Congratulations! You’ve decided that 2026 will be the year you pop THE question. Whether you’re taking the initial leap into the world of engagement rings or you’ve already dipped your toe in, we have a few trends for next year that you don’t want to miss. Whether your significant other has given you a few ideas or you’re shopping blindly, you know you are choosing something they’ll wear every day for the rest of their life. Not a decision to be made lightly, this requires an emotional and financial investment. The great news is that the world of engagement rings has never been more diverse. More couples are foregoing the traditional diamond ring and replacing it with something that reflects their personality. Wherever you land, we know you’ll find something among these trends in 2026.
Go Bold or Go Home
For years, dainty rings have been the go-to, but recently, we’re seeing people lean toward the bold and chunky band, as they crave something different. Used for wedding and engagement bands, a thick band with a simple stone not only makes a statement, it balances the look between classic and contemporary. 2025 marked 100 years since the Art Deco movement came on the scene, and we think more rings will lean into the art deco geometric motif.
Less Isn’t Always More
The idea that “less is more” is out, the new trend is “more is more”. Couples are demonstrating that by opting for three-stone settings, which allows them to play with different shapes, add a larger overall size appearance, and a mix of vintage and contemporary elements. Not just a timeless and unique aesthetic, but the symbology is also note-worthy: three stones represent the couple’s past, present, and future. Some couples are going for more with the cluster or cocktail ring: a great option for the bride that loves quirky and doesn’t mind the spotlight.
Out with the o-
The oval, that is, and in with the emerald, princess, and radiant as more couples opt for a fresh(er) cut that still accentuates the shine and sparkle of their stone.
Another trend on the rise: colored gemstones. Shifting away from the traditional diamond, couples are seeking a center stone that comes in fun and vibrant hues; not only to set them apart, but often mean more to them, especially if the stone is, say, the birthstone of the month they met or getting married.
B is for Bezel
Not just the band and stones, but more couples are paying attention to how the diamond is set. The bezel setting, especially, is seeing a resurgence in popularity. As more couples opt for rings that reflect their personality, they’re choosing the bezel setting for its clean and practical look, and how it keeps the diamond safe from daily wear and tear.
Something old, Something New
Not only is it more sustainable, but opting for antique or vintage diamonds is a choice a lot of couples are making. Choosing “old” speaks to the timelessness of the relationship and exudes an old-world charm because the stones have been cut by hand, instead by machine as is the more frequent practice these days.
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of an engagement ring is picking what YOU like. Try and remember that trends come and go, but choosing something that speaks to you and your partner and neither of you will tire of is key.
Explore our assortment of engagement rings at Sylvan's Jewelers in Columbia, SC today!
