The world of engagement rings is ever-evolving, reflecting shifts in fashion, values, and personal expression. In the UK, 2025 saw some truly stunning trends dominate the market, with couples opting for both timeless elegance and contemporary flair. As we step into 2026, we anticipate exciting new directions while some beloved styles continue to shine. Let's delve into what captivated hearts in the past year and what's on the horizon for future proposals.
2025: The Year of Sustainable Sparkle and Personalised Touches
2025 in the UK was largely defined by a strong move towards ethical sourcing, unique designs, and a resurgence of classic styles with a modern twist.
Sustainability Takes Centre Stage
The conscious consumer was more prevalent than ever in 2025, significantly impacting engagement ring choices.
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Lab-Grown Diamonds: These eco-friendly and often more affordable alternatives to natural diamonds saw a massive surge in popularity. Couples were drawn to their ethical credentials and the ability to achieve a larger, higher-quality stone for their budget.
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Recycled Metals: Demand for recycled gold and platinum also grew, aligning with a broader commitment to sustainability.
Embracing Individuality
Personalisation remained a key driver, with couples seeking rings that truly reflected their unique love story.
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Bespoke Designs: Custom-made rings, allowing couples to incorporate specific elements, engravings, or unusual stone combinations, were highly sought after.
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Hidden Details: From secret birthstones set within the band to intricate filigree work visible only from certain angles, subtle personal touches added sentimental value.
Popular Styles & Settings
While individuality reigned, certain styles consistently topped the sales charts.
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Oval Cut Diamonds: The elegant and elongating oval cut continued its reign as a favourite, offering a brilliant sparkle and a flattering silhouette.
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Toi et Moi Rings: Symbolising "you and me," these rings featuring two main stones, often different cuts or colours, experienced a significant comeback, appealing to those seeking a romantic and symbolic design.
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Yellow Gold Revival: After years of white metals dominating, yellow gold saw a strong resurgence, particularly in vintage-inspired and minimalist designs, adding warmth and a classic touch.
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Three-Stone Rings: Representing the past, present, and future, these timeless classics remained a popular choice for their meaningful symbolism and impressive sparkle.
- East/West Solitaire Rings - rather than the diamond running down the finger, they are set across the finger, from East to West.
Here's an example of a popular Oval Cut East West diamond engagement ring pictured with a Radiant Cut East West Solitaire, both in 18ct yellow gold, from 2025:
2026: What's on the Horizon?
As we move further into 2026, we anticipate a continuation of some 2025 trends, alongside the emergence of fresh, exciting styles that reflect a desire for bold statements and deeper meaning.
The Rise of Coloured Gemstones
While diamonds will always be a classic, 2026 is expected to see a significant uplift in the popularity of coloured gemstones as the centrepiece.
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Sapphires, Emeralds, and Rubies: These traditional precious gemstones will continue to be strong contenders, often paired with diamond accents.
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Unique Coloured Stones: Expect to see more unusual choices like morganite, aquamarine, and even responsibly sourced opals making an appearance, offering a unique splash of colour and individuality.
An example of this is the below Ametrine Ring, again in 18ct yellow gold:
Bold & Architectural Designs
Minimalism will give way to more pronounced and structured designs.
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East-West Settings: Diamonds and gemstones set horizontally across the finger are expected to gain traction, offering a contemporary and striking look.
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Statement Solitaires: While classic, the solitaire will be reimagined with bolder bands, unique claw settings, and perhaps even hidden halo details for added drama.
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Geometric Shapes: Beyond the traditional rounds and ovals, expect to see more asscher, emerald, and even baguette cut diamonds taking centre stage or forming part of intricate halo designs.
Vintage Reimagined
The charm of bygone eras will continue to inspire, but with a modern edge.
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Art Deco Influences: Expect to see intricate filigree work, geometric patterns, and contrasting stone combinations reminiscent of the Art Deco period, but perhaps with a contemporary gemstone choice or metal finish.
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Heirloom Redesign: Repurposing family heirlooms into new, custom engagement rings will become even more popular, blending sentimental value with current aesthetics.
Stackable and Layered Looks
Couples will increasingly consider how their engagement ring pairs with their wedding band and other everyday jewellery.
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Curved and Contoured Bands: Designed to sit flush against unusually shaped engagement rings, these will be highly sought after.
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Mix-and-Match Metals: Experimentation with combining different metal colours in engagement and wedding ring stacks will add a modern, eclectic feel.
Here's an example of a potential 2026 trend: an East-West set Radiant Cut ring with a bolder band.
Conclusion
The UK engagement ring market is a vibrant and dynamic space. While 2025 celebrated sustainable choices and personalised elegance, 2026 promises to bring bolder statements, a riot of colour, and a continued appreciation for designs that speak volumes about individual love stories. Whatever your preference, the future of engagement rings is undoubtedly dazzling.
Q&A: Engagement Ring Trends UK
Q1: What was the most popular diamond cut in the UK for engagement rings in 2025? A1: The oval cut diamond continued to be extremely popular in 2025 due to its elegant shape and brilliant sparkle.
Q2: Are lab-grown diamonds still a strong trend for 2026 in the UK? A2: Yes, absolutely. The demand for lab-grown diamonds is expected to remain very strong, driven by their ethical sourcing, environmental benefits, and often more accessible price point compared to natural diamonds.
Q3: What kind of coloured gemstones are predicted to be popular for engagement rings in 2026? A3: While sapphires, emeralds, and rubies will always be cherished, 2026 is expected to see a rise in more unique coloured gemstones like morganite, aquamarine, and even responsibly sourced opals.
Q4: Will yellow gold remain a popular metal choice for engagement rings in 2026? A4: Yes, yellow gold's resurgence is expected to continue into 2026, particularly for those seeking vintage-inspired or warmer, classic designs.
Q5: What does "East-West setting" mean in an engagement ring? A5: An East-West setting refers to a diamond or gemstone that is set horizontally across the finger, rather than the traditional vertical orientation. This style is predicted to be a significant trend in 2026 for its modern and distinctive look.
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