We’re a little bit psychic…at least when it comes to jewelry. After all, we’ve been in the business since the ‘60s. We’ve seen plenty of trends come and go, and others stick around to become classics. It’s always fun to do a little predicting, but this year, we’re especially excited! Our list of the top 2023 engagement ring trends includes both timeless styles and new innovations on their way to becoming mainstays. Come peek into our crystal ball and see what engagement ring styles will be big this year!
Unique Vintage Engagement Rings
Our love of all things throwback and thrifted continues into 2023. Vintage engagement rings will be all the rage this year, with the resurgence of classic styles for modern brides. Much of a ring’s aesthetic depends on the cut of the center diamond, and certain cuts give off more of a vintage flair than others. Let’s take a look at some of the antique cuts that give a vintage ring its old-school cool.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
The cushion cut diamond has a rounded square shape–picture the couch cushion for which it’s named. Its counterpart, the elongated cushion cut diamond, has a rounded rectangular shape. All types of cushion cut diamond feature large facets which beautifully reflect the rainbow flashes of light that make diamonds so stunning.
The cushion cut diamond was the most popular diamond shape in the early days of the diamond trade. The Hope Diamond–the world’s most famous and, for many years, largest diamond–is an early version of a cushion cut. The old world charm of this diamond cut lends itself to romantic and vintage-inspired designs. Consider pairing this cut with other classic touches like a cathedral mount, split shank band or filigree design.
If you are looking to add a vintage flair to your ring, the cushion cut offers both a fascinating history and an antique engagement ring aesthetic.
Oval Cut Diamonds
Oval cut diamonds offer many of the benefits of round cut diamonds, with a bit of a modern twist. Round cut diamonds have strict length-to-width ratios, but oval cut diamonds come in all kinds of different proportions for you to choose from.
Their simplicity pairs well with both modern and vintage styles. Add a modern halo setting or micro-pave band to give an oval diamond some major sparkle. Alternatively, use a delicate antique setting or bezel cup to achieve a vintage oval engagement ring with some throwback flair.
Marquise Cut Diamonds
The marquise cut resembles the shape of an almond, with a round center leading into tapered edges. Due to its brilliant faceting, a marquise cut diamond appears larger than it actually is. They also have an elongating effect on the finger, so they make a great choice for women with smaller hands hoping to achieve that slender-fingered look.
The marquise cut is an excellent choice for a multi-stone ring. A marquise diamond at the center, flanked by smaller diamonds in different cuts (rounded cuts and pear cuts make particularly pretty companions), creates a truly stunning look.
Pear Cut Diamonds
Pear cut diamonds blend the marquise and oval cuts, featuring an elongated shape with one round end and one tapered end, resembling a pear or a teardrop–in fact, pear diamonds are sometimes referred to as ‘teardrop cut diamonds.’
The combination of a rounded end and a tapered end allows the pear diamond to display some incredible faceting. Considered a modified brilliant diamond, the pear cut’s rounded end features larger facets which filter light toward the many small, precise facets of its tapered end. This gives the pear diamond an unmissable radiance. Like the marquise cut, its elongated fancy shape makes it a nice choice for the center stone in a multi-stone ring.
Colored Diamonds
Did you know that only a small percentage of diamonds are truly colorless? Diamonds can grow naturally in a rainbow of colors. For many years, colored diamonds were considered subpar and impure.
In recent years, however, jewelry lovers have begun to appreciate the beauty in these so-called imperfections. Some of the most sought-after diamond colors include yellow, pink, black, and salt-and-pepper.
Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings
Yellow diamonds run the gamut between pale yellow and deep brownish yellow. Their bright appearance makes them a wonderful choice for a bride who likes to stay on the sunny side of life. Yellow diamonds complement colorless diamonds beautifully, so consider accenting a yellow center stone with a pave band or halo of colorless diamonds.
Pink Diamond Engagement Rings
Pretty in pink, these rosy diamonds are sweet, shining centerpieces for the modern bride’s engagement ring. From deep purple-pinks to pale pearly hues, these fancy colored diamonds are perfect for engagement rings with elaborate touches. If your dream ring features floral motifs and intricate settings, add the power of pink for your center stone. Or, if you don’t want to use pink for your center stone, consider a pink halo around your colorless diamond, or smaller pink diamonds as accents in a multi-stone ring.
Salt and Pepper Diamond Engagement Rings
Salt and pepper diamonds are diamonds with inclusions (natural color markings within the gem). White and black inclusions within the otherwise colorless gem create a stunning flecked look–hence the ‘salt and pepper’ reference.
They range from icy white to silvery gray or black with tiny white speckles, like the night sky. No two salt and pepper diamonds are alike. Each has its own unique inclusions, colors, and patterns. If your love story is one-of-a-kind, hop on this trend with a salt and pepper diamond engagement ring for 2023!
Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
Lab grown diamonds are the latest innovation in the jewelry industry. They are created in a lab using a superheated carbon chamber to mimic the natural growth process of a diamond, but at a much faster rate and in perfect conditions. The resulting lab grown diamond has the exact same chemical makeup, look, and feel as a natural diamond.
A lab created diamond can be cut in an array of shapes to suit your ring. Lab diamond engagement rings can use any of the ring settings, ring mounts, ring band colors or ring band types you desire. Put a sparkling stone on your finger without putting a dent in your wallet with a lab diamond engagement ring.
Gemstone Engagement Rings
This year, you don’t have to go with a diamond at all! The diamond has cemented itself in our imaginations as the one and only choice for an engagement ring, but believe it or not, the diamond engagement ring only started gaining major popularity in the late 1940s. Before that, though some men proposed with diamonds, rings featuring gemstones were quite common. Brides, get bold: let’s throw it back to the original Roaring Twenties for some gemstone engagement ring inspiration.
Emerald Engagement Rings
The emerald's rich tones conjure up images of lush natural landscapes and have come to be associated with natural bounty. Kick off your many years of love and happiness with a gemstone that symbolizes abundance.
Emerald green is a pleasant and calming color that will pair beautifully with anything you wear. It looks especially stunning when set in a yellow gold wedding band.
The emerald is also May’s beautiful birthstone, so if you were born in the fifth month of the year, an emerald engagement ring will hold an extra special meaning. Similarly, if you have Irish roots, consider the emerald as a nod to your family’s heritage–thanks to its rolling green countryside, Ireland proudly calls itself “The Emerald Isle.”
Ruby Engagement Rings
Ruby’s storied past has earned it a regal nickname: “The King of Gemstones.” Due to their fiery red hues, rubies have long been associated with passion and romance.
If you’re interested in a ruby engagement ring, you'll be happy to know that the ruby ranks at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it nearly matches up to the coveted durability of a diamond.
Ruby’s rosy color is perfectly suited for any wedding band color or style. The cool tones of a white gold, silver or platinum band will contrast nicely with your ruby, while yellow gold will accentuate its warm hues.
Sapphire Engagement Rings
It’s all blue skies ahead for you and your love when you choose a gorgeous sapphire engagement ring.
The sapphire was particularly popular during the 1920s. Its deep blue dazzle perfectly complemented the sharp, clean lines of Art Deco design. In the 1980s, Princess Diana brought the trend back with her stunning 12 carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Ever since the sapphire has been a trusted choice for brides seeking a unique ring with classic appeal.
Like rubies, sapphires are a highly durable gemstone, coming in at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes them an ideal choice for a busy bride! Furthermore, in addition to the famous blue, sapphires come in a range of colors, including pink, green, yellow and white.
In fact, to the untrained eye, a white sapphire looks quite similar to the traditional diamond. So if you like the idea of a gemstone engagement ring but still enjoy a colorless look, consider white sapphire for a twist on a classic! Sapphires of all colors make a brilliant, budget-friendly alternative to a diamond center stone.
Dean’s is Your Headquarters for 2023 Engagement Ring Trends
It doesn’t have to be a struggle to find your own unique vintage engagement ring. Dean’s Jewelry has the widest selection of vintage and estate jewelry in the area. We take pre-loved rings, make any necessary repairs, and polish them up until they look like new.
You can find many vintage styles from this blog post (including gemstone engagement rings) in their original forms by browsing our vintage and estate collection! We also offer a wide range of diamond cuts, band colors, band styles, mounts, and settings, so you can find an engagement ring that lives up to your exact specifications.