Wow! I can't believe how far ahead I am with this trend - seems more and more brides these days are opting for gemstones other than diamonds. 17 years ago I chose a ruby ring for my engagement ring. Why? Well, I can't say that I had a clue about trends back then. I just fell in love with my ring (pictured...and...hmmm..looks like I need to get it cleaned!)

According to an article from the Chicago Tribune, " Don't need no diamond ring," today's brides are starting to catch up to me:

" About 80 percent of brides get diamond engagement rings, according to the Diamond Information Center. And the carat weight for the upper crust keeps rising--"no less than 2 carats for the average successful New Yorker, whereas it used to be a carat or a carat and a half," said gem and jewelry expert Antoinette Matlins, a consumer advocate and frequent national media guest.

Some couples, however, are rocking the world of engagement rings, choosing anything from nothing at all to Technicolor gemstones instead--with a key trend of more brides participating in the selection.

As in the past, cost might weigh into the decision. But nowadays, taste just as likely holds sway."