Engagement Ring Trend Report: The Trends to Look Out for in 2026

Uncover the most popular engagement ring styles of 2025, and the trends set to define in 2026 – starting with the timeless solitaire.

Queensmith’s Bardot ring remains the brand’s bestseller, chosen by nearly one in four couples (23.6%). The Temple engagement ring (6.7%) and Bardot Scallop (6.4%) follow, while bespoke ring designs account for 4.6%, showing couples’ growing desire for individuality.

For the first time, yellow gold has overtaken platinum as the top choice for engagement rings. Yellow gold now represents 57% of engagement ring sales, up from 45% last year.

Platinum follows at 42%, with white gold and rose gold now under 1%, signalling a clear move toward warm, nostalgic tones. This major shift mirrors the cultural love for ‘old money’ luxury, blending tradition with modern craftsmanship.

• Round: 36% (down from 45% in 2024)

• Oval: 33% (no change)

• Cushion: 9% (up from 6.3% in 2024)

• Emerald: 7% (up from 6% in 2024)

• Pear: 6% (up from 3.6% in 2024)

• Radiant: 4% (up from 2.25% in 2024)

• Marquise: 3% (up from 1.8% in 2024)

• Princess, Heart & Asscher: <1% each (no change)

Round cut diamonds remain the most popular, but their lead has narrowed dramatically from 59% in 2022 to just 36% in 2025. Oval cut diamonds, on the other hand, have seen significant growth over the past few years, rising from 21.5% in 2022 to 33% in 2025. That rise appears to have stabilised, but the shift in consumer preference is clear.

Celebrity engagement rings continue to inspire some of the most in-demand trends, with couples taking cues from A-listers and reimagining the design through the lens of their own story. Throughout 2025, we’ve seen a noticeable ripple effect from high-profile proposals, with couples frequently referencing celebrity styles during bespoke consultations, influencing everything from bold diamond cuts to antique-inspired settings.

Lab grown diamonds now account for around 70% of engagement ring sales, compared to 30% natural. While still the clear leader, this marks a slight shift from 2024, when lab grown made up 80% of sales. The increase in natural diamond purchases suggests that prestige and rarity are beginning to re-enter the conversation, but value-driven choices remain dominant.

Lab grown diamonds appeal to couples seeking value, ethics and transparency, allowing them to choose larger and higher-quality stones at an attainable price.

Brett Afshar, Founder of Queensmith, says: “The rise of lab grown diamonds has been one of the most transformative shifts our industry has seen in decades. Once viewed as an alternative, they now define the norm. Modern buyers want luxury that reflects their values, ethical, sustainable and transparent, and lab grown diamonds deliver that perfectly.”

The rubover setting, also known as a bezel setting, has seen a 100% rise in interest, thanks to its sleek, protective design. Elongated cushion cuts (+60%) and oval cuts (+50%) continue to dominate, offering a balance of modern proportions and timeless brilliance.

The romantic toi et moi style, symbolising two souls becoming one, continues its steady climb (+40%), often featuring contrasting stones or colours for a unique twist. Meanwhile, gold engagement rings (+20%) and oval rings paired with matching wedding bands (+20%) point to a desire for cohesive, warm-toned sets.

Buying an engagement ring is one of the most personal choices a couple can make. A ring that one couple loves might not inspire the same emotions in another couple… and that’s ok!

We have just seen that timeless styles are currently capturing hearts, minds and fingers, but what do couples need to bear in mind when shopping for engagement rings?

When it comes to engagement ring bands, it’s a bit of a ‘Goldilocks’ situation, they need to be just right. Too thin, and the band could bend or lose its shape over time; too thick, and it may feel heavy on the hand or draw focus away from the diamond. Thicker bands also come at a higher cost due to the increased metal weight. While bold bands are very much on-trend, it’s worth considering whether the style is something you’ll love long-term, or simply a fleeting fashion moment.

Raising the stone in an engagement ring setting means that the stone will refract more light and give a spectacular sparkle. This can look stunning on your finger, but high-set engagement rings can get caught on clothing or scratch other people. They are at a high risk of breaking, and it’s easier to lose stones.

Diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings because they are beautiful and hard-wearing. Precious gems like emeralds or opals are eye-catching and beautiful, but they may not be the right choice for a ring that you’ll wear every day.

Diamonds are the hardest gemstone, coming in at Mohs 10 on the hardness scale. Emeralds, in comparison, typically come in at Mohs 7.5-8, but their natural inclusions can make them prone to chipping, requiring a protective setting and careful wear. If you don’t take your rings off when you wash your hands, or you are in an active line of work, you’ll need to take extra care of your emerald engagement ring.

Opal (Mohs 5.5-6.5) is the softest, susceptible to scratching, cracking, and water damage, meaning it is not recommended for everyday engagement rings without extreme care.

If 2025 was defined by yellow gold and minimalist solitaires, 2026 looks set to celebrate character and craftsmanship. Couples are moving beyond traditional designs, seeking rings that feel both timeless and expressive, pieces that tell a story and stand out from the crowd.

From the enduring popularity of lab grown diamonds to the comeback of vintage silhouettes and Art Deco influences, the future of engagement rings lies in balance: heritage meets innovation.

Whether you’re planning to propose, dropping hints, or simply daydreaming about your perfect ring, our experts are here to help you discover a design that reflects your love story.