Whether you’re ready to pop the question or have recently said “Yes!” to the love of your life, you’ll need an eye-catching engagement ring that represents your commitment to each other.
But, just like fashion, jewelry changes with the times, and the same is true of engagement rings. What was popular when your parents became engaged is not necessarily what’s on point today.
An engagement ring represents the unique bond you have with your partner. It should last forever and be worn every day with pride. So, it’s important that your chosen piece keeps up with style trends and doesn’t go out of fashion.
Some engagement ring designs, such as the solitaire, are timeless classics that remain popular year after year. But, emerging technologies and fashion fads see many couples opting for something different that matches modern styles and makes a bold statement about their relationship.
From classic cuts and yellow gold bands to hidden halos and multi-shaped rings, we take a look at the engagement ring trends that are big for 2023.
2023’s Engagement Ring Trends
Maybe you’re thinking of going for a classic or putting your own twist on a traditional design. Or, maybe you’re considering something completely out of the ordinary and bespoke. What’s important is that the ring you choose is right for today and the future.
These engagement ring trends for 2023 should inspire you and ensure your ring is modern and as fashionable today as it will be for years to come.
Yellow Gold Never Dies
Although it fell out of favor for a short time in the 1990s, yellow gold has always been a popular metal to use in engagement rings. Over recent years it’s become the preferred option for many couples, which is a trend set to continue.
The contrast of glistening diamonds against the yellow gold band or setting highlights and shows off the white gems.
Whisper-Thin Bands
To really make a stone pop, brides are opting for whisper-thin bands. Rather than a bulky band that can often draw the eye away from the diamond, these ultra-thin bands are so subtle that the only thing noticeable is the central feature.
Small diamonds appear larger and as less gold goes into making a whisper-thin band, these delicate, feminine rings have become an affordable option for many couples.
Classic Solitaire — With a Twist
The solitaire will never go out of fashion thanks to its classic, elegant look. But, the trend for 2023 is to enhance the solitaire with slight changes and additions to make your engagement ring a truly unique piece.
Hidden halos, east/west designs, bezels, and customized settings are all helping give the classic solitaire a boost in popularity.
Hidden Halos
While hidden halos are helping solitaires with their resurgence, they’re also a trending stand-alone feature for this year. Brides-to-be are favoring hidden halos for their surprise factor. When viewed from above, the circle of diamonds or other stones can’t be seen. But, looking from the side reveals the sparkling halo giving you the perfect excuse to show off your new ring.
Oval-Cut
2022 saw the oval cut come to the fore as the diamond cut to opt for and the trend is definitely set to continue through 2023. Whether you choose a solitaire, three-stone, or halo setting, oval-cut stones are a beautiful way to achieve a graceful, sophisticated finish that helps elongate the finger.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
More and more couples are embracing the trend of sustainable practices and choosing lab-grown diamonds. These manufactured sparklers are chemically identical to their natural counterparts but require no mining. In addition to lessening the impact on the environment, lab-grown diamonds have no ties to colonialism and are 100% conflict-free.
These versatile diamonds are available as white or colored stones and are more affordable than mined stones, meaning you can incorporate larger gemstones into your engagement ring for a lower price point.
Color Elements
For a truly unique engagement ring, consider introducing colored stones into the design. With no two colored stones being alike, they’re an excellent option for creating a bold, personalized jewelry piece that has special significance for you and your partner.
Sapphires, emeralds, and black diamonds are just some of the colored gemstones at the forefront of the trend and can feature as the main center stone or be used as accents around a traditional diamond.
Color is a 2023 trend that will be a fashionable addition to engagement rings for many years to come.
Three-Stone Rings
The ever-popular three-stone ring is still going strong and not going anywhere in 2023. Trilogy rings ooze romanticism with each of the three gems set along the band representing the past, present, and future of your relationship. They give you the chance to play around with different shapes and colors and create an engagement ring that’s as unique as the bond you have with your partner.
Marquise-Cut
2023 sees the dawning of the marquise cut. It’s been building in popularity for a while, but now this stunning cut is the diamond of choice for a bride and groom looking for today’s modern classic.
The thin, long, pointed shape gives the marquise one of the largest surface areas of any cut with a total of 58 facets and easily creates the illusion of being a more sizable diamond. Many brides also favor the marquise cut for the way it appears to elongate the fingers, making them appear slimmer and longer.
Bezel Settings
An artsy setting that’s trending this year is the bezel. These thin metal rims circle and secure the central gemstone in place and are a popular alternative to traditional prongs. While protecting the stone on all sides, a bezel gives you a modern, sleek finish.
Bezels are a perfect option for emeralds and more delicate gems. And, although bezel settings tend to be seen with more geometric diamonds, such as radiant, asscher, and emerald cuts, it’s becoming increasingly popular with engagement rings featuring cushion and oval-cut stones.
Multi-Shaped Rings
2023 is seeing younger couples move away from solitaires and toi et moi engagement rings and going for more bespoke rings that highlight three or more differently shaped gemstones.
How about a traditional eternity ring with rows of small round and princess-cut gems? Or, an emerald cut feature gemstone with smaller pear, trapezoid, or half moons surrounding it. Or, maybe a trio of marquise, brilliant round, and pear-cut diamonds in a central cluster. With so many shapes to choose from, the possibilities are endless.
For an even more one-off design, some couples are incorporating their own personalities and history into their rings. By using different colored gemstones, the bride and groom’s creativity shines through and produces eye-catching pieces that make a bold statement.
Engagement Ring Trends to Avoid in 2023
Like everything in life, fads come and go and not all trends are good ones. If you’re shopping for an engagement ring in 2023, there are certain features that you should avoid if you want to be on trend.
Thick Bands
Thick bands have had their day and are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Minimalist bands and whisper-thin bands are more sleek and stylish and allow the gemstone (or stones) to take center stage.
Art-Deco Style
Couples are moving away from the heavy, complex designs of art-deco rings and opting for more simple, artistic designs that are still interesting and unique. Chunky colored gems and overly-elaborate settings that celebs favored a few years are now seen as dated.
The modern brides-to-be are after more delicate and high-quality precious stones — even if that means a slightly smaller central stone.
Traditional Cuts
Round and princess-cut diamonds have held a special place in people’s hearts since the 1900s and are often considered the most traditional cut for an engagement ring. Although some grooms feel obliged to pick a traditional-cut diamond, 2023’s trend is definitely to pick something much more unique. With half-moons, ovals, teardrops, and so many other cuts to choose from, round and princess-cut diamonds are quickly becoming outdated.
5-In-A-Row
During the 70s and 80s, it became popular for engagement rings to feature 5 small diamonds lined up in a regimental-style row. Using small stones in a detailed prong setting rather than one large central gem achieved a sparkle and helped keep down costs. However, this is one trend that quickly went out of fashion.
Blindly Following Every Trend
Your betrothal is a special occasion and the engagement ring you choose should be a representation of the unique love and bond you and your partner share.
Just because something is in trend doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great choice for you or your other half. Don’t think you have to incorporate every 2023 trend into an engagement ring. Instead, avoid the outdated trends and go with one or two of today’s popular features and create a bespoke ring that your special lady is sure to love.
2023 Engagement Ring FAQs
What engagement ring will never go out of style?Solitaire and three-stone engagement rings have endured the years and will always be seen as classic styles that will never go out of fashion. By using these classic designs as a base, you can easily adapt them and give them a more modern twist by using different stones, settings, and cuts to create something truly unique
What makes an engagement ring timeless?A timeless engagement ring stands the test of time and never goes out of fashion. Traditional styles, such as the solitaire and three-stone rings, are considered classics and loved by all generations thanks to their simplicity and beauty. Best of all, these timeless classics are easily adapted to suit the trends of the day, allowing you to exert your style and flair into the design and make it your own. Any modern-day twist you make will never detract from the fact that your engagement ring is still a timeless classic.
What style of engagement ring is most popular?All couples are different and many like to choose an engagement ring style that represents their special union. Solitaire and three-stone engagement rings remain as popular as ever. However, unique multi-shaped rings are rapidly gaining in popularity. And, while sticking with popular styles, many brides are adapting these rings to suit their own personalities, adding colored gemstones, hidden elements, non-traditional cuts, and other elements.
What is the most popular engagement ring shape for 2023?Oval and marquise cut gemstones are making it big in 2023. These slightly elongated shapes look great and help give the appearance of slimmer and longer fingers.
Do couples pick engagement rings together?It’s entirely down to the individual couple. Some grooms take the responsibility of picking a ring into their own hands so they have the perfect engagement ring to offer when they pop the question. And, some brides see it as a romantic gesture and relish the element of surprise. However, there’s always the possibility that the ring won’t fit or that the design isn’t exactly to the bride’s liking. More and more couples now shop for the special ring together. This ensures that the final piece is something both partners love and is a true representation of their unique bond. If you’re the special lady who wants to be surprised by the engagement ring, you could get your BFF, sister, or mom to drop some subtle hints to your other half about the kind of ring you’ve always dreamed of.
In 2023 How much should I spend on an engagement ring?Traditionally, the rule was that you should spend two months’ salary on an engagement ring. Some would even suggest three months. In reality, it all depends on individual circumstances and financial situation. Spend what you can and what you’re comfortable with as there’s no point in going into debt before you’ve even wed your soul mate. Whatever type of design you want can be achieved for as little or as much money as you can afford. Pick a cut, such as an oval or marquise, that will make the gemstone look more prominent on the finger. Choose a cheaper lab-grown diamond rather than a mined one. Highlight a small central stone with a halo to add to the sparkle. There are always ways to keep the costs down and still purchase a unique engagement ring that people will admire.
How many carats should an engagement ring be?The majority of engagement rings are between one and two carats, but there’s no exact rule as to how many carats it should be. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond rather than the size and a higher carat doesn’t necessarily mean a larger stone or more sparkle. Always set a budget before engagement ring shopping and this should help you pick the most suitable stone. And remember, you can always go for a lower carat and pick a cut that makes the stone appear larger if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the sizable rock on an A-list celebrity’s finger.
Solitaire and three-stone engagement rings have endured the years and will always be seen as classic styles that will never go out of fashion. By using these classic designs as a base, you can easily adapt them and give them a more modern twist by using different stones, settings, and cuts to create something truly unique
A timeless engagement ring stands the test of time and never goes out of fashion. Traditional styles, such as the solitaire and three-stone rings, are considered classics and loved by all generations thanks to their simplicity and beauty. Best of all, these timeless classics are easily adapted to suit the trends of the day, allowing you to exert your style and flair into the design and make it your own. Any modern-day twist you make will never detract from the fact that your engagement ring is still a timeless classic.
All couples are different and many like to choose an engagement ring style that represents their special union. Solitaire and three-stone engagement rings remain as popular as ever. However, unique multi-shaped rings are rapidly gaining in popularity. And, while sticking with popular styles, many brides are adapting these rings to suit their own personalities, adding colored gemstones, hidden elements, non-traditional cuts, and other elements.
Oval and marquise cut gemstones are making it big in 2023. These slightly elongated shapes look great and help give the appearance of slimmer and longer fingers.
It’s entirely down to the individual couple. Some grooms take the responsibility of picking a ring into their own hands so they have the perfect engagement ring to offer when they pop the question. And, some brides see it as a romantic gesture and relish the element of surprise. However, there’s always the possibility that the ring won’t fit or that the design isn’t exactly to the bride’s liking. More and more couples now shop for the special ring together. This ensures that the final piece is something both partners love and is a true representation of their unique bond. If you’re the special lady who wants to be surprised by the engagement ring, you could get your BFF, sister, or mom to drop some subtle hints to your other half about the kind of ring you’ve always dreamed of.
Traditionally, the rule was that you should spend two months’ salary on an engagement ring. Some would even suggest three months. In reality, it all depends on individual circumstances and financial situation. Spend what you can and what you’re comfortable with as there’s no point in going into debt before you’ve even wed your soul mate. Whatever type of design you want can be achieved for as little or as much money as you can afford. Pick a cut, such as an oval or marquise, that will make the gemstone look more prominent on the finger. Choose a cheaper lab-grown diamond rather than a mined one. Highlight a small central stone with a halo to add to the sparkle. There are always ways to keep the costs down and still purchase a unique engagement ring that people will admire.
The majority of engagement rings are between one and two carats, but there’s no exact rule as to how many carats it should be. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond rather than the size and a higher carat doesn’t necessarily mean a larger stone or more sparkle. Always set a budget before engagement ring shopping and this should help you pick the most suitable stone. And remember, you can always go for a lower carat and pick a cut that makes the stone appear larger if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the sizable rock on an A-list celebrity’s finger.
