RING IN THE CHANGES

The nine most popular engagement ring trends for 2021 including gypsy rings and coloured stones

Lydia Hawken

Published: 17:24, 4 Jan 2021
Updated: 17:28, 4 Jan 2021

YOUR engagement ring is (arguably) the most important piece of jewellery you'll ever own - so it's only natural to want to give your other half a helping hand if you suspect they'll be popping the question soon.

And while solitaire diamonds and pavé bands never go out of style, it looks like gypsy settings, coloured jewels and pearl engagement rings are set to take 2021 by storm.

Which engagement ring style would YOU choose?Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Speaking to jewellery experts revealed the key engagement ring trends we'll be seeing in the coming year - and let's just say, we're adding them ALL to our Pinterest wedding boards as we type.

1. Ethical Diamonds

Laura Chavez - founder of - said she's seen a big push towards ethical and sustainable jewels in recent years.

"The biggest demand is that our diamonds are more sustainable than mined diamonds," she said. "We’ve also recently introduced 100% carbon neutral shipping, are hard at work on new jewellery boxes that are made totally sustainably, and we plant trees per every Lark & Berry purchase, whether in-store or online."

Lark and Berry founder Laura Chavez said that ethical diamonds and jewels are in the highest demandCredit: Getty Images - Getty

2. Gypsy Ring

Now that chunky gold jewellery is back in fashion, it's hardly surprising that "gypsy rings" have made a huge comeback.

Jeweller and goldsmith Jessie Thomas told the publication he's seen a huge increase in demand for for the distinctive style over the past few months.

First made popular in the Victorian era, the rings usually have a diamond (or three) sitting flush in the chunky gold setting.

Gypsy rings have a chunky gold setting and embedded diamond

3. Split Shank

This style of ring has two bandsCredit: stephaniegottlieb

Beyoncé's £4m ring has a split shank styleCredit: Getty Images - Getty

If it's good enough for Beyoncé, it's good enough for us.

A split-shank ring features two bands which flank the central stone - and Jay-Z opted for the chic style when he proposed to Queen Bey with a £4m sparker.

Lorna Haddon - head of diamonds at BeaverBrooks - said they've noticed a surge in popularity thanks to its "very distinctive style".

4. Pear-cut

This style can be worn facing downwards tooCredit: jessiethomasjewellery

Also known as a "teardrop" diamond, the pear-cut stone will have a resurgence in 2021.

Goldsmith Jessie Thomas said pear-cut diamonds have become popular again as they can be worn facing downwards too.

5. Coloured Stone

Sapphires are set to make a resurgence in 2021Credit: beaverbrooksthejewellers

Kate Middleton has the world's most famous sapphire engagement ringCredit: Getty - Contributor

They may have been cast aside for a few years - but Beaverbrooks' Lorna Haddon says coloured stones will be back in a big way in 2021.

"From birth stones to classic precious gems such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds, a pop of colour is a really eye-catching feature for an engagement ring," she said. "With its regal heritage, a sapphire is a timeless choice for an engagement ring with a splash of colour."

And who wouldn't want to have an engagement ring which shares a likeness with Kate Middleton's?

6. Pearls

This take on the gypsy ring has pearls instead of diamondsCredit: jessica_mccormack

Whereas traditional "gypsy rings" have diamonds embedded in them, Jessie Thomas says pearls is another trend he's seen taking off.

Not only does it make for a more affordable option, Jessie says customers are incorporating multiple pearls into the design.

7. Halo Diamond

Halo diamond rings never go out of styleCredit: stephaniegottlieb

While some of the engagement ring trends for 2021 are a little on the experimental side, it looks like halo diamonds aren't going ANYWHERE.

Explaining how the timeless setting is "here to stay", Beaverbrooks' Lorna said. "Halo rings are cut so that they catch the light at all times for a truly breath-taking sparkle, adored by our customers and us too!"

8. Focus on gallery design

Jewellery expert Lorna Haddon says couples will focus more on the ring's gallery this yearCredit: londondiamondsofficial

Okay we'll admit it, we're usually too busy looking at the size of the rock to notice much about the setting.

But Lorna says more and more couples are opting to personalise the gallery - i.e. the bit underneath the stone.

She added: "It’s such a sweet and subtle way of adding personality to a ring, whether it's an intricate love heart or infinity symbol to represent your everlasting love."

9. Cluster Rings

Cluster rings is a purse-friendly alternativeCredit: larkandberry

Lark & Berry's Laura Chavez says they've noticed more couples are opting for cluster rings with smaller individual diamonds.

On the one hand, this means you don't have to splash out on one big rock.

But on the other, it allows couples to create a truly individual design - and one they can easily switch up over the years.