If you’ve started your engagement ring shopping journey, you may have a few questions about navigating the process. Aside from the fact that you probably want your proposal to go off without a hitch, you likely also want to present your partner with a ring they’ll love forever. So, if you’ve caught yourself asking “What ring shape should I get?”; “What diamond shape should I buy?”; or, most famously, “How much should I spend on a rock?” don’t fret—you’re not alone.
Most, if not all, soon-to-be-weds find themselves contemplating the best ways to go about selecting the perfect engagement ring, and it’s absolutely normal to be unsure about the pre-wedding process. That said, while curiosity is a standard response to this shopping experience, it can cause a bit of stress if you’re not able to immediately find answers to all of the questions you may have. One way to avoid this predicament? Let the trends guide you.
Meet the Expert
- Ashley Zhang is an expert in jewelry design and the founder of Ashley Zhang Jewelry, which produces modern heirlooms.
- Katherine Kim is the founder of KATKIM, a Los Angeles-based fine jewelry brand known for its contemporary designs.
Though they aren’t the end-all, be-all barometer, trends help us figure out what might be relevant during a particular period, whether that’s for a month, a year, or several decades. In the case of engagement rings, trends can help you find “the one” that is at once contemporary and timeless—a piece that will pay homage to today’s aesthetic while remaining in style for years to come. So as we enter 2024, we thought it was only right to list out the top engagement ring trends couples can expect to see in this new year. Following the expert advice provided by luxury and fine jewelers Ashley Zhang and Katherine Kim of KATKIM, here are the top five engagement ring trends to know before heading to the jewelry store to purchase your future spouse’s sparkler.
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Heirloom Stones
There’s something incredibly special about jewelry that has been passed down from generation to generation, which is why heirloom pieces are always a top choice for wedding accessories—especially engagement rings. Not only do they provide a sentimental touch, but they also come with a slew of positive characteristics that many pieces of jewelry don’t typically offer. “Heirloom stones offer the opportunity for customization and personalization,” Kim says. “Many of our clients enjoy the idea of taking a family heirloom and incorporating it into a new, personalized design, combining the sentimental value of the heirloom stone with their own individual flair.”
What’s more, heirloom stones are a lovely option for those seeking to lessen their carbon footprint; they offer a sustainable option for those who are environmentally conscious. According to Zhang, couples who favor ethical and sustainable pieces typically gravitate towards heirloom pieces, since these stones are, by definition, recycled from one generation to the next. “Using an heirloom, recycled, or repurposed stone has the least social and environmental impact,” she adds. Not to mention, engagement rings with these stones can serve as your “something old” on the big day.
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Solitaire Settings
What do Kourtney Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson, and Cardi B have in common? All three celebrities sport solitaire engagement rings of various styles—a trend that will continue to remain popular in 2024. “Solitaire settings have stood the test of time and continue to be timeless classics,” shares Kim. “Their simple, yet elegant, silhouette showcases the beauty of the single center stone, creating a focal point that exudes sophistication and understated beauty.” Though this setting has been around for decades, its universal aesthetic has yet to go out of style, specifically since many jewelers continue to find new ways to reinvent this engagement ring design. Kim’s Floating Diamond Trace Ring and Oval Crescendo Flare Ring are just two prime examples of this ongoing trend.
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Diamond Alternatives
When you think of engagement rings, your mind might go straight to diamonds in various shapes and styles. But did you know that these sparklers don’t need to have diamond stones? In fact, experts predict that diamond alternative engagement rings—pieces that include gemstones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and white topaz, among others—will become even more popular this year.
“Colored gemstones with diamond accents were very popular in 2023 and will continue in 2024,” shares Zhang. “These gemstones can be just as high in value as diamonds depending on the quality, and can be a unique way to showcase your own personal style while still being set in a simple and clean design.”
Kim echoes that sentiment, adding that a diamond alternative has the ability to bring sentimental value to every type of engagement ring. “Each gemstone carries its unique symbolism, making them more personal and meaningful choices for engagement rings,” she shares. “They add an emotional depth to the ring's significance and the allure of these colorful stones appeals to those seeking a departure from traditional white diamonds.”
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Ring Stacks
Why wear one ring when you can wear two or three? Luckily, the world is your oyster in 2024, as ring stacks will be one of the trends to consider—providing you with the option to wear multiple pieces to showcase your love. “The trend of ring stacking provides versatility, so I feel that its popularity will continue into 2024,” says Kim. “Brides can curate their collection over time, allowing for flexibility in creating different combinations or looks, and each additional ring in a stack can symbolize significant milestones or memorable events.”
As for what types of rings to stack in the new year? That will depend on your personal preferences, though Kim notes that “these stacks can often incorporate anniversary bands, family heirlooms, or birthstone rings, allowing brides to carry sentimental and meaningful pieces on their hand.”
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Unique Designs
Similar to diamond alternative engagement rings, soon-to-be-weds are expected to lean into their personal styles by opting for unique engagement ring designs that defy tradition (think: bezel settings, Art-Deco designs, and nontraditional diamond shapes, like trillion and hexagon stones).
Zhang also expects to see marriers sport rings with heavier and thicker metal bands, while Kim foresees a continued interest in reimagined ring band designs. “A majority of our clients are seeking personalization in their forever pieces and a unique design makes it truly theirs,” she shares. “These are designs that go beyond the traditional circular band or solitaire diamond ring, like our Trace and Crescendo collection.”
