It’s not easy to pick a piece of jewelry that your partner will wear for the rest of their life. If you’re looking for something unique, you may want to choose something other than a solitaire diamond setting.
Here, we outline the most popular engagement ring trends of 2023. Whether your partner is always on the cutting edge of fashion, environmentally conscious, or “a little extra,” there’s an engagement ring for everyone.
1. Diamond Alternative Gemstones
Diamonds are the most popular engagement rings by a mile. That said, it wasn’t always like that. Few know that DeBeers created the diamond engagement band craze in the 1930s. This was one of the world’s most successful campaigns: After 90 years, about 70% of couples still follow this engagement ring trend.
However, many future brides are bucking tradition and choosing a diamond alternative ring. From rubies to amethyst to citrine, endless options exist to create something special. Best of all, many of these gemstones are more affordable than diamonds.
Related: Birthstone Gemstone Engagement Rings
2. Vintage Stones & Settings
Vintage options are available at licensed online retailers and high-end pawn shops, while many heirlooms are passed down through families. Some styles might not suit the wearer’s taste, but gemstones could be placed in a setting that fits the latest engagement ring trends.
We recommend looking at vintage engagement rings by decades to see if certain details (e.g., metal color, filigree, settings) appeal to you.
3. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Engagement Rings
Younger generations are extremely aware of eco-friendly jewelry. No matter the style, many new engagement ring trends pay attention to the sourcing of diamonds, whether they’re vintage, lab-grown, or ethically mined. As Millenials and Gen Z couples start to marry, it’s clear that they’re paying attention to gold mining’s destructive nature (especially cyanidation).
Not only is every gemstone used in Jaume Labro jewelry tracked from the mine to our showroom, but all of our gold is also recycled using carbon-neutral processes.
4. Fancy Cut Engagement Rings
Celebrity engagement ring trends are helping to popularize fancy-cut diamond shapes like marquise, pear, heart, and cushion. Not only do they showcase plenty of personality, but they also come with a far lower price point. If your heart is set on a diamond ring, fancy-cut diamonds are less expensive than round-cut stones of identical quality.
5. Three-Stone Engagement Rings
Three-stone engagement rings have become increasingly popular in recent years. With a larger center gem flanked by two side stones (representing the past, present, and future), these rings are all about personalization.
One couple may select all diamonds. Another might incorporate three semi-precious stones of exceptional quality. There might be mixed metalwork, filigree, or simple prong settings. There are infinite options to choose from, making these unbelievably popular engagement ring styles.
6. Minimalist Styles
While the 1990s were all about maximalism, minimalist engagement rings are trending. This less-is-more aesthetic combines elegant style with modern jewelry design, making them perfect for everyday activities. Elements include:
- Smaller center stone draws emphasis
- Bezel and tension settings keep lines clean
- Ring widths are slim and timeless
- Platinum, white gold, and palladium provide sophistication.
7. Mixed Metal Settings
Over the past decade, the mixed metal engagement ring trend has been worth watching. Incorporating the colors and textures of at least two metals, these captivating jewelry designs offer endless opportunities for personalization and creativity.
Mokume Gane Engagement Rings
Mixed metal settings are never more striking than when they’re used in Mokume Gane engagement rings. This ancient metalworking tradition ensures that the wearer possesses the only one of its kind in the universe. Multiple pieces can be made using the same metal billet, either in matching wedding ring sets or couples’ rings.
8. Unisex Engagement Rings
Another trend that’s seeing a massive uptick is unisex engagement rings. Many couples have long preferred non-traditional engagement bands, but their popularity is expected to increase over the coming years. A more “masculine” style can look timeless, graceful, and flattering on slender fingers.
10. Customization and Personalization
With a custom-designed ring, couples can create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their style and story. Whether you engrave it with special messages, design a setting around a vintage gemstone, or incorporate rich metalwork, there’s no wrong way to express your love.
Choose Jaume Labro for Modern Engagement Rings
At Jaume Labro, we produce the finest bespoke jewelry that is yours and yours alone. While engagement ring trends evolve, something so personally significant should bring you joy. That’s why we’re committed to creating sustainable, bespoke jewelry designs that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Buy an Engagement Band?
If your partner isn’t participating in the selection process, there will be plenty of engagement ring research to do. For a happy proposal, you must consider numerous elements, such as budget, sizing, style, gemstones, and even sustainable materials. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What type of modern engagement ring are you considering
- Will both of you have an engagement ring?
- Do you want a matching engagement ring and wedding ring set?
- Is your partner a fan of diamonds or other gemstones?
- Based on your checklist, will you require a custom ring?
What’s the Most Popular Engagement Ring Style?
The most popular engagement ring setting is a solitaire, round-cut diamond. Accounting for approximately 70% of all engagement ring purchases, they’re beautiful and flatter nearly every hand.
Do I Need Both an Engagement and a Wedding Ring?
While most people prefer wearing two rings, there are a few excellent reasons to buck the trend and wear a single ring:
- Couples can invest more money into a single, quality ring.
- Two rings may be cumbersome for people who work with their hands.
- A single ring is ideal for people who prefer a simpler aesthetic.
Who Should Pay for an Engagement Ring?
For more traditional couples, the groom typically buys the engagement and wedding rings. Non-conventional couples, however, tend to buy each other’s rings as a gesture of equality and love.
