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Expertise you can trust: Brilliant Earth is known for its award-winning jewelry designs and seamless, innovative shopping experience. This Brilliant Earth engagement ring guide highlights the top eight engagement ring trends we expect to see in 2026. All Brilliant Earth guides are meticulously researched and reviewed by our certified gemologists, content, editorial, and brand teams before publication to ensure industry-leading excellence and accuracy.
Our SVP, Your Engagement Ring Trend Expert
Annie Chen is a self-described fashion-obsessive who has channeled her passion into a career in merchandising, with 15+ years in retail as an expert in buying, strategy and design. The opportunity to set a higher standard for the jewelry industry, as well as the chance to bring her expertise to a category she has always loved, is what excites Annie about her role as SVP of Merchandising and Design at Brilliant Earth.
What Are the Current Engagement Ring Trends?
The landscape of engagement rings is shifting in 2026 with designs that honor tradition while embracing bold individuality. This year's most notable rings move beyond classic solitaires toward artistic expressions that feel both timeless and distinctly personal. From sculptural settings to colored center stones, the engagement ring world is experiencing a renaissance of creativity.
This exclusive guide is crafted with the same precision and vision that defines our engagement ring collection, so you can consider it your insider's perspective on the pieces that will symbolize the first moment of commitment in the year ahead — and for generations to come.
Top Engagement Ring Trends
The New Artistry
1. Sculptural Settings
Engagement rings are embracing dimension and form like never before, with settings that curve, twist, and flow around center gemstones in unexpected ways. These designs transform rings into wearable art, with sweeping lines and dimensional forms that create visual interest from every angle.
The appeal lies in the unique silhouettes — these aren't rings you'll spot on everyone else's finger. The most striking examples feature gentle curves that wrap protectively around the finger or architectural elements that frame the diamond from unexpected angles.
“What distinguishes these sculptural pieces is their emphasis on the metalwork itself — the way bands split and rejoin, how prongs become design elements, and how negative space creates visual intrigue,” comments Chen. “The center gem becomes part of a larger composition rather than the sole focus."
These designs appeal to couples who view their rings as an extension of their personal aesthetic and are seeking pieces that make a statement about individuality as much as commitment. The result is a ring that feels both timeless and boundary-pushing — the perfect symbol for a relationship that honors tradition while creating its own path.
Bold Proportions
2. Substantial Settings
The delicate, whisper-thin settings of recent years are giving way to more substantial designs with presence and weight. These chunky settings feature broader bands, thicker prongs, and more pronounced metalwork that creates a bold statement on the hand.
What's particularly appealing about these designs is how they play with proportion. The substantial metal settings often make center stones appear larger and more impressive, while providing a secure foundation that stands up to everyday wear.
“Beyond aesthetics, these settings offer practical benefits,” says Chen. “The substantial construction provides excellent durability for everyday wear, while the stronger visual presence means these rings pair beautifully with the chunky wedding bands also trending this year.”
The most innovative bold settings incorporate interesting textures or mixed metal elements that add further dimension and character. These designs appeal to those who appreciate jewelry with presence — pieces that feel substantial both physically and visually.
Brilliant Constellations
3. Cluster Settings
Moving away from the single-stone surge, cluster settings arrange multiple smaller gemstones to create captivating patterns and maximize sparkle. These designs range from organic, flower-like arrangements to geometric compositions that create kaleidoscopic effects.
The most compelling cluster rings combine gemstones of various shapes, creating dynamic arrangements that catch light from multiple angles. Some feature a larger center diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller accent gems, while others distribute gemstones of similar size across the design for a more egalitarian effect. These rings offer exceptional brilliance, as multiple facets capture and reflect light.
"Cluster settings also provide remarkable value, as multiple smaller gemstones often create more visual impact than a single larger diamond of the same total weight,” notes Chen. “For couples seeking maximum brilliance and distinctive design, cluster settings offer an appealing alternative to traditional solitaires.”
Renaissance Revival
4. Vintage-Inspired Settings
The clean lines and geometric precision of Art Deco design continue to influence engagement rings in 2026, with settings that feature intricate metalwork, milgrain details, and step-cut stones. These vintage-inspired pieces connect to a celebrated design era while offering clean, architectural lines that feel thoroughly modern.
“What distinguishes today's Art Deco-inspired rings from their historical counterparts is the execution: cleaner lines, more precise gemstone-setting, and thoughtful proportions that honor the original style while feeling thoroughly modern,” comments Chen.
These rings appeal to couples who appreciate design with historical context and detailed craftsmanship. Many incorporate contemporary elements — such as innovative diamond cuts or unexpected metal choices — that prevent them from feeling like reproductions. They offer a connection to tradition while maintaining a distinct connection to a celebrated design era known for its optimism and artistic innovation.
Modern Minimalism
5. Bezel Settings
The bezel setting — where metal fully encircles the stone — has emerged as one of the most influential design elements of 2026. This technique creates a sleek, contemporary look while providing excellent protection for center gemstones.
Chen notes, “These settings offer clean lines and architectural precision, with a visual effect that's decidedly modern.”
The most innovative bezel designs play with metal proportions and finishes — some feature ultra-thin bezels that maximize diamond visibility, while others use substantial metal rims as a deliberate design element. Some incorporate partial bezels that secure the gemstone while allowing light to enter from below, combining security with maximum brilliance.
These rings appeal to those with active lifestyles who need practical durability without sacrificing style. They're also perfect for minimalists who appreciate clean lines and architectural precision. With their smooth edges and protected stones, bezel settings represent a perfect marriage of form and function.
Reimagined Trios
6. Fancy Three-Stone Settings
The symbolic three-stone ring — representing a couple's past, present, and future — gets a contemporary update in 2026 with unexpected gemstone combinations and asymmetrical arrangements. Rather than the traditional trio of round diamonds, today's three-stone rings experiment with distinctive cuts and proportions.
Emerald or baguette side gems flanking oval or cushion centers create a compelling juxtaposition of geometric and fluid forms. Other designs feature trillion or kite-shaped side diamonds that bring a contemporary edge to the classic trilogy concept. Some even play with color, incorporating sapphire or emerald accents alongside a diamond center.
“These rings maintain the meaningful symbolism of the three-stone design while offering a fresh visual vocabulary that appeals to couples seeking something distinctive,” explains Chen. “They represent perhaps the perfect balance of tradition and innovation — honoring conventional meaning while embracing contemporary aesthetics.”
Old-World Charm
7. Antique Cut Center Stones
Step-cut diamonds like emeralds and Asschers continue their rise, but it's the genuinely antique cuts — such as Old European, Old Mine, and Rose cuts — that are capturing attention in 2026. These diamonds feature larger facets and different proportions than modern cuts, creating a distinctive play of light and shadow that differs dramatically from the brilliance of modern gemstones.
“What makes these cuts particularly appealing is their character and individuality. No two antique-cut diamonds are exactly alike, giving each ring a unique quality that can't be replicated,” says Chen.
Their softer sparkle offers a subtle brilliance that feels intimate rather than flashy. These gems often appear in settings that complement their vintage character — yellow gold with milgrain details or platinum with filigree work. The result is a ring that feels like it has a story to tell, and is perfect for couples who value character and history over conventional perfection.
Pops of Color
8. Colored Center Gemstones
The shift toward colored center gemstones continues to gain momentum, with sapphires, emeralds, and fancy-colored diamonds becoming increasingly popular choices for engagement rings. Deep blue gemstones offer a regal quality that feels both classic and distinctive, while vibrant green gemstones bring organic vitality to engagement ring designs.
“For those seeking something truly unique, fancy-colored diamonds in soft pinks, blues, and yellows offer the durability of diamond with unexpected color,” Chen suggests.
These colored center stones often appear in settings that highlight their unique character — yellow gold enhances the warmth of champagne diamonds, while white metals create striking contrast with vivid blue sapphires. The result is a ring that expresses individuality while maintaining the timeless quality expected of an engagement piece.
