Engagement rings, and wedding rings, are objects of enormous sentimental value. But they’re also accessories, much like any other item of jewellery. As such, they’re shaped by the forces that operate in the fashion world. Social attitudes, economics, logistics, and technological advances have all helped to create the rings of today.
But exactly which trends are worth paying attention to in 2025? Let’s take a look at a few of the more noteworthy ones.
The Rise of Lab-Grown & Ethically Sourced Stones
Over the past decade, there has been an enormous surge in demand for lab-grown diamonds. These objects come without the considerable ethical implications of their naturally occurring equivalents. What’s more, they’re often indistinguishable from the real thing.
Recent polling from YouGov reported that around three in ten Brits would be willing to buy a lab-grown diamond. For younger groups, this rises considerably – which suggests that the future of the industry might lie in a laboratory.
But it isn’t just the gemstones that we need concern ourselves with. The metals used for the bands can be recycled, for one thing. Of course, a pre-owned or heirloom item doesn’t come with any environmental footprint whatsoever, and it can also convey enormous sentimental value.
Metal Makeover: Yellow Gold’s Resurgence
In recent times, we’ve seen a marked shift away from white gold and platinum, and back toward more traditional ‘yellow’ gold. These alloys tend to provide a more classic look that matches wonderfully with classic cuts of diamond. On the other hand, you might look for a more modern cut, like an oval or emerald, in order to create a pleasing sense of contrast.
Sculptural Settings: High Protection Meets Modern Minimalism
The setting of your stone makes a big difference, not only to the look of the ring, but also to its durability. Prong-based settings have a habit of coming loose, especially if they’re under stress.
This is where functional bezel designs, and ‘East-West’ settings that apply pressure on the ring from opposite directions, excel. The former are great for those who lead an active lifestyle; the latter tend to work best with elongated stones. The option that you pick should reflect your personal preferences, and the lifestyle that the wearer intends to lead!
The Popularity of Multi-Stone Designs
Designs incorporating many stones have become increasingly popular. For many, they’re a way of expressing the makeup of the relationship. The ‘trilogy’ design, which features three equally sized stones, has surged 16% in recent years. This is largely a consequence of Meghan Markle’s wearing of a three-stone ring in 2017. But it isn’t just three-stone rings that are in vogue; the classic ‘Toi et Moi’ two-stone style has made something of a comeback, too!
