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, jewellery styles come in and out of favour. 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, check out the latest trends.
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 coloured 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.
Colourful Engagement Rings
Coloured 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 coloured 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
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Check out our pick of the most beautiful colourful engagement rings.
Gallery Detailing
Adding a hidden touch to engagement rings is proving popular. Classic rings with small gems or engravings on the gallery provide beautiful and unique detailing.
Diamond Hidden Gallery Detail Ring, £1,999
Halo Rings
The popularity of halo rings is also increasing. Their encrusted design makes the centre 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 coloured gemstones or additional detailing on the band.
Luxe Sienna Halo Diamond Ring, £3,420
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 centre stone,” explains Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks the Jewellers.
“The shape of the split shank frames the centre 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
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 jewellers in 2020.
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 centre and pavé diamond split-shank band set in platinum, inspired by Beyoncé Knowles’ engagement ring. From £1,680.
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. However, a marquise cut diamond is just as elegant is it is striking. While diamonds are often the precious stone of choice, a white or even coloured Aquamarine cant still deliver that envious engagement ring sparkle.
18k White Gold, White Aquamarine Centre, Brilliant White Diamonds from Diaboli Kill by Angie Marei. Price £3085.
Minimalist Engagement Rings
The trend of minimalist rings is back, and this is not expected to go any time soon. Jewellers 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 jewellery 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 colours and diamond cuts.
18ct White Gold Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, £4,250
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 emphasises the central diamond beautifully, while a solitaire-style with diamond set shoulders… brings a modern twist.”
Platinum Diamond Solitaire Ring, £3,750
Different Shaped Diamonds
Oval and Pear-shaped diamonds topped the engagement ring hotlist in 2018, and now a whole new variety of shapes and cuts are trending. Look out for hexagonal shapes and triangle cut diamonds this year.
Stackable Engagement Rings
Jewellery 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. Jewellers are now selling interlocking designs to support this trend, too.
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 coloured gemstones and add a vintage feel if paired with a traditional gold wedding band.
18ct Gold Diamond Halo Ring, £2,750
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 centre and fishtail pavé set in 18ct rose gold, £1,290
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