11 Engagement Ring Trends for 2024 That Will Make You Say ‘I Do’

Both Neal and Dousset have observed that bigger stones—specifically, diamonds—are trending. Dousset noted sizes as large as three or four carats, saying that the popularity of lab-grown diamonds has made bigger stones more accessible.

“Natural diamonds prevent most consumers from having a diamond size that looks best for the ring design due to the cost,” he says. “Bigger diamonds allow for the ring design itself to shine through. With natural diamonds, I have witnessed the misalignment between what size diamonds people desired and what the reality of their budget allowed them to purchase countless times. Lab-grown diamonds have been the great equalizer and have aligned these two realities.”

Thanks to Succession, quiet luxury has been everywhere and it’s finally trickling down to the jewelry industry. Dousset sees this turn as an evolution away from the heavy logos seen in the fashion space over the last few years.

“I am welcoming this societal push for a more tamed external message. Regarding engagement rings, we’re coming off a few years where the halo design was very popular, and now there is a desire for simpler settings with less ornate designs,” he notes. “Lab diamonds are only accelerating simple engagement ring designs. Natural diamond center stones have a way of pushing designers to enhance the overall look of the ring by adding more diamonds to make up for the limitation in their size. Now, with a larger center stone accessible to more consumers, we don't need to add on so much to make a statement.”

There are many diamond shapes, including round, princess, emerald and asscher, marquise, radiant and pear. Dousset attests to the staying power of round-cut diamonds, but says that oval shapes add a flattering, elongated look while maintaining the brilliancy of the round-cut diamond.

In the past, platinum has been the metal of choice, said to be the most flattering companion to a diamond because it best brought out its sparkling appearance. However, Dousset says that yellow gold is gaining foothold for its happier hue. It’s also a much warmer tone, which is more flattering against the skin.

Chatter around lab diamonds isn’t new, and Dousset says they’re here to stay, remaining popular with buyers.

“I cannot think of a single downside to the adoption of lab diamonds to create beautiful, affordable, luxurious jewelry,” he notes. “Lab-grown stones are resetting the scale of what diamond jewelry will cost consumers without exponential differences in carat weights or quality of diamonds.”

Because lab diamonds are less costly to produce, more people will have access to better-quality, larger stones. They’re also conflict free, which has been a long-standing issue for natural diamonds. But make no mistake. Lab diamonds might be less expensive than natural diamonds, but they’re still precious stones that run in the thousands of dollars. You just might get more bang for your buck.

Last year there was a craze for semi-precious gemstones. While still popular, they’re nowhere near overtaking the popularity of diamonds in 2024. However, Neal shares that when it comes to stones, people are gravitating towards ethically- and locally- sourced pieces like Montana sapphires.

“Customers want to know the origins and story behind the materials they’re using to symbolize their love,” Neal explains. “There’s also been a growing demand for alternative or raw diamond cuts and colored precious gemstones like emeralds and sapphires.”

One trend that fits right in with quiet luxury is the champagne diamond. "[It] provides a departure from tradition while maintaining a timeless elegance,” Neal says. She has observed increased interest in orange- and yellow- colored center stones. The champagne diamond is a real diamond, with hues running from brown to red and lukewarm champagne. During the mining process, diamonds are separated by color—clear ones are marketed as traditional diamonds. While prices are comparable, salt-and-pepper and champagne diamonds are darker in color, so you can often get away with a less-expensive, lower-quality diamond as the coloring hides imperfections in a way a clear diamond will not.

The previous year saw a demand for the “toi et moi” setting, which is two center stones instead of one. All that’s left is to throw in the “vous” (you, plural, in French). "The trend of multiple stones continues to captivate couples seeking to represent the union of two partners or families coming together in marriage,” Neal says. “Couples are even opting for three, four and five stone cluster rings, especially when creating a custom design from heirloom stones that celebrate a rich narrative of milestones and family legacy.

“Nontraditional bands with unique angles or stones and purchasing multiple bands remain a strong choice for those embracing individuality,” Neal shares. Indeed, one of PureWow’s editors got engaged earlier this year and came away with two engagement rings—one with a large marquise-cut diamond, and a simpler band she felt more comfortable wearing out and about. “The versatility of these bands offers various ways to accessorize, enabling wearers to curate combinations that reflect their personal style. For instance, pairing a slender band engagement ring with a broader wedding band (or two) provides a spectrum of wearable options. This flexibility caters to diverse and active lifestyles, allowing for stacked looks or singular statements based on the occasion or daily pursuits. We’re also seeing chunkier style engagement rings with an inset or bezel set stone, or a delicate solitaire, paired with a wider and heavier metal wedding band,” Neal notes.

From Y2K to cottage core, Daisy Jones and Bridgerton, we can say with confidence that everyone is obsessed with vintage (like Bario Neal’s Art-Deco inspired Stellium ring). So, it’s no surprise that people are incorporating heirloom materials into their engagement ring designs.

“[It] not only adds sentimental value but also provides an accessible pathway to owning a custom designed ring that can be passed down for generations,” Neals says. “We anticipate their popularity to endure, given their blend of individualized and customizable features that resonate with our clientele.”

Sure, you could opt for the round or princess cut...just like everyone else. Or, you could spring for something original.

“One trend we’re passionate about is the resurgence of using less conventional gemstone shapes,” Neal shares. “Uncommon cuts like the hexagon, kite or rose-cut diamonds offer a refreshing departure from traditional styles and breathe new life into engagement ring designs.”

She has also observed an uptick of interest in unconventional ring alignments. "We’ve seen a growing preference for east-west settings and the creative exploration of vertical alignment in cluster designs. It's a delightful departure from tradition that allows for unique storytelling and adds a contemporary flair to ring aesthetics.”