collaborative post | In an age of fast fashion, fleeting trends and constant social media influence, engagement ring buyers are taking a different approach. New data highlights that couples are seeking rings that combine elegance, wearability and lasting value.
Photo by Daniel Gutko on Unsplash
Queensmith’s Engagement Ring Trend Report reveals that yellow gold has overtaken platinum as the most popular metal, accounting for 57% of engagement ring sales in 2025, reflecting a preference for timeless, warm tones.
Brett Afshar, Founder and Gemmologist at award-winning Hatton Garden jeweller Queensmith, explains that couples invest in pieces they’ll wear for decades, so they naturally prioritise thoughtful design, quality materials and enduring style rather than following short-term trends.
From Statement Pieces to Timeless Design
Over the past decade, engagement rings often followed the rule that “bigger is better,” with oversized diamonds and elaborate settings competing for attention.
The Engagement Ring Trend Report also shows that by late 2025, lab-grown diamonds averaged 1.70 carats, demonstrating that larger stones still have their place, while buyers are increasingly pairing size with thoughtful, elegant design.
However, Pinterest data shows that searches for “timeless engagement rings have risen by 200% and “vintage-style engagement rings” have soared by 700%, highlighting a shift towards pieces that feel elegant without relying on size or sparkle. Interest in 1920s vintage designs has also grown by 300%, reflecting a wider appreciation for Art Deco-inspired rings with clean lines and bold symmetry.
“Couples are drawn to historical details like Georgian-era influences reimagined with modern precision,” Brett explains. “This shows that quiet luxury is driven by deliberate design choices and a focus on craftsmanship, quality and enduring style.”
Craftsmanship at the Core of Enduring Style
Expert craftsmanship is central to engagement rings that stand the test of time. Buyers want to understand how their ring is made and the reasoning behind each design decision.
Hidden diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, with the Engagement Ring Trend Report showing that one in four engagement rings in 2025 included a hidden diamond detail, from discreet halos to bridge accents.
“These subtle touches give the ring personal meaning and a sense of exclusivity,” Brett explains. “They appeal to couples looking for more unique and thoughtful designs rather than rings that rely on flash or statement alone.”
The Role of Metal and Diamond Choices
The 2026 report also highlights shifts in metal preference. Yellow gold has overtaken platinum as the most popular choice for engagement rings, accounting for 57% of sales, up from 45% the previous year.
White and rose gold now represent less than 1% each. This move towards warm, nostalgic tones aligns with quiet luxury’s focus on refined elegance.
Diamond shapes also reflect this trend. While round diamonds remain the most popular at 36%, oval cuts have grown to 33%, with elongated cushions and emerald cuts also rising. These shapes combine elegance and practicality, giving the ring a refined look that works for everyday wear.
Rings That Reflect Personal Values and Practicality
Lab-grown diamonds, which now make up around 70% of sales, allow couples to prioritise size, quality and ethical sourcing without compromising on design. Higher colour grades, particularly D-colour lab diamonds, are increasingly popular, reflecting a desire for long-term value and pieces that feel intentional and elegant.
“Couples are also gravitating towards bespoke designs, with 4.6% of sales in 2025 coming from fully custom rings,” Brett says. “Contoured bands, rubover settings and east-west orientations are all subtle design choices that let personal style shine without being over the top.”
Why Timeless Design Resonates
The appeal of these engagement rings is clear. Modern buyers want jewellery that reflects craftsmanship, personal meaning and enduring style.
“Couples today are looking for jewellery that tells a story and aligns with their values,” Brett concludes. “By focusing on intentional design and quality materials, rings become more than jewellery, they become lasting symbols of a relationship.”
