Similar to fashion in general, engagement rings for 2023 are trending toward individuality. Consumers are not drawn to one major look, but rather seek out designs that speak to their unique personality and reflect vintage style and heirloom quality.
When shopping for an engagement ring this year, consider the following trends.
Bezel Settings
Bezel settings place the stone in the metal, rather than on top through prongs. The latter makes the stone more exposed to damage and potential loss. Full and partial bezel settings accommodate a range of cuts, are ideal for more fragile gemstones and can deliver a more angular appearance.
Rectangular Cuts
While solitaire engagement rings continue to dominate, rectangular cuts are seeing more visibility. Step cuts are a common request, which keep the stone square and add parallel facets on all four sides for a clean yet still luminescent appearance.
Colored Gemstones
Diversification for engagement rings often starts with the stone at the center. Particularly, consumers are exploring options beyond traditional diamonds with fancy colored diamonds. Blue and gray diamonds, along with the recently popularized black diamonds, offer depth and mystery.
Beyond diamonds, emeralds are also sought after for their depth and vibrancy. Considered a mid-20th century throwback, these gemstones may be set at the center, used as an accent or accompanied by diamonds as a cluster or other multi-stone ring for a grander, brighter appearance.
More Illumination
Designs now account for more “fire” or illumination without a large center stone. This often entails engagement rings with a supporting cluster, stones lining the band or unusual bands and settings. The latter group includes off-center stones and wavy or asymmetrical bands to inevitably draw attention.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Growing interest in sustainable purchases fuels the market for lab-grown diamonds. While not carbon neutral, they do have a smaller footprint and supply chain than traditional mined diamonds. Lab-created stones also have fewer inclusions, identical properties and oftentimes, a lower price tag.
Multi-Stone and Cluster Rings
Multi-stone rings have seen a surge in popularity for three key reasons:
- They add visual variety, as more than one gemstone is typically used.
- They often have some sort of meaning, like the symbolism of a toi-et-moi ring.
- Many eliminate a center stone, replacing it with groups of smaller diamonds and gemstones or using these elements to line the band for more luminosity and fire.
Chunkier Rings
Engagement rings are now seeing grander profiles and thicker, wider bands, occasionally with a signet form. This applies to both women and men who want a more impactful, distinctive style ring.
New Ring Pairings
The traditional engagement ring and wedding band pairing is taking a back seat to other options influenced by LGBT marriages, women popping the question to their boyfriends and economic factors. Alternatives include:
- Shopping for engagement rings together, leading to a rise in men’s engagement rings.
- Union rings, which automatically combine the wedding band and engagement ring into a single piece.
- Matching sets, with a coordinated theme that eliminates having to shop for two separate rings.
- Purchasing a single ring for use as an engagement ring and wedding band.
Are you shopping around for unique engagement rings? Browse online, then visit one of our convenient Hannoush Jewelers locations.
