They're Here: The 9 Engagement Ring Trends That Will Dominate in 2021

The experts have spoken—these will be the biggest engagement ring trends in 2021. Discover each style and shop our picks.

Shopping for an engagement ring can be... daunting. Between knowing the specs like carats, cuts, settings, and metals, there's so much to learn and ultimately choose from. Add in considerations like your personal taste and budget and there's so much to think about it will send you spinning. Adding trends on top of all of that? Forget about it. That's where we come in. As it is with ready-to-wear and other accessories, engagement rings do also go through a trend cycle—certain styles can be "in" one minute and "out" the next. As I said, it's a lot to absorb. 

Here to take off some of the pressure of knowing it all are some of the most talented jewelry designers in the business who are going to fill us in on the most popular engagement ring trends for 2021. Each one provided a trend that they have already seen quickly grow in popularity this year and of course, we shopped the best versions of each to get your wheels turning. From vintage cuts (that are sustainable, too) to non-traditional stones that are just as brilliant as diamonds, the nine engagement ring trends ahead are sure to get your wheels turning and your jaws dropping. 

Photo:

@graceleedesigns; @finebruce; @annasheffield@ashleyzhangjewelry

Baguette Diamonds

"There are so many engagement rings choices available, our customers are always searching for something unique. Baguette diamond accents have been very popular and will continue to rise. These rectangle cut stones have a flash of sparkle and add a touch of Art Deco style to a ring." — Ashley Zhang

Ashley Zhang Jewelry Lillian Engagement Ring ($16500)
Wwake Diamond Mason Ring ($4195)
Suzanne Kalan 18-Karat White Gold Diamond Ring ($15575)
Ashley Zhang Jewelry Evelyn Brilliant Cut Engagement Ring ($10900)

Multi-Stone Rings

"Anything from two-stone toi et moi to multi-stone cluster rings—this style sometimes stems from clients who have multiple heirloom diamonds that they would like to incorporate or the bride who can't decide between two different diamond cuts we will pick two and pair together." – Grace Lee

Grace Lee Twin Pear Ring ($15800)
Messika My Twin Toi & Moi 18-Karat White Gold Diamond Ring ($10720)
Anita Ko 18-Karat Rose Gold Diamond Ring ($7350)
Melissa Kaye Aria Moon Small 18-Karat Gold Diamond Ring ($3450)

Round and Oval Shapes

"Trends being seen going into 2021 are round and oval diamonds set in thin bands—both pavé and simple settings in platinum. These are classic shapes that stand the test of time and any bride will love forever." — Michaela Erlanger, celebrity fashion and bridal stylist

Forevermark Micaela’s Simply Solitaire Round Engagement Ring ($3585)
Forevermark Micaela’s Simply Solitaire Oval Engagement Ring With Diamond Band ($3865)
Vrai Signature Ring ($1015)

Simple and Modern

"We've definitely seen some distinct patterns in the past year that would imply there will be a new fondness for simple designs that still read as modern and not just 'off the shelf’, like our Bezel Rosette." — Anna Sheffield

Anna Sheffield Bezel Rosette Suite No. 01 ($12320)
Vrai Hover Ring ($865)
Forevermark 18k Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Solitaire Engagement Ring ($910)

Signet Styles

"I am seeing a rise in the request for thicker bands and the signet style is a seamless way to set diamonds with a thicker band." — Lee

Vrai The Signet Ring ($1500)
Ila Prevalence Signet Ring ($2442)
Ceremony Sienna Emerald Cut Ring ($3950)

Old European Cuts

"Antique cuts have become trendier over the years and I am obsessed with them. Old European cuts are the antique version of the modern brilliant cut. They have facets and a distinct antique look. What sets old European cuts apart from their modern counterpart is that no two are exactly the same! Our clients love that old Europeans are unique and special and that’s why I believe they will stand the test of time! Another great thing about old European cuts is that they tend to face up white and bright, so you can go lower in color, making them a great value." — Olivia Landau, founder and CEO, The Clear Cut

"I think sustainability will continue to be a popular trend. Many clients like using antique diamonds as they are recycled. Not only are these stones environmentally friendly but they usually are priced very well for their size. Each stone is one of a kind, and was cut and polished by hand over 100 years ago." — Zhang

Ashley Zhang Jewelry Iris Engagement Ring ($17600)
North Coast Jewelry Circa 1920's Platinum Old European Cut Diamond ($8500)
NM Estate Art Deco Two-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring ($97500)

Petite Side Stones

"I absolutely love petite side stones because they are a modern take on a classic look (the three-stone ring). Having super small side stones also makes the ring look super delicate which is in style right now! Our super skinny solitaire setting is one of our most requested rings because it is so dainty, and makes it look like your diamond is floating. Petite side stones give the same feel: effortless, delicate, and stunning! The most popular petite side stones right now are pears and tapered baguettes." — Landau

Jennie Kwon Exemplar Solitaire Ring ($3850)
Blanca Monrós Gómez Coralie Solitaire Ring ($5200)
Kataoka Japanese Rose Ring ($6180)

Heavy Bands

“Things have felt in constant flux this year and naturally people are gravitating towards items that make them feel grounded. Heavy jewelry has always done that for me. I think we'll see commitment jewelry that is less stone-centric, a little non-traditional, bands with some heft. They're unfussy and easy to wear and there's something empowering about wearing a smooth, solid hunk of gold.” — Laura Powers, designer and founder, Bruce

"We really try to not bucket anyone in terms of styles. We have a few rings with diamonds or gemstones that are balanced by a more "masculine" design sense, that get a lot of attention from people looking for a bolder look. For example, with our Brier, the simplicity of the round diamond is complemented by the sumptuous curves of the bezel and band." — Jess Hannah, co-founder and designer, Ceremony

Ceremony Brier Ring ($4200)
Bruce Cielo Band ($948)
Yeprem 18-Karat Rose and White Gold Diamond Ring ($3100)
Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi ($1880)

Non-Traditional Stones

“I think we'll see softer cuts in heavier settings, like bezels. Rose-cut diamonds and gemmy oval cabochons, sapphires in deep blues and soft greens, recycled diamonds with some inclusions and slight coloration (especially tan, yellow, green, and gray). The roundness and soft sparkle in these stones feel comforting and, speaking economically, you get more coverage with bigger stones at friendlier price points. Aesthetically, it's cool to have something that's just a little different than everything else that's out there.” —Powers

Bruce Leroux Diamond Solitaire Ring ($532)
Mateo 14-Karat Gold, Amethyst and Diamond Ring ($1375)
Bruce Selene Ring ($996)

Next up: 10 popular engagement ring shapes, ranked from most timeless to least.

This story originally appeared on: WhoWhatWear - Author:Anna LaPlaca