Wear What When

SLIDESHOW: Where to shop for engagement rings this holiday giving season. Here, Essenza where both local and national designers are displayed inside waist-high glass cases amid gorgeous scents, luxury cosmetics, and a French boho vibe.

Essenza’s Wendy Fink, and a trusty friend. The Fremont shop stocks Seattle favorites Francesca Lacagnina, Shamila Jiwa, and Jamie Joseph, all of whom craft modern gemstone stunners full of color, weight, and bright ideas.

Fremont Jewelry Design owner Lisa Magetteri can help you create a custom ring to fit your personal style.

For ring shoppers who have always imagined themselves designers—or for those who want to riff on a family heirloom—custom work can be really rewarding. Then again, if you haven’t an idea in your noggin and just want to give a local artisan free reign to create a one-of-a-kind piece, that works, too.

Isadora’s, just inside the Pike Place Market boundaries on First Ave, specializes in exquisite antique jewelry.

They love the symbolism of the old days at Isadora’s, and are happy to tell you about how intertwined snakes allude to together-foreverness and what the Victorians wore to sum up luck and a happy future. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for the sparkle of a 1920s diamond-and-amythest pairing (owner Laura Dalesandro likes to say stones were cut to shine in candlelight back then), there’s still plenty of meaning to impart.

Twist, in the Pacific Place mall, offers modern works of art for your ring finger.

Launched in Eugene, Oregon by jewelers for jewelers, Twist brings exciting modern jewelry together with glass, ceramics, and lifestyle decor. Shop precious and semi-precious collections, fashion jewelry, and what the two-store family calls “cheap chic.” From intricate geometric designs to minimalist, low-key modern diamonds, the “ceremony” department has many offbeat options.

Alexandria Rossoff Jewels and Rare Finds is a treasure trove of yesteryear’s finery.

Inspired by a certain royal bride? Colored stone engagement rings are definitely hot, and Alexandria Rossoff herself can tell you all about the antique varieties in her Fourth Ave shop. (Conveniently located across the street from Luly Yang Couture.)