CHOOSING an engagement ring is one of the biggest decisions you can make.
If you’re thinking of popping the question this year, then we’re here to help make that decision a little easier and reveal the top ring trends for 2024.
Regardless of who proposes the most important essential is a ring to symbolise your dedication to one another.
In recent years, there has been an increase in people shopping for engagement rings online, as it permits a little more secrecy when shopping for the milestone moment and helps to keep the element of surprise.
As we mentioned earlier there are plenty of styles, cuts, gems, metals and shapes to choose from when shopping for engagement rings wherever you choose to shop.
Some may prefer classic engagement rings, which are typically a high-spec solitaire diamond on a yellow gold or platinum wedding band.
However, some may want to buck the trend with a three-stone ring, including sapphires or emeralds, or a unique vintage design.
Speaking of unique engagement rings, personalisation is growing in popularity as well as the option to create a bespoke design.
To help you decide, we spoke to Dan Dower, co-founder of Dower & Hall, who has shared his insights on the popular engagement ring trends for 2024 to help you whittle down the perfect ring to propose with.
Dower & Hall co-founder Dan Dower has found from his research that trends can vary from person to person, year to year, but generally, one recurring theme is personalisation when it comes to shopping engagement rings.
While some may wish to add a personal message, initials or date to their engagement ring, others may personalise their engagement ring in terms of creating a unique design bespoke to their partner.
Dan shared: “I would say personalisation, personalisation, personalisation!
“We have always had a high proportion of couples being involved together in the choosing and commissioning of engagement rings once the proposal has been done and this continues to be the case.
“But some men are still taking a very active role in researching and commissioning special pieces with social media, especially Pinterest being a very useful tool on both sides – for both research and reach.”
Cost plays a big part when buying engagement rings, but some may find vintage engagement rings a little more cost-effective.
Vintage engagement rings, also known as second-hand or pre-loved engagement rings, are proving hugely popular as they’re not only more affordable but unique so it’s rare for anyone else to have.
Dan weighed in on the matter and shared: “Pricing and budgeting for the first time around are important and if there is a trend for this group it is for more vintage-looking designs – partly out of the continued reassessment of what is precious, with finer and more delicate designs (less metal content) better suiting the budget requirements. The Stargazer collection suits this audience well.”
Many think a classic white diamond with a high specification, that boasts flawless clarity or fits IF, VVS1 or VVS2 and high carat.
However, Dan has noted there is a surge in coloured stones in favour of diamond gems.
Some may opt for a sapphire or emerald engagement ring, but Dan has revealed there’s another popular coloured gem to have on your radar – morganite, which is a soft blush pink gem.
Dan explained: “Alternatives to classic white diamonds are also important – we are doing far more coloured stones than diamonds for engagement rings, but then we attract a more discerning adventurous customer while the ones who play safe are probably going to the cut price generic players in the market. Morganite is a very popular choice at the moment.”
When it comes to shopping for an engagement ring, in particular, an engagement ring fitted with coloured stones typically comes in the form of cluster designs.
As Dan shared: “Coloured stones are even more important and often it’s not a solitaire but a composition of stones to tell a more personal choice – our Cascade collection is very popular with this audience with all sorts of options for personalisation.”
In recent years lab-grown diamonds have been hugely popular with engagement ring shoppers, as they are a more eco-conscious alternative to mined diamonds.
Not only are lab-grown diamonds more sustainable, but they can be more cost-effective too, yet the outcome is very close to the real deal.
Dan shared: “However new developments in coloured lab-grown diamonds are exciting – especially the pinks. Still researching this but looks promising as a trend.”
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are our favourite rings for 2024.
Dan mentioned coloured stones are increasing in popularity, in particular the surge for morganite gems.
If you are looking for a super feminine, on-trend engagement ring, why not take a look at this blush pink-coloured stone, which is soft but also eye-catching?
Dan shared that cluster rings will be soaring in popularity.
Some cluster rings may take the form of smaller stones around a centrepiece, three stones in equal sizes, or a cluster of six or so.
The Three Stone Emerald Ring showcases the diamonds in all their glory, though different sizes, which accentuates the central stone.
Vrai prides itself on producing lab-grown diamonds, which resemble a natural gem, using greenhouse gases that are then cut and polished to perfection.
When we think of cluster engagement rings, this Ernest Jones creation is exactly what we have in mind.
Cluster rings are a gorgeous choice, and are great for those who are indecisive too as you can include a variety of coloured stones, and are not limited to just one perfect diamond.
Ernest Jones has plenty of engagement rings to shop so you can find the perfect purchase for your lover.
H Samuel is one of our favourite jewellers and one we flock to for every type of jewellery item.
The Silver & 9ct Gold Sapphire & Cubic Zirconia Cluster Ring ticks a couple of boxes when it comes to shopping engagement rings, as it is a cluster design rather than solitaire, includes numerous coloured stones, and has a vintage aesthetic to it.
Beaverbrooks has a vast array of jewellery staples to shop, including engagement rings and wedding bands.
From solitaire designs to cluster creations, silver to platinum, Beaverbrooks has plenty of styles to shop to ensure the ring is on trend, suits your partner and is on budget.
Solitaire rings are typically assumed to be a princess, cushion, round or oval shape, however, rectangular diamonds are also popular.
But, when we think of a rectangular stone on an engagement ring, we typically assume the longer sides will run perpendicular to the band, but that is not the case for this unique engagement ring, and we like it.
It’s a nod to a classic style but with a unique twist.
A solitaire diamond ring fits the timeless classic engagement ring trend, and one that we predict will stand the test of time for many decades to come.
A solitaire ring functions to let that gem sing and stand out no matter the cut, carat, or colour of the diamond, if it’s a different gem entirely, or the wedding band, the glistening stone in the centre is the main attraction.
With a solitaire ring, you can get creative with bespoke personalisation, as well as the metal on the band, the shape of the diamond, and other elements.
For those looking for a fun spin on the solitaire ring Taylor Hart’s Lyra design is a welcome alternative.
This design boasts a solitaire ring but has a vintage feel, with the additional gems encasing the main larger stone.
Taylor & Hart also has the option for shoppers to customise their engagement ring too, which is a huge bonus and a trending theme for engagement rings.
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