The 7 Best Engagement Ring Trends for 2020

Planning to propose? 

It’s the month of love, and there’s no better time to pop the question. 

Which brings you to the pressing issue of finding a ring. The first thing everyone will want to see after you announce your engagement is the ring, so it pays to take the time to get it right. Your partner (or you) will also wear this ring for life, and you want something they can rock proudly. 

To help you make the right choice, I’ve compiled a list of the hottest engagement ring trends for 2020. Trends may be transient, but they give you a sense of direction. And with the number of factors to consider when choosing an engagement ring, it’s easy to get lost. Take a look at what others are loving right now, and hopefully you’ll find some  inspiration for your choice of engagement ring. 

Here are the top seven engagement ring trends for 2020:

1. Colored Gemstones

Colored gemstone rings took off in the 80s after Princess Diana got engaged with a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire ring. It was a bold choice at a time when most brides wore a classic white diamond ring. The ring was so fun and refreshing, however, that it became a hit and remains one of the most memorable pieces she ever wore. If you love non-traditional engagement rings, then you can’t go wrong with a colored gemstone as a centerpiece. Diamonds are a great choice, but other colored gemstones like sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, or emerald are equally great and more unique. After all, Prince William later proposed to Kate Middleton with Princess Diana’s same blue sapphire ring. 

2. Fancy Shapes

When you think of an engagement ring, you probably picture a standard round cut diamond set on a plain band. Round cut diamonds are fantastic, but they’re no longer the dominant choice for engagement rings. Many modern brides now explore fancy shaped diamonds like emerald cuts for their subtle sophistication and floral-inspired halos for a chic and feminine look. Princess cuts are equally trendy for their brilliance and sparkle, while oval cut diamonds are gaining popularity thanks to Hailey Baldwin’s stunning 10-carat oval diamond engagement ring from Justin Bieber. 

3.  Mixed Metals

Mixing various metals in engagement rings used to be a big style no, but as modern brides veer away from traditional rules, selecting a mixed metal ring has become a trend. The beauty of mixing metals is the versatility it gives the ring. You can combine subtle traditional metals like white gold or platinum with warmer hues such as yellow gold for color and depth. And if you like ring stacks, incorporating mixed metals into a stacked engagement ring can add a gorgeous amount of contrast that suits almost anything else you wear. Even celebrity brides like Keira Knightley and Isla Fisher are loving the mixed metal engagement ring trend.

4. Three Stones

What’s better than one diamond? Three. Three stone rings have always been a bridal favorite, and thanks to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, they’re making a comeback. If you fancy something more elaborate than a solitaire ring then consider getting a three-stone ring. Three stone rings are elegant and leave a lot of room for creative styling. You can choose stones of different sizes, shapes, and colors. But most people, including Harry and Meghan, choose a graduating three-stone setting with a large diamond in the middle and two smaller cuts by the sides. Three stone rings also have a deeper meaning that makes it a little more special, as each stone represents the past, present, and future of your relationship. 

5. Hidden Details

From secret engraved messages to hidden patterns beneath the halo, it’s the subtle details that make an engagement ring special. If you don’t particularly want a ring that screams for attention, then consider going for a classic ring with hidden features that set it apart. There are many ways to add these intricate details. Handcrafting an engraved symbol or message on the bridge of the ring is a favorite for many couples, but you can also choose to place a secret gem beneath your center stone or cut out patterns on the side of the ring. These small details are hardly visible to anyone else but can give your ring profound meaning. 

6. Vintage Designs

Princess Beatrice is the latest celebrity to rock a stunning Vintage and Art Deco-inspired engagement ring. Her 2.5-carat diamond and platinum ring, which she received in 2019 from fiance Edorado Mapelli, has sparked a renewed interest in the timeless design. Vintage engagement rings, specifically art deco style designs, became prominent in the 1920s and 1930s for their glamour and elegance. And while modern-day vintage rings may not come from that era, they still feature the bold contrasting colors and geometric shapes that captivate many brides. If you have an appreciation for historical fashion, or simply want a contemporary engagement ring with a twist, consider designing your ring after vintage and art deco motifs. 

7. Band Style

Not every bride wants a big rock. Lately, there’s been a trend of women who favor a simple band style engagement ring that they can wear comfortably every day. While certainly more understated than a centerpiece diamond, many band style rings are just as beautiful, if not more elegant. Picture an infinity band sprinkled with tiny diamonds, or a stunning baguette ring, or perhaps a Tiara curve band that’s lined with white diamonds. The options are endless, so don’t imagine for a moment that you’ll have to sacrifice style or beauty if you choose a band style engagement ring. 

Conclusion

Whichever style of ring you choose, the most important thing is finding the perfect match for your partner. These seven engagement ring trends are a good place to start, but you don’t necessarily have to get caught up in them. An engagement ring is a timeless symbol of your love and will always be a classic regardless of whether or not it’s in vogue. 

About The Author

Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.