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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 is the most popular engagement ring shape 2022? ›
- What's the Difference Between Diamond Shapes and Diamond Cuts? ...
- Princess-Cut Diamonds. ...
- Emerald-Cut Diamonds. ...
- Cushion-Cut Diamonds. ...
- Asscher-Cut Diamonds. ...
- Marquise-Cut Diamonds. ...
- Oval Diamonds. ...
- Pear Diamonds.
A combination of The 4C's; Cut, Carat, Colour and Clarity determines a Diamond's rarity and value. The 5th C, Certificate gives you peace of mind, knowing that the Diamond you are buying has been independently assessed and graded.
How much is the average engagement ring in 2022? ›How Much Should an Engagement Ring Cost? A one carat engagement ring typically costs around $5,500, but most couples spend over $6,000—and 7 percent spend over $10,000.
What is the most sought after engagement ring? ›- 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.
One of the decisions to be made when considering the purchase of an engagement ring is how many carats should the ring be? The average according to The Knot (a research company and website for all things wedding) is 1 to 2 carats. There is no rule. Developing a budget is always a good place to start.
Which diamond cut shines the most? ›Statistically, a round diamond cut sparkles the most out of all diamond shapes. It's the diamond's ability to reflect light within exact proportions. All brilliant fancy shapes can give excellent sparkle if the round diamond isn't for you.
Is an H color diamond good? ›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. Fifteen percent of customers choose an H color diamond.
What is most important when buying a diamond? ›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.
Is color or clarity more important in a diamond? ›The Bottomline. Once you made sure that your diamond is eye clean, color is more important than clarity. Which color grade you choose depends on your ring setting. If you choose a rose gold setting, for example, you can easily pick a diamond at the lower end of the color scale.
What is a normal size diamond engagement ring? ›According to our study, the average engagement ring size is 1.5 carats. Roughly half of all engagement rings fall between 1 and 2 carats, with just 25% of rings sizing above two carats.
What is the 3 month salary rule? ›
It's known as the "three months' salary" rule, and it implies that a buyer should put three months of their salary toward a sparkler for their future spouse. For context, The Knot 2021 Jewelry and Engagement study found that the average cost of an engagement ring in the US is $6,000.
How much should the bride's ring cost? ›The average wedding ring cost is significantly less than an engagement ring. For men, the average is around $500, and for women it's closer to $1,000. Most people choose from platinum, gold, silver, rose gold, or white gold. Platinum is the hardest of these materials, and therefore the most expensive.
How much should a man spend on an engagement ring? ›General Rule: You should spend at least 2 months salary on the engagement ring. If, for example, you are making $60,000 per year, you should spend $10,000 on the engagement ring.
What shape of diamond looks the biggest? ›Wondering which diamond shapes look the largest per carat? The four shapes that look the largest per carat are (in order of which looks the largest): marquise, pear, oval, and emerald diamonds.
What is the diamond shape for 2022? ›Oval Shapes
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.
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.
Who is supposed to pick out the engagement ring? ›Traditionally, the groom picks out the ring for his bride, one of the few choices he has to make for the wedding. However, modern bridezillas are trying to take control of this, too, with an increasing number of women choosing their engagement ring.
What size diamond is considered big? ›For the average person in the U.S., any diamond at least between 2 and 2.4 carats is considered “big,” i.e., way more than enough.
Which diamond shape sparkles least? ›Which diamond cut has the least sparkle? Baguette is the worst diamond shape in terms of brilliance. This shape makes a diamond sparkle less, even if it has an ideal cut.
Are Tiffany diamonds higher quality? ›At Tiffany & Co., nearly 1,500 of the world's most talented artisans craft our diamonds. We are the only jeweler to offer a triple excellent cut—the highest grade in the industry—on all round brilliant engagement diamonds.
What's more important cut or clarity? ›
A good cut will result in a better sparkle. That's why cut is the most important of the 4Cs—if a diamond is poorly cut, no clarity grating, color grading, or carat weight will make up for it. The diamond will look dull and glassy.
› ... › Buying Guide ›Engagement Ring Guide: How To Choose A Diamond
What diamond cut is best for my engagement ring? 7 Best cuts
6 Engagement Ring Diamond Shapes to Know – Ring Concierge
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 emerald cut diamonds in Style 2022? ›Some of the most sought-after center stone shapes for 2022 are oval cut, pear-shaped, marquise cut, cushion cut, emerald cut, and Asscher cut diamonds. Highly uncommon center stone shapes, like the trillion cut, are also having a moment in 2022.
Will emerald cut engagement rings go out of style? ›For a timeless look, go back to the basics. A single emerald-cut diamond rests on a white-gold band, making this a ring that will never go out of style.
Are princess cut diamonds out of style? ›We're here to talk about a cut that has gotten an unfair rep, the princess cut diamond. Now, we're not saying they're going out of style by any means. They're actually the second most popular diamond shape. But they do tend to bring to mind a more, um, dated style.
Which diamond shape looks biggest? ›The four shapes that look the largest per carat are (in order of which looks the largest): marquise, pear, oval, and emerald diamonds. Among these shapes, oval diamonds are a top choice among those who want a classic-style engagement ring, yet want to maximize the size of their engagement ring's center diamond.
How much is a 3 carat oval? ›Here' the 3 Carat Oval Diamond Costs:
You could probably expect to pay anywhere between $14,000 to $100,000 depending on the specifications you are looking for. As a ballpark figure, a budget of around $45,000 can get you a 3 carat oval diamond that is eye clean and faces up white.
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.
Are Halo rings out of style? ›No. Halos are second in popularity only to the solitaire diamond engagement ring. While "tacky" remains largely a matter of personal opinion, it's safe to say halos have been in style for centuries, and they're not going out of style anytime soon.
What is best diamond shape for 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.
White gold and silver metals will always be popular choices when it comes to engagement ring metals, but in 2022, yellow gold is expected to be even more in demand than it has been in recent years.
What does an emerald cut diamond say about you? ›An emerald shape will highlight clarity better than any of the other shapes. This popular style is best known for its beauty & precision. The emerald cut, like its wearer, is strong and bold. It has a love of the organised mixed with just a hint of flightiness.
Is emerald cut classy? ›An emerald cut is appropriate for settings of both simplicity and elegance, as the emerald cut possesses a classic-yet-quiet sophistication. This particular cut is very commonly used for engagement rings. It is a popular choice for a stand-alone setting, such as a diamond solitaire.
What ring shape is most flattering? ›Round-cut diamonds are the most popular diamond shape. They're also a universally flattering shape, no matter what your hands look like. You should also choose a ring that suits your tastes as well as your lifestyle.
What is the cheapest cut diamond? ›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.
What is Tiffany cut? ›The Tiffany True® diamond is a modern mixed cut that combines a step-cut crown and a brilliant-cut pavilion. Unique to Tiffany, this diamond meets the triple excellent grade, the highest cut grade in the industry.