These Are the Engagement Ring Trends of 2021

2021 is on the horizon, and we're beginning to daydream about fresh starts, new trends to look forward to—and engagement season. 2020 encouraged a return to simplicity and authenticity on the whole, and that new set of priorities resonates as one considers what engagement ring best suits an impending proposal. Keeping things personalized and subtle is fresh, daring, and strong—as is your connection with your someday spouse. Here, we've rounded up the top engagement ring trends for those planning to pop the question in 2021—from new takes on traditional styles to rings we never expected would make a comeback, until now.

The simple, round (and oval) solitaire is back on top. It never actually went out of style, but the last few years have been all about the drama of cushion cuts or the luxury of emerald cut stones. Now, it seems that brides are coveting the austerity of this signature style more than ever. 2021 brides (and the rest of the world) are loving all things classic, feel good, and no fuss. This cut's rise to renewed popularity is case in point.

Ashley Zhang "Jeanne" Engagement Ring with a platinum prong setting, $8,975, ashleyzhangjewelry.com.

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Graff "Paragon" Round Diamond Engagement Ring, price upon request, graff.com.

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Forevermark "Micaela's Hidden Halo" Bezel Set Engagement Ring, from $5,305, forevermark.com.

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The 3-stone ring that you know and love has made a comeback but this isn’t your Mom’s 3 stone ring and isn’t just simple side baguettes that we have been seeing for a few seasons now either. We’re talking 3 large stones of the same or differing cut that truly make a statement. Call it “past, present, future” or just bling, bling, bling either way we approve of this stately comeback.

Forevermark "Journey" Three Stone Ring, from $4,995,
forevermark.com.

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Emma Clarkson Webb Diamond Bespoke Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, from $5,195, emmacwebb.com.

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Jessica McCormack Cushion Cut and Heart Diamond Engagement Ring from the Bridal Edit in 18K white and rose gold with a claw setting, price upon request, jessicamccormack.com.

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This floating diamond look gives the illusion of loads of sparkle floating on air. Previously used in more fashion and cocktail ring settings, this trend is hitting the engagement ring scene—and the cool factor is off the charts. From tiny spirals to sleek lines, these rings are unconventional and mesmerizing all at once.

Jade Trau "Sadie" Three Stone Ring with a brilliant round center surrounded by two petite diamond petals in 18K gold, $30,000, jadetrau.com.

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Jemma Wynne Bespoke Emerald Cut Diamond Open Ring in 18K yellow gold, price upon request, jemmawynne.com.

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K-KANE "The Kate" Ring Diamond Ring in 18K rose gold, price upon request, k-kane.com.

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This year has toughened us all up, and trends—from fashion to jewelry—are reflecting that strong, newfound attitude. Engagement rings with gothic motifs are shaking up the typically sweet world of weddings in the best way possible—and they speak to the bride that dares to be different, isn't about the glitz, and knows that the most important essentials in her wardrobe come in her favorite shade of black.

Cathy Waterman Emerald Cut Diamond Ring, $28,550,
twistonline.com.

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Eva Fehren "The Nova" Cluster Ring with Diamonds in platinum, $10,350, evafehren.com.

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Lydia Courteille "Crown Ring" with diamonds in 18K gold,
price upon request, lydiacourteille.com.

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Designers have seemingly tired of the traditional pavé halo surrounding a center and have given it a major upgrade. From diamond starbursts to fanned out crowns, these renditions on the halo are nowhere near classic. The best part—some of these styles are created on separate bands, so you can switch up the look from as simple to as intricate as you like.

Jacquie Aiche Morganite and Diamond Baguette Peacock Ring, $6,250, jacquieaiche.com.

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Ananya "The Halo" Engagement Ring round diamond solitaire is surrounded by a sanded gold finish band with a combination of rose cut and full cut diamonds in 18K rose gold, $189,640, ananya.com.

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Douglas Elliott for Marisa Perry Atelier Diamond Cluster Ring in 18K yellow gold, price upon request, marisaperry.com.

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Paler hued stones in pastel pinks, blues, greens, and yellows have gained popularity for their dreamy tones. For lovers of soft color, these creamsicle stones of morganite, aquamarine and citrine check the box—and are less bold than standard jewel tones like ruby, emerald or blue sapphire.

Karma El Khalil Aquamarine Puzzle Ring with diamonds in 18K white gold, price upon request, karmaelkhalil.com.

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PICCHIOTTI Engagement Ring with a cushion cut fancy yellow diamond surrounded by marquise diamonds and diamond baguettes in 18K white and yellow gold, $306,000, leedsandson.com.

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Tiffany & Co. "Tiffany Novo®" round pink sapphire engagement ring with a diamond band in platinum, price upon request, tiffany.com.

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Chunky engagement bands are replacing the delicate stackables brides have been collecting the past few years. Without sacrificing a statement center stone, these bands feature a bezel-set center stone that still gives the look a wow factor no matter how many bands you wear alongside it.

Stephen Russell Diamond Ring with Moghul Cut Diamonds in 20K Rose Gold, price upon request, stephenrussell.com.

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Nancy Newberg Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K Gold with Black Ruthenium Trim, $7,500, nancynewberg.com.

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State Property "Cabot" Ring, $4,500, thisisstateproperty.com.

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Blackened metals like titanium and rhodium add edge to an engagement ring, but also work to make the diamonds pop, whether it's the center stone, or the pavé diamonds set in the band. Darker metals can take on many different styles, from vintage-inspired to sleek and structural. This may seem daring, but trust us: blackened metals have us lighting up.

Tiffany & Co. "The Tiffany®" Setting Diamond Engagement Ring in black titanium and platinum, price upon request, tiffany.com.

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Thelma West "Rebel Black" Ring with pear shaped diamond in 18K black gold, price upon request, thelmawest.com.

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Stephen Russell Platinum & Diamond Ring with Old Mine Cushion Cut Diamond, French, Ca1915, price upon request, stephenrussell.com.

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Emerald and asscher cuts have topped the fancy ranks, replacing where where marquise and pear shapes once reigned supreme. But now, there’s no question why these squared-off shapes are gaining traction: their iconic step cuts and mirror-like facets make them appear larger, and give them a unique, sparkling flash.

Grace Lee Asscher Diamond Bezel Ring in 14K gold, $14,888, gracelee.com.

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De Beers "DB Classic" Asscher-Cut Diamond Ring in platinum, $9,650, debeers.com.

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Douglas Elliott for Marisa Perry Atelier Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring With Tapered Baguettes, price upon request, marisaperry.com.

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While vintage and vintage-inspired rings have been popular for ages, we are now seeing designers simplify the overall design, shifting the focus back to the center stone. The most current heirloom-inspired pieces are less about intricate deco designs or ornate metal milgrain. While these pieces feel unconventional and outside-the-box at times and super classic at others, they are just as much about withstanding the test of time as they are inspired by decades past.

Jade Trau bespoke custom engagement ring, price upon request, jadetrau.com.

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Jessica McCormack "Moonshine Diamond & Sapphire Daisy Ring" with grey diamond, a halo of carré cut blue sapphires and half-moon shaped diamonds in 18k white and yellow gold, price upon request, jessicamccormack.com.

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V by Laura Vann White Emerald Cut Diamond, White Baguette Side Stones and White Brilliant Cut Diamonds in 18K yellow gold, $7,080, vbylauravann.com.

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