Whether youshop togetheror leave it in the hands of a soon-to-be spouse, an engagement ring should last a lifetime. But, after two years of wedding and proposal postponements, couples are eschewing tradition and going with their gut when it comes to design details—and that includes wedding jewelry. Expect to see grandiose styles not only in rings but all bridal-related trends.
"In 2022, we are going to see a mix of trends with engagement rings as we know there is no one size fits all when shopping for a ring that exemplifies a love a person shares with their partner,"Katie Zimmerman, Chief Merchandising Officer at Blue Nile tellsBrides.
We spoke with the experts to find out which ring styles are forecasted to be the biggest in 2022. Scroll on for the top nine engagement ring trends you'll be dying to get your hands on (or get on your finger).
Toi Et Moi
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We've seen a huge uptick in celebrity multi-stone engagement rings recently—Megan Fox, Ariana Grande, Emily Ratajkowski—and you can fully anticipate the style sticking around in 2022. Zimmerman says double (and even triple!) stone rings will be popular, as well as unique combinations of stones and gems (think Fox's accompanying emerald or Grande's pearl).
"Specifically the double stone visually showcases the coming together of two people as a couple," she explains. "We’ve increasingly seen people choose unique diamonds and gemstones to further elaborate on the love story that is being told with the two gemstones."
Kathryn Money, Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Retail at Brilliant Earth, tells us that the timeless symbolism of the Toi Et Moi design is part of the appeal. "While it might feel like a modern and unique trend, it's actually a style of engagement ring that has been around for centuries," she says. "The beauty of a Toi Et Moi engagement ring lies not just in the symbolism of togetherness, but also in how the stones paired together can accentuate the other's beauty."
And while the three-stone ring has also been around for quite some time, Zimmerman tells us it's experiencing a bit of a resurgence lately. "It’s said that the three stones represent the past, present, and future for a couple as they journey through the different stages of a relationship."
Logan Hollowell, jewelry designer and founder of her eponymous jewelry brand, adds that multi-stone rings allow for creativity. "We’re also living in a cultural moment that values distinctiveness and artistic expression, and the Toi et Moi rings exude individuality," she says.
Gender-Neutral Rings
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Gender-neutral ring options have finally become more readily available. And it's only just beginning. Money says that simple, gender-fluid designs are going to continue gaining popularity in the coming year. And your favorite stars are leading the pack, like Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, and Kylie Jenner opting for chunkier jewelry options this year.
"While dainty rings are still on-trend for engagement rings, we are seeing more women beginning to gravitate toward bolder, chunkier styles that are more traditionally associated with men’s fashion," explains Money.
Colorful Gemstones
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Colored stones are having a moment, allowing couples to pick something bold and bright to represent their love story. Zimmerman notes that emerald, morganite, and sapphire are particularly popular options this year.
"Colored engagement rings and wedding accessories, like colored bridal gowns, have surged in demand recently, so it makes sense that the top purchased rings we saw last month were non-diamond stones," saysMichela Griffin, Commercial Lead at commerce shopping payment app Klarna. And according to Griffin, the app shows emerald stone rings increased by 115% in December 2021 alone, setting up 2022 as the year of the gemstone.
Vintage Nostalgia
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In the same way that thrifting and vintage finds have taken over the fashion industry, antique engagement rings are at the forefront of the industry. Finding a one-of-a-kind, heirloom piece can be really special, but you can still have the same style while staying true to yourself with vintage-inspired rings. "They offer an emotional connection to a special person like a grandmother, mother, or aunt but with the ability to make it their own while still having sentimental value," notes Zimmerman.
Adding a different band, diamond shape, or cut is a way to update a timeless style while crafting techniques like milgrain, hand engraving, draping, and filagree designs will add vintage components to your sparkler, says Zimmerman. "Vintage inspired rings are all about creating your own personal style while still adding sentimental value to your engagement rings," says Zimmerman.
Traditional cushion cuts are even making a comeback according to Klarna, who found that the vintage style saw a 118% purchase increase late last year, according to Griffin. "Cushion Cut engagement rings have always been a safe and timeless choice amongst brides-to-be, so it’s no surprise that these styles are trending ahead of other classic staples," says Griffin.
Contoured Stacks
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Another ring trend that has taken over the industry is stacked styles. The design allows each customer to get creative with shapes and combos. Plus, a stacked set can help highlight an existing piece. "The stacked and nested wedding styles are a way to uniquely highlight the center gem and make a statement," says Money.
Brilliant Earth has even curated a collection that is specifically designed to mix, match, and stack for the perfect finger full of jewels.
The Ultimate Engagement Ring Guide
Oval Shapes
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Oval-shaped diamonds have seen a boom in popularity and will only continue to gain momentum in 2022. According to Zimmerman, an oval's soft, oblong shape draws attention to the hand and lengthens the appearance of the fingers. "The diamond can speak for itself or can be elevated further with additional stones or decorated band."
Hollowell also predicts that solitaire ovals are making a comeback. "They are very flirty and feminine stones while keeping an essence of [timelessness]," she tells Brides.
And if celebrity engagements are any indication, ovals are here to stay. To All the Boys I've Loved Before star Lana Condor debuted a stunning oval rock set in a yellow gold band within the first month of the year.
Big and Blingy
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Bigger really is better—at least, when referring to 2022 engagement ring trends. Soon-to-be-married couples are craving grand, over-the-top designs. Think: bold shapes, large diamonds, and halo cuts. In fact, Klarna found that there was a 127% increase in halo cut ring purchases, according to Griffin.
Black Ice
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Couples are looking to break the mold this year and opt for one-of-a kind settings. Enter black-stone engagement rings—according to Griffin, Klarna shows that they've seen a 47% increase in purchases in January. And if you recall, Carrie Bradshaw (the fashion queen herself) owns a black diamond ring. The reboot recently aired, and just like that ... black-stone rings have seen an uptick.
"Black Diamond engagement rings may have had a big moment in the first month of the year," says Griffin. "During the extremely anticipated Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That, fans were reminded of Carrie Bradshaw and Big’s decades-long romance, which left viewers longing for another glimpse at the rare Black Diamond ring that Big gifted Carrie in the last SATC movie."
Surprise Diamonds Details
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According to Money, you can expect to see more and more rings with bonus stones, like hidden halos and accented galleries.
"This unique trend offering diamonds crafted beneath the ring’s center gemstone is intended to add extra sparkle and unique personalization to otherwise understated styles," she tells us. "These hidden accents are often paired with solitaire styles and are timeless modern classics with a twist and a personalized touch."
FAQs
What are the 5 C's of engagement rings? ›
To select knowledgeably, you need to know what jewelers know: the 5 C's of diamonds. Being well-versed in a diamond's color, cut, clarity, carat weight, and certification will take you a long way in ensuring you're selecting your perfect diamond.
What is the most popular engagement ring style right now? ›Most Popular Shape of Engagement Ring: Round. According to The Knot 2021 Jewelry & Engagement Study, the most popular engagement ring shape is a round-cut center stone. We found that 41% of respondents have this style, and it's not a new trend—rounds have been the most popular engagement ring shape for quite some time.
What are the most popular engagement ring settings? ›- Diamond Solitaire - the favored option for many reasons. ...
- Pave Settings – for those who like continuous sparkle. ...
- Three Stone Rings – a way to introduce a mix of gemstones. ...
- Halo Rings – a setting to enhance the center stone. ...
- Bezel Setting – the second most popular setting.
Oval Shapes
Oval-shaped diamonds have seen a boom in popularity and will only continue to gain momentum in 2022.
Marquise Shaped Diamond
Another shape that is popular in 2022 is the marquise cut diamond. Marquise diamonds have two points at either end of the diamond, making for an attractive, elongated shape.
Out of the 4 C's of diamonds, the cut of the diamond is the most important. This is followed by color, clarity, and carat weight.
What is the most important C when buying a diamond? ›Diamond cut is the single most important of the 4Cs when it comes to the physical beauty of a diamond. Why? Because a diamond's cut determines how much it sparkles. The number of facets, the angle of the facets, and the symmetry and alignment of the shape will affect how the diamond returns light.
How much does a 5 carat diamond cost? ›5-carat diamond price per carat
In most cases, an average GIA-certified 5-carat diamond value is in the range of $46,750 and $737,000. It is always possible to find a ring with a stone of lower clarity that will cost less money.
Bezel setting: In this setting style, a band of metal surrounds the diamond's girdle. As a result, the diamond's circumference may appear to be larger. Bezel engagement ring settings also afford extra protection against accidental bangs and bumps. TIP: The bezel setting is generally used for round and oval diamonds.
Which cut of diamond looks biggest? ›Which diamond shape looks biggest? "In terms of shape, round diamonds look larger for their carat weight than many other cuts," Kwiat says. "The circular cut is not as deep, so much of the weight is reflected in its size appearance."
What diamond shape has the most sparkle? ›
Round Cut Diamonds Sparkle The Most
The standard round cut diamond comprises 57 facets (58 including one on the bezel). This cut heightens the diamond's sparkle and shine. Because round diamonds have the largest number of facets, they create the most sparkle.
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Average Cost of Engagement Ring by State.
In the United States, for example, the national average for an engagement ring is around one carat. In the United Kingdom, it's 0.6 carats, and in Europe it's even smaller, hovering at 0.5 carats. Age also matters.
What is the average engagement ring cost? ›According to a 2019 survey from The Knot, the average engagement ring cost is actually somewhere around $5,900, and a good number of survey respondents (10%) said they spent less than $1,000.
What is the best shape diamond for an engagement ring? ›Round-Cut Diamond
The most classic choice for an engagement ring, round diamonds provide exceptional sparkle and fire. In fact, round cuts are the most popular engagement ring diamond shape due to their brilliance, light performance, and ability to offer maximum sparkle.
No. Platinum isn't superior to gold; it is costlier but almost similar to white gold. Platinum jewelry isn't necessary, considering that both 18K and 14K are durable enough for daily wear. Also, Platinum scratches more quickly and needs more care during wear.
Will oval diamonds go out of style? ›Round brilliant diamonds and oval shaped diamonds were instant classics right from the start. They both provide a timeless look that is perennially popular. Neither the round nor the oval diamond will ever go out of style.
Is Rose gold out of style? ›Rose gold jewelry is definitely a trend you will be seeing for this 2022 season. Even though it is not as popular as white or yellow gold, it is a great addition to your jewelry collection. Rose gold jewelry trends for this year include modern adaptations of more classic jewelry styles.
Is VS1 or VS2 better? ›A VS1 diamond has no visible inclusions and under 10x magnification, the inclusions are almost unidentifiable. These diamonds make up the top 5 percent of all gem-quality stones. VS2 diamonds will only have eye-visible inclusions 5 percent or less of the time, which are more common in stones over 1 carat.
How much is a 2 carat diamond worth? ›Price of 2 Carat Diamonds
The price of a 2 carat diamond ranges from $6,500 to $55,000, depending on the diamond's cut quality, clarity, color and shape. Below, we've listed the average price range for 2 carat diamonds in the most common cuts and shapes.
What is better clarity or color in a diamond? ›
The color grade is more important than the clarity grade because cushion-cut diamonds tend to retain a lot of color. If you don't want any hints of color, look for a cushion cut diamond with a color grade of H or above.
Is an H color diamond good? ›H Color Diamond (Near Colorless)
H color diamonds are an excellent value with a faint yellow hue that is difficult to detect unless compared side by side with other diamonds of a higher color grade. Typically, only a trained eye can see the difference between H and G color grades.
A diamond's cut is ultimately more important than its clarity or color, particularly when it comes to brilliance. Before looking at color or clarity, limit your search to excellent or ideal cut diamonds only.
Which is better VVS1 or VVS2? ›VVS1 Diamonds rank higher than VVS2 on the Diamond Clarity chart and are the closest to being an internally flawless diamond, which is incredibly rare. The inclusions found in VVS1 diamonds are not visible at all under 10x magnification.
Is a 2 carat ring big? ›Is a 2 Carat Diamond Considered to be Big? The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 0.9 carat, meaning a 2 Carat Diamond is definitely considered big. With 2 carat engagement rings, the diamond is noticeable and eye-catching.
What is the lowest carat of diamond? ›Some diamonds fall within categories that jewelers refer to as “under-sizes,” which means the diamonds weigh just below a cutoff weight. The cutoff weights are 0.50 ct., 0.75 ct., 0.90 ct., 1.00 ct., 1.50 ct., and 2.00 ct.
Which carat diamond is best? ›1.00 Carat
Because it's the most popular weight, diamonds experience a price jump at 1.00 ct. The price jump is especially high for round diamonds, and, at this weight, you'll get the most savings by choosing a fancy shape.
Round- Still takes the top spot. According to GIA, more than 60% of couples choose a round diamond for their center stone. The round cut has been around since the 1800's making it by far the most popular year after year.
Will oval rings go out of style? ›Round brilliant diamonds and oval shaped diamonds were instant classics right from the start. They both provide a timeless look that is perennially popular. Neither the round nor the oval diamond will ever go out of style.
Are Halo settings tacky? ›Are Halo Engagement Rings Tacky? We definitely wouldn't call a halo ring “tacky”. A halo ring is lavish and more eye-catching, but we would never use the word “tacky” as that has a negative connotation, and there is nothing negative about a halo setting. It is a classic design that has been around for a century.
Is Rose gold Still in Style 2022? ›
Rose gold jewelry is definitely a trend you will be seeing for this 2022 season. Even though it is not as popular as white or yellow gold, it is a great addition to your jewelry collection.
What diamond shape has the most sparkle? ›Round Cut Diamonds Sparkle The Most
The standard round cut diamond comprises 57 facets (58 including one on the bezel). This cut heightens the diamond's sparkle and shine. Because round diamonds have the largest number of facets, they create the most sparkle.
What are the least expensive/most affordable diamond Cuts? Carat-per-carat, emerald and Asscher cuts are the least expensive. Because they are step-cut, there is less waste when these diamonds are cut off of the rough stone, which is going to cost the same no matter how it gets cut.
Which diamond cut holds its value? ›The Different Diamond Stone Cuts And Shapes
Since a round diamond is thought to hold the most value when compared to the other shapes, it will almost always be given a higher price than any other shape with similar clarity, color, and carat weight.
Diamond Band Engagement Rings
From pave to channel settings, diamond-covered bands will never go of style.
In the United States, for example, the national average for an engagement ring is around one carat. In the United Kingdom, it's 0.6 carats, and in Europe it's even smaller, hovering at 0.5 carats. Age also matters.
How much is a 2 carat diamond worth? ›Price of 2 Carat Diamonds
The price of a 2 carat diamond ranges from $6,500 to $55,000, depending on the diamond's cut quality, clarity, color and shape. Below, we've listed the average price range for 2 carat diamonds in the most common cuts and shapes.
Size. A 1.5 carat round brilliant cut diamond measures about 7.3mm in diameter, while a 1 carat diamond is slightly smaller at 6.4mm in diameter. This size difference is large enough to be quite noticeable on your fiancé-to-be's finger.
How many carats does a halo add? ›A halo setting can make the center stone look up to one-half carat bigger, which can translate into hundreds of dollars of savings. (Learn more about carats, and how to choose an engagement ring size, here.) The pavé design also creates intense sparkle.
Can you wear a wedding band with a halo engagement ring? ›Most women prefer one or two wedding bands that fit snuggly up to their halo engagement ring and one that is similar in diamond size, shape and setting style.
What is the jewelry trend for 2022? ›
Jewelry Trend: Chunky Gold Chains
Larger-than-life links are among the top 2022 jewelry trends, as seen on the runways at Valentino and Hermès, to name a few. This season, go with oversized gold chains that make a bold statement solo or when layered with other over-the-top pieces.
A diamond set within yellow gold will inevitably draw some of that color into its center, which makes a diamond featuring a particularly high color grade a little redundant. If you want to keep your diamond looking as bright and colorless as possible, a white gold setting is the better option.
Do diamonds look better in rose or yellow gold? ›Colored metals such as rose-colored and yellow-colored gold have the biggest effect on colorless diamonds because the diamonds will reflect some of the metal's color.