One of the most common requests jewellery designers get is for diamond engagement rings with a twist. It would seem that while we all want something modern and fresh for our wedding jewellery, we also can’t quite let go of tradition.

The most classic engagement ring has to be the diamond solitaire, which first came into fashion in the late 1800s. A single white diamond set on a band of gold. Simple, beautiful, eternal.

While this enduring style transcends centuries, it can be a little boring. Nothing conveys a lack of imagination better than a standard solitaire engagement ring with a plain wedding band. This is why the twist is oh so important when selecting a diamond solitaire. Be it a small tweak or a lavish reimagining, if you want to go for this classic style, we’d advise broadening your horizons to consider diamond engagement rings with a twist.

This is why a new collaboration between diamond miner De Beers, jewellery store Blue Nile and 10 exciting contemporary jewellery designers – titled Ten/Ten – feels perfect for 2021. In a time when we’re all reaching for nostalgia, the solitaire gives us that; but the individual edge each designer brings to their interpretation of the solitaire gives it personality.

The 10 jewellery designers taking part in the Ten/Ten collaboration are: Almaskia, Aurora Lopez Mejia, Bea Bongiasca, Harwell Godfrey, Lola Fenhirst, Marla Aaron, Michelle Fantaci, Pamela Love, Platt Boutique Jewelry and WWAKE.

Each Ten/Ten design centres on an ethically sourced diamond from De Beers’ mines in Botswana. There have been just 10 of each of the engagement rings made – so a limited run of 100 in total – and the rings will be sold exclusively through Blue Nile.

“We’re excited to introduce a new group of consumers to exceptional design from some of the most inspiring and diverse jewellery designers working today,” says Blue Nile chief executive Sean Kell. “Collections like Ten/Ten offer a reinvented, fresh and relevant take on the traditional diamond engagement ring and prove it’s possible to find handcrafted and exquisite fine jewellery at an incredible value.”

Ten/Ten: Diamond engagement rings with a twist

WWAKE

14ct Fairmined gold and diamond The Duo engagement ring
$4,490, available at Blue Nile

Platt Boutique Jewelry

18ct gold and diamond Heirloom engagement ring
$3,290, available at Blue Nile

Pamela Love

18ct gold and diamond Treccia engagement ring
$3,990, available at Blue Nile

Michelle Fantaci

18ct gold and diamond Naledi engagement ring
$3,390, available at Blue Nile

Marla Aaron

platinum and diamond DiMe Siempre engagement ring
$4,390, available at Blue Nile

Lola Fenhirst

18ct gold and diamond The Union engagement ring
$3,590, available at Blue Nile

Harwell Godfrey

18ct gold, mother of pearl and diamond Motu engagement ring
$3,690, available at Blue Nile

Bea Bongiasca

18ct gold, enamel and diamond You’re So Mine engagement ring
$3,390, available at Blue Nile

Aurora Lopez Meija

18ct gold and diamond Mara engagement ring
$3,990, available at Blue Nile

Almaskia

18ct gold and diamond Serene engagement ring

$3,690, available at Blue Nile

All prices were correct on the date of publishing, but may be subject to change