Trends in Engagement Rings Jewellers Anticipate Significant Growth in 2026

The latest trend in engagement rings features vibrant jewels and vintage antiques.

LYLIE Jewellery

Thus far, 2026 appears quite vibrant. Champagne-hued stones, Art Deco elements, and maximalist bands emerge as prominent design features for the forthcoming year, as couples seek rings that are distinctive, personal, and narratively compelling. The foremost engagement trends for 2026, as articulated by prominent jewellery experts:

Coloured Gemstones

A style reemerging in 2026 is the vibrant engagement ring, characterised by striking, vivid gemstones in a spectrum of brilliant hues. “In the past year, I have observed an increasing number of brides seeking coloured gemstones,” remarks fine jewellery designer Kiki McDonough. The forthcoming generation is exhibiting increased audacity, and their selection of stone signifies this trend.

“Modern couples consistently seek distinctive elements that embody their individual style and personality,” states Charlie Pragnell, Managing Director of Pragnell. He has observed an increase in the preference for huge, coloured gemstones over conventional white diamond designs. Clients frequently select designs including a coloured stone due to sentimental attachments or are attracted to specific stones for the attributes they symbolise. Is there a birthstone designated for the bride? It appears to be an ideal method for customising a ring.

Warm-Hued Diamonds

Jewellers have identified a significant trend for warm-toned gemstones among the various colour options available. Envision diamonds in hues of coffee, champagne, and buttery yellow. Jewellery designer Rachel Boston affirms, "We have observed a significant shift towards warmer-toned diamonds." These encompass delicate hues of elegant yellow and champagne to cognac gemstones.

“These hues possess a genuine understated elegance,” she continues. They possess a distinctive and subtly opulent quality. I have seen that our clients prefer diamonds with character over perfection, and these warmer hues impart a feeling of depth and uniqueness. Crafted in yellow gold, they produce a subtle radiance, resembling an inner illumination of the stone.

Robust Bands

The band appears to embrace the philosophy of 'the larger, the superior' in 2026. Jewellery designer Laura Vann has undoubtedly observed this trend emerge in recent months. She asserts to C&TH that the trend of massive engagement rings will persist, as consumers seek intricate stone cutting and setting to enhance the opulence of dramatic designs. “Envision tapered baguettes embedded in a substantial gold setting – excess is paramount.”

Alloyed Metals

Conflicted between gold and silver? This should no longer be a problem for an extended period. “I am observing a significant increase in requests for mixed metal,” elucidates Laura. I believe this style for engagement rings is ideal, since it embodies a contemporary aesthetic while remaining anchored in tradition. Numerous traditional rings included yellow gold bands with gemstones mounted in platinum or white gold. Clients may exhibit a more whimsical approach with this combination; one interpretation I appreciate is flipping the pattern, wherein the diamonds are set in yellow and the ring is white.

Retro Aesthetics

Regarding tradition, contemporary brides and grooms appear to have a penchant for vintage aesthetics. Charlie observes that vintage engagement rings are in high demand. Our buyers are progressively seeking genuine items that convey uniqueness, a characteristic intrinsic to vintage rings. They are attentive and sensitive regarding the authenticity of vintage jewellery, actively seeking pieces with significant historical or sentimental importance.

Rachel states, "Antique and 'antique style' cuts persist in their popularity." The uneven facets and the hand-cut elements evoke a delightful sense of humanity in this progressively mechanised era.

Antiquity Converges with Modernity

In the absence of the original, couples often choose vintage styles infused with contemporary elements. “I observe couples combining traditional cuts with contemporary and architectural environments,” states Rachel. The public is reacting to the tension between the traditional and the contemporary. The provenance of an old stone integrated within a contemporary or sculptural form. It produces a ring that is simultaneously ageless and very personal.

Artisanal Features

Considering the aforementioned, it is logical to anticipate an increase in demand for designs that incorporate a human element. “Individuals are increasingly valuing the artistry involved in jewellery creation, seeking pieces made by artisans who genuinely care,” states Sam Stirrat, founder and Creative Director of B Corp jeweller Blackacre. The expertise of the most skilled artisans requires decades to develop, frequently transmitted and acquired over generations. Items featuring distinctive artisanal elements—such as engravings, enamelling, or gold inlay—will be most sought after by connoisseurs.

Extended Solitaire

The most prominent celebrity engagement ring of the previous year – featuring a dazzling solitaire centrepiece – is anticipated to gain widespread popularity in 2026. “This trend has been facilitated by Taylor and Travis,” observes Eliza Walter, founder of LYLIE Jewellery. Traditional cuts, namely cushion cuts, together with elongated shapes such as marquise and oval, have experienced a significant rise in popularity due to their sophisticated and romantic allure. A polished gold bezel setting elegantly encases these distinctive incisions, providing a modern contrast.

Step Cut

A burgeoning trend emerging in 2026 is the step-cut ring. The design incorporates a substantial, rectangular stone at the centre, with parallel facets organised in a stepped configuration, producing a 'hall of mirrors' impression on both sides.

“Step-cut diamonds are currently in vogue,” affirms Eliza. The emerald cut is the preferred selection, frequently accompanied by channel-set baguette shoulders on robust gold bands. The style also caters to the persistent desire for vintage rings, namely those inspired by Art Deco, characterised by symmetrical and geometric elements.

Ashoka Diamonds

A significant trend for 2026 engagement rings is the need for originality, hence increasing the use of rarer cuts such as Ashoka. The Boodles team has identified an increasing demand among clients for unique engagement rings. Our distinctive engagement ring showcases an Ashoka cut diamond, a rare gem with 62 facets, only available in the UK through Boodles, facilitated by our enduring partnership with the William Goldberg family in New York City. It directly addresses an increasing demand from clients desiring something exceptionally unique and exclusive.

Customised Elements

The pursuit of something 'unique' has prompted numerous couples to seek wedding jewellery with personalised features. “Clients increasingly seek designs that reflect their personal narrative,” elucidates Sam. Jewellery has consistently embodied significance, intention, and reminiscence. Items that possess these attributes will be more valuable to those fortunate enough to don them. Hand-carved engravings and the incorporation of concealed diamonds or gemstones with significant provenance are increasingly prioritised by brides and grooms.

Engagement ring trends featuring a ring adorned with green stones beneath the principal stone | Blackacre

Renovation

Charlie observes that an increasing number of couples are re-evaluating the design of their engagement rings over time. “He observes a trend in recent years where couples enhance their engagement rings as their situations evolve.” “Frequently, this entails repositioning the original stone from a white-metal setting to a yellow-metal setting, though it may also incorporate new stylistic modifications.”

The royal family has a notable affinity for this fashion; Meghan Markle has reportedly modified her ring on at least three occasions since her 2018 nuptials, while Kate Middleton has included little platinum beads within the band of her ring to enhance its security.

“We can modify an original design, or a client may commission a bespoke piece tailored to their specifications, which may still incorporate the original stone within the enhanced design,” elucidates Charlie, who notes that these alterations represent but one phase in the ring’s lifespan.