designed—before she turned to jewelry. Known for her cluster rings and use of antique and rare stones, her jewelry is an extension of the pieces she creates for them to be worn with, like her line of bridal dresses, Mociun White.

ILANA ARIEL

Admiring her grandmother's collection throughout her youth kept jewelry top of mind for designer Ilana Sarna. Inspired by landscapes and cityscapes, including her native New York and her new hometown of Tel Aviv, Ilana's dainty stackable rings and stand-alone commitment pieces are a perfect fit for the jetsetter and the modernist alike.

BLANCA MONRÓS GÓMEZ

Working only with environmentally responsible vendors and minimizing material waste is top priority for this Brooklyn-based designer, whose white diamonds are recycled and conflict-free. Drawing inspiration from fallen twigs, leaves, branches and seeds gives Mónros Gómez's pieces a hammered feel and a boho appeal.

TILDA BIEHN

Not about a center stone? An engagement band or stackable set is the way to go. Tilda Biehn, named after the grandmother of the brand's designer Andrea Lipsky-Karasz, channels the adventurous spirit of its namesake, who was an elegant dancer and artist in 19th century Budapest.

Tilda Biehn "Comet" ring in 14k yellow gold with .28ct white diamonds. $1,910,tildabiehn.com

NORA KOGAN

Inspired by artistic movements of the past, from art nouveau to surrealism to pop art, Kogan funnels her inspiration through the modern woman's desire for clean lines. Age-old motifs like flora, fauna and snakes give her pieces a feeling of familiarity, while an innovative usage of precious stones, like sapphires and moonstones, give each piece a personality all it's own.

JADE TRAU

A sixth generation diamantiere, Jade Trau is consistently on the hunt for an heirloom affect—mixing today's trends with antique techniques to create pieces she hopes will adorn your future generations. Her sentiment is that of someone who creates vintage-inspired adornments, but her twists on tradition will result in a ring that feels different from all your friends'.

JEMMA WYNNE

While celebrity fans like Gisele Bündchen, Rihanna, Olivia Palermo and Reese Witherspoon flock to this line for far more than engagement rings, their selection of left-handed options, which partner a relaxed femininity with clean lines, is hard to miss when on the market for something special. 

Jemma Wynne 

JENNIE KWON

Based in Los Angeles, Jennie finds inspiration from her artist background and natural elements to create wearable pieces that would suit both the vintage-lover and the minimalist.

NIKOS KOULIS

A Greek designer who learned the tricks of the trade studying Gemology and through his family's generations-old business in the industry, Koulis translates all inspiration through a contemporary lens, revisiting stark shapes, bold color and his signature craftsmanship for his bridal collection, named Oui.

Nikos Koulis white emerald-cut diamond with black enamel frame

NINA RUNSDORF

Using traditional shapes as a starting point, Nina Runsdorf then thinks outside the box—creating precious and organic pieces that play with scale, shape and movement. Runsdorf's penchant for hidden luxuries —like sliced gemstones—make this designer a perfect pairing for the dramatic and daring bride-to-be.

Nina Runsdorf 15ct emerald ring with pave band set in platinum. $85,000

SHARON KHAZZAM

An alum of famed jewelry house, Asprey, Sharon Khazzam's unique aesthetic, which combines her thorough understanding of workmanship with an artistic edge, makes each engagement ring she designs for her clientele one that stands out from the rest.

Sharon Khazzam "Chornio" floating pear-shaped diamond slice ring with fine, pave black diamond halo, sharonkhazzam.com

TANA CHUNG

After studying design, Chung was asked to be the face of a cable TV show and soon began designing her own accessories in hopes of making the sponsored outfits she was required to wear her own. Her rings, like the rest of her line, are geometric, and elaborate yet light, often with unique uses of color and texture.

Tana Chung "Constellation" rose-cut diamond ring. $6,200,plukka.com

LIZZIE MANDLER

Lizzie Mandler has always been inspired by the ways in which jewelry can carry a deeper sentiment and become an extension of the wearer. Her line's latest addition? Engagement rings and wedding bands that she hopes will be the start to your next chapter.

Lizzie Mandler Fine Jewelry tapered baguette eternity band in 18k rose gold. Contact bespoke@lizziemandler.com for pricing.

WWAKE

Inspired by the art of breaking with convention, WWAKE offers twists on traditional pieces with dainty details and unexpected stone combinations. Their signature contour shape is a repeating theme, riffing on the ceremonial set, where an engagement ring and a wedding band are designed to fit together rather than be stacked.

WWAKE nestled diamond and opal ring in 14k yellow gold  with opal and a .50ct white diamond. $6,500, wwake.com

MISH NEW YORK

Best known for his one-of-a-kind and custom offerings, designer Mish Tworkowski pairs a background in fine arts and knowledge of art history with his love of nature, gardening and interior design to create pieces that are both classic and vibrant.

MISH New York "Arden" ring with brillant-cut white diamond set in 18k white gold and white diamond pavé.