Whether you’re choosing your own engagement ring or looking for inspiration for the perfect piece to match your heartfelt proposal, we shine a light on the biggest engagement ring trends for 2021.
Just as wedding dress trends ebb and flow with the fashion movements of the moment, jewelery styles come in and out of favor. This is also true when it comes to engagement ring trends. So if you want a ring that’s going hold its own in the style stakes, take a look at our edit of the latest on-trend engagement ring styles.
2021 Engagement Ring Trends
With social media and celebrity influence stronger than ever, brides-to-be are looking for something to make their engagement ring stand out from the crowds, and proposal picture-clad Instagram feeds.
From bold colored diamonds, to micro-bands and minimalist solitaire cuts, the old adage that ‘size isn’t everything’ certainly rings true when it comes to looking ahead to engagement ring trends in 2021.
Colorful Engagement Rings
Colored diamonds and gemstones are a great way to make simple and elegant styles even brighter and bolder. Whether you opt to set them on a white, yellow or rose gold band, the plethora of colored gemstones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires will enable you to express your own personal style and creativity with your engagement ring.
Blue Topaz and Diamond Shoulders Astoria Ring, £ 1,299
Buy now from The Diamond Store
Browse our pick of the most beautiful colorful engagement rings.
Vintage engagement rings
Just as vintage and up-cycled wedding dresses are set to be a big trend in 2021, vintage engagement rings are also making waves. Opt for Art Deco and ultra glamorous just like this Jenny Packham design for Goldsmiths.
Jenny Packham three-stone brilliant cut Art Deco style ring, £ 3,750.
Buy now from Goldsmiths
Gallery detailing
Adding a hidden touch to engagement rings with gallery detailing is proving popular and gives an elegant upgrade to classic ring styles. This Jenny Packham-designed brilliant cut diamond ring is a stunning take on the classic solitaire.
Jenny Packham 18 carat white gold brilliant cut diamond ring, £ 6000
Buy now from Goldsmiths
Halo Rings
The popularity of halo rings is also increasing. Their encrusted design makes the center diamond appear larger than traditional engagement rings. We can expect to see couples taking this illusion effect further with more unusual shapes. You can also add a unique twist with colored gemstones or additional detailing on the band.
Luxe Sienna Halo Diamond Ring in platinum, £ 3,215
Buy now from Brilliant Earth
Split Shank Engagement Rings
“A split shank engagement ring is a very distinctive style we’re seeing increase in popularity, with a band that parts as it reaches the center stone,” explains Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewelery at Beaverbrooks the Jewelers.
“The shape of the split shank frames the center diamond beautifully, and as it’s the style of Beyoncé’s engagement ring, you’d be in good company.”
Platinum Diamond Halo Ring, £ 3,250
Buy now from Beaverbrooks
Lab Diamonds
Environmentally conscious couples are now opting for the more sustainable alternative of lab-grown diamonds for their engagement rings. They have minimal impact on the earth as they do not require mining. We expect to see plenty more available in jewelers in 2021.
Shop lab grown diamonds at Clean Origin
Celebrity-Inspired Engagement Rings
Of course, every bride-to-be has star quality, but the celebs know how to go that extra mile when it comes to glitz and glam. For a red carpet-worthy proposal, take inspiration from the A List set and their exquisite taste in diamonds with a celebrity-inspired engagement ring.
Symphony ring, a round diamond center and pavé diamond split-shank band set in platinum, inspired by Beyoncé Knowles’ engagement ring, £ 1,680.
Buy now from Talyor & Hart
Marquise-cut Engagement Rings
For those bold brides-to-be who want their engagement ring to really stand out from the crowd, a marquise cut stone certainly has the wow-factor and is just as elegant is it is striking.
Platinum diamond marquis cut halo ring, £ 5,500
Buy now from Beaverbrooks
Minimalist Engagement Rings
The trend of minimalist rings is back, and this is not expected to go any time soon. Jewelers have been able to provide a ‘less is more look’ by successfully pairing striking stones with the delicate bands. This is perfect for those who tend not to wear much jewelery or do not want to make a statement.
Three-stone rings
A diamond solitaire is considered to be the archetypal engagement ring. However, when Meghan Markle upgraded her gold band and solitaire to a three-stone engagement ring last year, a new trend took off. Most often a thin band with a large diamond or gem supported by two smaller stones, the three stones are said to represent a couple’s past, present and future. Add a twist with unique colors and diamond cuts.
18ct White Gold Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, £ 4,250
BUY NOW from Beaverbrooks
Solitaire Diamond Engagement Rings
“They don’t call it a classic for nothing! A traditional solitaire ring is the ultimate in sophistication and timeless style, ”says Beaverbrooks’ Laura Haddon. “A platinum diamond solitaire ring emphasizes the central diamond beautifully, while a solitaire-style with diamond set shoulders … brings a modern twist. “
Platinum Diamond Solitaire Ring, £ 3,750
BUY NOW from Beaverbrooks
Stackable Engagement Rings
Jewelery stacking is not a new concept, however, more and more brides-to-be are incorporating this trend to their bridal sets. This means you can now wear your engagement, wedding and eternity rings all together. ‘Cause whoever said less is more clearly wasn’t talking about diamonds. Jewelers are now selling interlocking designs to support this trend, too.
Shop stackable rings at 77 Diamonds
Yellow Gold Rings
While platinum and white gold bands have topped the popularity charts when it comes to engagement rings in recent years, yellow gold rings are making a comeback. Gold bands compliment both diamonds and colored gemstones and add a vintage feel if paired with a traditional gold wedding band.
18ct Gold Diamond Halo Ring, £ 2,750
BUY NOW from Beaverbrooks
Rose Gold Engagement Rings
Whether you’re opting for a solitaire, pavé of diamonds or pear-shaped stone, a rose gold band offers a romantic take on a classic engagement ring. A bolder statement than white gold or platinum, rose gold flatters all skin tones.
Emerald-cut center and fishtail pavé set in 18ct rose gold, £ 1,290
BUY NOW from Taylor & Hart
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