The concept of trends is tricky when it comes to pieces that are supposedly going to stick with us for a lifetime. Tendencies continuously evolve, and although it’s recommended to pick a style that reflects your personal taste, it’s also useful to be aware of the current trends. For a while now, we’ve been witnessing a shift in the landscape of engagement rings, leaving behind the classic aesthetics for a bold and unique style with more personality. Let’s explore the biggest trends that we are expecting to last into this year and many to come.
1. More Color
Color is a great way to bring personality to your engagement ring. A bigger number of couples are moving away from the classic white central stone for more originality. The touch of color makes you stand out and allows you to play with the symbolic of the stones. Celebrities have been choosing colored gemstones for a while now, and many nowadays consider using their birthstones- or the stone of the month they met- for their engagement ring. This is a trend that is expected to remain popular for the coming years.
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is a 12ct oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
Halle Berry’s engagement ring with a central Colombian emerald set in 18k yellow gold and two side diamonds.
Eva Longoria’s engagement ring features a central ruby with a halo of white diamonds, set in white gold.
2. More Shapes in central stones
In opposition to the classic round or oval stones, fancy cuts are gaining momentum. Shapes like pear, marquise and cushion cuts are very popular nowadays as they bring a modern look to engagement rings, allowing couples to stand out with a unique and contemporary style.
Megan Fox’s Toi et Moi engagement ring features a pear shaped diamond and emerald, the couple’s birthstones.
Meghan Markle’s engagement ring holds a special meaning. The central cushion cut diamond comes from Botswana and the side stones belonged to Princess Diana.
Anna Kournikova’s pear-shaped pink diamond engagement ring with two trillion-cut side diamonds.
3. Chunky bands
The trend of chunky bands is rising in popularity in 2024. No matter the shape of the stone, a statement band gives any engagement ring a contemporary feel. Breaking away from the classic thin silhouette also allows a stronger presence on the finger. This style especially appeals to non-traditional brides-to-be who want their ring as bold as their own personality.
4. Curvy Bands
Another trend gaining popularity is rings with curvy bands. This style appeals to couples who want their engagement ring to be as unique and unconventional as they are. Curvy rings offer an unexpected silhouette in opposition to the conventional straight bands. The organic shapes of these bands are perfect for those who want a unique and stand-out piece, making the ring not just a symbol of commitment, but also an expression of the couple’s individuality.
Curvy band ring with a floating stone.
5. Bezel Settings
The bezel setting is a type of stone setting that encircles the gemstone with a continuous band of metal. It’s been a popular style in the last years for giving a sleek and contemporary look to the ring. This setting also offers extra protection for the stone, making it a good choice for those who value style and practicality. There are also variations of the bezel setting that are very popular in 2024 and the coming years.
Full bezel setting
Half bezel setting
Double bezel setting
6. East West Orientation
This refers to the horizontal positioning of the central stone, and it’s actually a revolution in traditional engagement ring design. By setting elongated cuts (like emerald, oval, pear, and marquise) horizontally -rather than the conventional vertical position- we achieve a contemporary and unique look. Perfect for those who appreciate a modern twist on classic styles.
Horizontal pear shape central stone
Horizontal emerald cut center stone
7. Bespoke Engagement rings
Bespoke creations have highly increased in demand in the last years, as more couples are moving away from buying ready-made engagement rings. Working with a jewelry designer for a custom designed ring is becoming the trend, and choosing to become part of the creative process is a personal statement. This approach allows you to build the ring around your individual style or love story. It also adds the great value of uniqueness, and having this once-in-a-lifetime piece created just for you makes this symbol of commitment more of a luxury item. Get creative- the sky (and let’s be real, your budget) is the limit!
Fergie’s very unique engagement ring features a brilliant cut central diamond. Set into a wide band, surrounded by a starburst pattern of smaller, colored diamonds.
Scarlett Johansson’s statement engagement ring designed by James de Givenchy. An elongated pear-shaped, 11ct light brown diamond on a curved band of dark ceramic and rose gold.
Which of these trends appeal to you and which ones would you skip?
© 2021 Paola Sleiman. All rights reserved.
