Today's chic brides are opting for varying hues of colored diamonds, untraditional cuts and stackable wedding rings of towering gems. As legendary symbols of love, diamonds have long been prized for their exquisite beauty and rare brilliance. Coco Chanel famously favored the elite gem above all others, explaining her sensible preference quite matter-of-factly: "My reason for choosing diamonds is that, dense as they are, they represent the greatest worth in the smallest volume." Throughout history, diamonds have come to possess great symbols of wealth, power and affection. The concept of wearing a diamond ring originated in ancient Egypt, where it was believed that the vena amoris or "vein of love" ran from one's finger directly to one's heart. In 15th century Europe, the tradition of presenting a diamond ring as a promise to wed began and thus, diamonds became the ultimate token of love.

[image 1] Kwiat's platinum engagement ring set with an emerald-cut diamond, www.kwiat.com

[image 2] Neil Lane's 12-carat fancy colored center diamond surrounded by diamond and platinum mounting, www.neillanejewelry.com

[image 3] David Yurman's crossover cable engagement ring in platinum with faceted oval diamond, www.davidyurman.com

[image 4] Jennifer Dawes' hewn stacking set with three 18K gold bands and six rose cut damonds, www.dawes-design.com

[image 5] Tiffany & Co.'s bezet engagement rings, www.tiffany.com

[image 6]  Niessing's curved stacking rings titled "Flurry": 18K rose gold band with channel-set diamonds, 18K yellow gold band, 18K gray gold band with matte finish, 18K sand gold band  with matte finish, 18K yellow gold band with channel-set diamonds, 18K gray gold band with channel-set diamonds and 18K rose gold band with matte finish, www.niessingshop.com.