These are 2021's 9 most popular engagement ring trends, according to the experts
While the festive period may be becoming an increasingly popular time to pop the question (just a quick Instagram scroll last December confirmed that), Valentine’s Day remains the most traditional time to get down on one knee. But it seems having spend eight thousand (ish) months in lockdown together, millions of couples have been looking to cement their commitment over recent weeks with more and more couples putting a ring on it over the summer months. There truly is no better relationship test than full-blown isolation, after all.
As we all know, whether you get engaged in private or on a Zoom call in front of all your family and friends, the most important part of a proposal is of course the engagement ring.
Okay okay, the gushy sentimental speech and lifelong commitment is pretty major too, but this is a piece of jewellery you're going to wear every day for the rest of your life. You sort of need to love it.
So what style should you choose? Or, if you're going down the traditional route, what style should you subtly hint at so that your partner 'chooses' it for you?
Here’s a round-up of the nine engagement ring styles brides-to-be will be coveting for the rest of 2021 according to the experts...
1. SUSTAINABLE & ETHICAL DIAMONDS
Unsurprisingly, a key concern for many people buying diamonds right now is the ethical and sustainable impact of that item - often a more important criteria than small aesthetic requirements. "The biggest demand is that our diamonds are more sustainable than mined diamonds," explains Laura Chavez, Founder of Lark & Berry - a the first designer fine jewellery brand in the world to use only lab-grown diamonds and stones. "We’ve also recently introduced 100% carbon neutral shipping, are hard at work on new jewellery boxes that are made totally sustainably, and we plant trees per every Lark & Berry purchase, whether in-store or online."
2. GYPSY RINGS
The term 'gypsy ring' refers to the setting of the stone when it is mounted flush with the metal. Popularised during the Victorian era they're back in a big way thanks to the jewellery world's rediscovered love for chunky, bold rings. London-based jeweller and goldsmith Jessie Thomas - whose designs are created in 100% recycled gold and feature ethically sourced diamonds - has noticed a real increase in demand for this style and predicts it will be huge for the remainder of 2021.
3. SPLIT SHANK RINGS
"A split shank engagement ring is a very distinctive style we’re seeing increase in popularity," revealed Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks. Consisting of band that parts as it reaches the centre stone, Lorna explains that "The shape of the split shank frames the centre diamond beautifully, and as it’s the style of Beyoncé’s engagement ring, you’d be in good company."
4. PEAR-CUT DIAMONDS
Another of Jessie Thomas' picks, the pear cut diamond - also known as the teardrop or pendeloque cut - is set for big things this year. A classic cut with all the coveted fire and brilliance of a traditional brilliant cut, it can be worn with the tip facing upwards or downwards offering a unique sense of versatility that hasn't gone unnoticed by the likes Victoria Beckham or Cardi B.
5. COLOURED STONES
A classic style that Lorna Haddon anticipates continuing to increase in popularity is coloured gems for the central stone. "From birth stones to classic precious gems such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds, a pop of colour is a really eye-catching feature for an engagement ring. With its regal heritage, a sapphire is a timeless choice for an engagement ring with a splash of colour."
6. PEARL RINGS
Another style of engagement ring that Jessie Thomas sees being hugely popular is slightly more unusual, in that it swaps the traditional stone for a pearl (or two). An eco-friendly, stylish, more affordable alternative to the mined diamond, it's a great statement choice for lovers of classic jewellery who prefer to write their own rules.
7. HALO DIAMONDS
If it ain't broke... Not all great styles are new, with the ever-popular halo diamond set to be going nowhere fast. "Some things never change," notes Lorna, "and halo rings absolutely fall into that category - this stunning style is here to stay. Halo rings are cut so that they catch the light at all times for a truly breath-taking sparkle, adored by our customers and us too!"
8. GALLERY DETAIL
A much subtler trend for the remainder of 2021 comes in the form of the gallery detail. "The gallery of the ring is the part that is visible from the side view upon which the centre stone is mounted," explains Lorna. "It’s such a sweet and subtle way of adding personality to a ring, whether it's an intricate love heart or infinity symbol to represent your everlasting love."
9. ASYMMETRIC CLUSTER RINGS
"For both an interesting, trending style choice and for a customer on a tighter budget, one new trend we’ve seen emerging is asymmetric cluster rings," reveled Laura Chavez. Perfect for those looking for maximum impact with a more modest budget, the cluster ring also offers up an opportunity to show your unique creativity as they're so rarely the same.
For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
COLOURED STONE RING
18-Karat White Gold Diamond Ring, £12,730, Suzanne Kalan at Net-A-Porter
PERFECT FOR: Fans of more unusual, statement-making pieces that deliver on wow-factor.
Save on your engagement ring with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
SOLITAIRE RING
The Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring in Platinum, £POA, Tiffany
PERFECT FOR: The traditional girl who knows what she likes and values timelessness over 'making a statement'.
COLOURED STONE RING
Aquamarine Halo Ring, £1,950, Beaverbrooks
PERFECT FOR: A 'the bigger the better' kind of girl whose superstitious personality lends itself to a blue hue.
Old, new,borrowed, blue - that's half the list checked off.Save on your engagement ring with these Beaverbrooks discount codes.
COLOURED STONE RING
9CT Rose Gold Morganite and 0.11 Carat Diamond Oval Ring, £450, Goldsmiths
PERFECT FOR: The girly girl who doesn't want to be wearing several thousands of pounds on her finger.
Save on your engagement ring with these Goldsmiths discount codes.
SPLIT SHANK RING
Hawthorn Split Shank Ring, £1,925, Lark and Berry
PERFECT FOR: Lovers of understated luxury with a hint of individuality.
PEAR-SHAPED RING
Pear-Shaped Halo Ring, £3,250, Beaverbrooks
PERFECT FOR: A more traditional bride-to-be who loves anything that sparkles.
Save on your engagement ring with these Beaverbrooks discount codes.
CLUSTER RING
Icon Diamond Ring, £850, Astley Clarke
PERFECT FOR: Contemporary brides-to-be who are more interested in being different and the wow-factor than they are traditional single-stone pieces.
OVAL RING
18 Carat White Gold Oval Ring, £1,000, Jenny Packham at Goldsmiths
PERFECT FOR: Anyone with a penchant for some serious bling.
Save on your engagement ring with these Goldsmiths discount codes.
INITIAL RING
14 Karat Gold, Crystal and Diamond Ring, £1,875, Mateo at Net-A-Porter
PERFECT FOR: Lovers of irony and fun jewellery who actively avoid any semblance of tradition.
Save on your engagement ring with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
THREE-STONE RING
Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring with Tapered Baguette Side Stones, £POA, Harry Winston
PERFECT FOR: A savvy bride-to-be with one eye on trends and the other on timelessness and value.
HALO RING
Cartier Destinée Solitaire, £POA, Cartier
PERFECT FOR: Lovers of luxury who can't help but be drawn into anything with optimum sparkle.
GYPSY RING
Diamond Gypsy Ring, £POA, Minka Jewels
PERFECT FOR: Modern women with a flair for design who value beautiful diamonds and may opt to update the setting later down the line.
THREE-STONE RING
6.12 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Ring, £POA, Jessica McCormack
PERFECT FOR: Brides-to-be with a contemporary eye but a love of the art deco period.
GYPSY RING
Heavy Gold and Diamond Ring, £3,600, Jessie Thomas
PERFECT FOR: The chic, modern girl who finds dainty jewellery too traditional.
HEART STONE RING
Heart Shaped 0.75ct Diamond Blackened Gold Ring, £8,000, Jessica McCormack
PERFECT FOR: The stylish girl with an eye for high-fashion, unusual designs.
COLOURED STONE RING
Yellow Sapphire Diamond Ring, £POA, Minka Jewels
PERFECT FOR: A lover of classic costume jewellery who isn't afraid to bend the rules.
