Everything you need to know about engagement rings: From classic styles to the latest trends in stones, shapes, settings, and more
Fall/winter months are popular for engagements due to the festive, family-oriented nature of the season.
In fact, it is estimated that 40% of annual engagements in the U.S. happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day.
Getting ready to pop the question? Selecting a ring style that suits your partner's taste is crucial but no pressure!
Daily Mail chats with experts in the field to make navigating all the many choices less overwhelming, starting with Los Angeles-based jeweler Logan Hollowell.
Logan reveals the top trends in engagement rings.
It is estimated that 40% of annual engagements in the U.S. happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day
Colored Gemstones:
'More and more couples are gravitating toward colored gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and even lesser-known stones like opals and moonstones,' says Logan.
'I think there’s a growing appreciation for the variety and personality that colored stones bring to a piece. They feel more authentic and distinctive.
'Personally, I’m all for non-diamond engagement rings. I believe the best ring is one that reflects the personality and values of the wearer.
'Diamonds have a long history of being associated with engagement rings, but they aren’t the only stone that can represent love and commitment.
'Non-diamond stones can be equally stunning, and sometimes even more meaningful, depending on what the couple chooses.'
Vintage & Heirloom-Inspired Designs:
According to the celeb-adored jeweler, there's been a resurgence in vintage and heirloom-inspired styles.
'Couples love the idea of a ring that feels timeless, with intricate details, filigree work, or antique cuts,' she says.
'These pieces often have a story behind them, which adds sentimental value.'
Logan Holllowell is an LA-based jewelry designer and the namesake of the celeb-beloved brand she founded in 2015
Non-Traditional Cuts & Settings:
While round stones have historically been one of the most popular choices for engagement rings, Logan reveals that people are embracing non-traditional stone cuts like cushion, oval, pear, and emerald cuts.
'These shapes feel a bit more unexpected and modern. Additionally, bezel settings or even tension settings have gained popularity,' she says.
'There’s a move toward settings that feel fresh and bold but still timeless.'
Custom rings vs. ready-made
Ready-made rings are readily available for immediate purchase and generally more affordable than custom rings.
But, custom rings allow you to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects personal details.
'Custom engagement rings are becoming the norm rather than the exception,' reveals Logan.
'Couples want something that feels truly theirs—something that can't be replicated.
'I think it’s about creating a piece of art that tells their story. There's a lot of thoughtfulness that goes into custom work, and that makes the final piece feel even more special.
'When a couple wears their custom engagement ring, it’s a reflection of their unique bond—it's not just jewelry, it's a symbol of who they are and their shared future.'
The Logan Hollowell collection is available online and at their Santa Monica, CA, showroom.
'These shapes feel a bit more unexpected and modern. Additionally, bezel settings or even tension settings have gained popularity, ' says Logan
'One of the most popular celebrity rings people want to replicate is Kate Middleton's sapphire engagement ring,' says Simon G. CEO, Zaven Ghanimian
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Celebrity aspiration
Many women admire celebrity engagement rings because they feature rare or unusually large stones, unique shapes and intricate designs.
'One of the most popular celebrity rings people want to replicate is Kate Middleton's sapphire engagement ring,' says Simon G. CEO, Zaven Ghanimian.
'Its vintage charm and stunning blue hue have inspired many to opt for similar non-diamond styles.'
Kate's ring originally belonged to Princess Diana and is valued at around half a million dollars.
Zaven also names Meghan Markle’s three-stone diamond ring as a favorite for those who admire a classic-yet-unique design.
'Classic styles, particularly solitaires and three-stone rings, remain highly sought-after for their timelessness.
'A thinning ring with a larger center stone continues to stand the test of time. Many couples value the enduring appeal of these designs, appreciating their subtle beauty and how they never go out of style.'
Zaven also names Meghan Markle’s three-stone diamond ring as a favorite for those who admire a classic yet unique design
Settings with personality
'In 2024, customers gravitated toward updated classics—think unique prongs, hidden accents, and bezel settings,' says Bradley Perez, Senior Director, Merchandise & Planning at Brilliant Earth.
'East-West styles with horizontal stones and three stone rings also gained popularity.'
A harmonious stack
A well-designed stack is important because it reflects the wearers individual style.
'Start with your perfect engagement ring style, stone, and metal—it’s the foundation of your stack, says Bradley.
'Then, get creative with mixing metals and textures for wedding or anniversary bands to make it uniquely yours.
'Brilliant Earth’s "Design Your Own" tool was created with this in mind – to help you visualize the perfect stack.'
A well-designed stack is important because it reflects the wearers individual style
Metal options
Selecting the right metal is important because it affects the ring's appearance, durability, comfort, and care.
'Platinum is the toughest metal, ideal for active lifestyles,' reveals Bradley.
'White gold has a sleek look and lighter feel. Yellow gold offers timeless elegance and is lower maintenance, while rose gold stands out with its unique hue—perfect for a standout stone.'
Lab-grown diamond
Buying an engagement ring can be very costly. Lab-grown diamonds are generally 30-40% less expensive than mined diamonds.
'Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as a natural diamond, and they are mining free,' says Bradley.
'Lab diamonds offer excellent value, so you can maximize your budget across the 4 C’s.
'At Brilliant Earth, we offer the most innovative selection of planet-first lab-grown diamonds, including our popular Capture and Renewable Collections.
'And with our new Custom Cut capability, customers can now design their own lab-grown diamonds in any shape—for the most personalized experience possible.'
Moissanite diamond
Considering a moissanite for an engagement ring can be a great alternative to a diamond, depending on your priorities.
Moissanite is also a lab-created diamond, but it is priced significantly lower than lab-grown diamonds - often costing 10-20% less.
It's priced based on size rather than the Four C's used to grade mined and lab-grown diamonds.
'Moissanite rings offer a significant advantage in affordability, allowing buyers to enjoy a bigger look at a fraction of the cost of a diamond,' says Ashley Taylor, Co-Founder and Lead Jewelry Designer at Taylor Custom Rings.
'The hardness of moissanite also ensures durability, withstanding daily wear without scratching or clouding—an issue common among many other diamond alternatives.'
Moissanites are environmentally friendly and looks similar to the real thing but have a unique 'rainbow-like' sparkle, which appeals to some but not all.
'Thanks to its higher refractive index, moissanite sparkles with colorful flashes, giving it a distinct look,' explains Ashley.
'Some people love this “disco ball” effect, especially in bright sunlight, while others prefer the more classic sparkle of a diamond.
'In the end, choosing between moissanite and diamond comes down to your personal style and budget preferences.'
Many women admire celebrity engagement rings - like Kate Middleton's and Meghan Markle's - because they feature rare or unusually large stones, unique shapes and intricate designs
Ring insurance
'I recommend getting your ring insured as quickly as possible,' says jeweler and jewelry insurance expert, Rachel Akmakjian.
'The second you pick up the ring or open up the package, that ring is your liability and on you, if you lose it.
'Thankfully, companies like BriteCo make getting insurance coverage practically instant, as well as being easy and affordable!'
While Rachel favors BriteCo for their excellent coverage options, she recommends comparing policies from different insurance providers to ensure you’re getting the best coverage and rates for you.
Insurance amount
'The coverage amount should match its current appraised value to guarantee a full replacement, in case of loss or damage,' says Rachel.
'Specialized jewelry insurance often covers a broader range of scenarios, including loss, theft, and damage.
'The best thing to do is to review your policy details thoroughly, confirming coverage for these scenarios, and make sure you are maintaining detailed documentation, including photographs and paperwork of the ring's condition to assist you in the event of a claim.'
Ring appraisal
Rachel recommends getting your ring reappraised every 2–5 years.
'The value of precious metals and gemstones can fluctuate, and updating the appraisal ensures your insurance policy reflects the current market value.
'You can obtain a jewelry appraisal by visiting the jeweler you purchased the ring from or by finding an independent appraiser. Many reputable jewelry stores offer appraisal services, often conducted by in-house experts.'
