Thinking of getting down on one knee this Christmas? With proposal season fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to explore the ring styles, diamond cuts and design trends defining modern love. From vintage-inspired shapes to contemporary settings and sustainable lab-grown stones, today’s engagement rings are as individual as the love stories behind them. Whether you’re planning a picture-perfect festive proposal or simply starting your search, here’s Luxe Bible’s guide to finding the perfect engagement ring.
Let’s Start with the Round Brilliant
Classic, timeless, and universally flattering, the round brilliant remains the world’s most recognisable engagement ring shape. Its perfectly balanced 58 facets are engineered for maximum bling and sparkle, making it the go-to for anyone who wants performance and tradition in equal measure.
Even as alternative cuts gain traction, the symbolism of a circle (love without beginning or end) keeps the round brilliant at the top of many wish lists.
The Celebrity Fuelled Rise of the Oval
The social media savvy amongst us will know that the Oval is worn by celebs like Hailey Bieber, Ariana and Kourtney Kardashian which has fuelled somewhat of a consumer trend when it comes to engagement ring shapes. An oval shaped diamond engagement ring elongated shape makes fingers appear longer, while the stone itself looks larger than its actual carat weight – and lets face it, in this day and age, there’s bound to be plenty of pictures of that beautiful ring.
This season, jewellers are reporting a surge in east-west oval settings — a chic horizontal placement that gives the traditional silhouette a contemporary edge.
The Comeback of the Marquise Cut
Once an 18th-century royal favourite, the marquise cut is now the choice for brides who love a bold, elongated silhouette. Modern jewellers are leaning into east-west settings and minimal bands to give this dramatic shape a cleaner, more architectural finish.
Emerald Cuts = Understated Luxury
The emerald cut’s step-like geometry is the epitome of minimalist cool. Instead of fiery brilliance, it delivers a refined hall-of-mirrors effect that feels sophisticated and architectural. Because of its large open table, clarity and cut quality matter more than ever – a detail design-lovers tend to appreciate.
Vintage Vibes: Old Mine & Cushion Cuts
Vintage-inspired designs are back, with old mine and cushion cuts leading the resurgence. Hand-cut in their original form during the 18th and 19th centuries, these softer, more romantic shapes create a glow rather than a sharp sparkle – perfect for anyone seeking an heirloom feel.
Cushion cuts pair beautifully with halo settings, adding a dreamy luminosity around the centre stone.
Speciality Cuts for Personal Stories
Pear, heart and radiant cuts may be less common, but they offer instant individuality. These shapes often carry deeply personal meaning – from teardrop silhouettes symbolising emotional milestones to radiant cuts chosen for their unmistakable sparkle.
Choosing a Cut for Your Hand Shape
A diamond cut can dramatically change the look of your hand:
- Oval cuts visually lengthen shorter fingers
- Emerald cuts offer balance on long, elegant hands
- Round brilliants flatter almost everyone
- Cushions and marquise cuts can appear dramatically different depending on proportion and band thickness
Trying on multiple shapes is essential – a cut that dazzles in a display case can feel completely different once it’s on your hand.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
One of the biggest shifts in the engagement ring world is the rise of lab-grown diamonds which are transforming the market.Chemically and visually identical to natural stones, they open the door to larger carat sizes and more adventurous designs at a friendlier price point. They’re also appealing to buyers who prioritise sustainability and transparency.
Metal Trends & Setting Design
Yellow gold continues its renaissance, while platinum remains the choice for durability and contemporary lines. Mixed-metal stacks, toi-et-moi stones and hidden halos are reshaping what an engagement ring can look like – proving that craftsmanship and creativity matter just as much as the diamond itself.