Wedding Ring Trends: What's Hot This Year

Whether you just want to keep up to date with what’s hot this year, or you’ve started the hunt for a perfect wedding ring, here are a few of 2024’s wedding ring trends.

Striking Gemstones and Choosing Together

Colored gemstones such as emerald, ruby, and sapphire are increasingly featured on wedding rings. Maggi Simpkins, owner of the namesake company, has recently said, “I am getting a lot of requests for larger stones,” noting the popularity of oval shapes, pear shapes and emerald cuts.

Emily Phillippy of Emily Chelsea Jewelry says they have been “getting into lavender sapphires a lot more,” and says of the engagement ring shopping experience nowadays: “both people are involved now.” Couples are choosing their rings together. “We very rarely only speak to one person anymore,” says Phillippy.

These gemstones are sometimes haloed by smaller diamonds in a variety of designs. Diamond clusters, flower shapes, and wedding ring sets are all popular choices. Madison notes that her sapphires are “most often set in a three-stone ring with diamonds on either side.”

Lab Grown Diamonds

“Diamonds are forever,” as the song goes. In 2024, though, diamonds are more likely to be lab grown.

Lab-created diamonds are a more ethical and sustainable choice, made from tiny shards of mined diamonds which are introduced to carbon atoms. This process results in diamonds indistinguishable from traditional diamonds, and lab diamonds are subject to the same rigorous quality checks.

Celebrities such as actors Emma Watson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Joaquin Phoenix have chosen lab grown diamond rings, which has played a part in their rising popularity.

Rings featuring these diamonds are available in a range of styles and carats. Rings made with white gold, yellow gold and the on-trend rose gold are available online. A husband-to-be searching for the special wedding ring for her can find a wide range of rings from sites like Best Brilliance

Vintage-inspired Styles and Buying Online

Vintage styles have been noticeably on trend this year, with rings influenced by the art deco era particularly popular.

Contemporary designs are still popular and widely available, but art deco influenced rings are now commonly seen. Teen Vogue editor, Lindsay Peoples Wagner, wore such a design for her engagement ring.

Jeweler Valerie Madison has noted the trend in “searching for a vintage aesthetic with sapphires in soft color tones, like muted blues and greens, and peaches.” 

Buying online can open up a wider range of designs than you might see in-store, and good websites will have a comprehensive description of each ring. Shopping online also offers the advantage of being able to read others’ reviews, and gather more information before you make a purchase.

To go along with many newly designed pieces inspired by vintage styles, previously worn vintage rings are sold on sites such as Etsy, giving them a second life. Sustainability is a growing concern among consumers, bringing us to the next wedding ring trend.

Sustainable Materials and Ethical Jewelry

Consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainable materials, such as lab grown diamonds, and are more likely to research such information before purchasing a ring.

Younger generations of couples are particularly mindful of the environmental impact of their choices. Research has shown consumers are willing to boycott companies who choose to neglect these concerns.

Some websites are recognising this factor in shopping, and offer products such as “conflict-free engagement and wedding rings”. 

As well as environmental concerns, customers want suppliers to adhere to fair trade principles and ensure their working environments are safe and fair.

These values influence styles, and sometimes traditional gold and diamond jewelry can make way for recycled materials and traceable stones.

There are companies who pay particular attention to sustainability and ethical issues, such as Bario Neal, who are noted supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality. Others such as Aurate offer jewelry made in the US, enabling them to ensure their sources are ethical.

Minimalist Rings

While vintage rings with more striking designs are growing in popularity, so too is minimalism. Contemporary, elegant rings offer an alternative for those wishing to sport a more understated look.

Often single bands will support an emerald or princess diamond shape. Such simple designs can pair well with sleek, minimalist and modern clothing.

Multiple Stones and Bands

While there’ll always be the sleek, minimalist look available, some couples choose a more striking multiple-stone or band look. These rings may feature a mix of diamond shapes and the bands may feature diamond clusters or be more supportive pieces.

Customized Designs

If you’re buying from a jeweler online, you might choose to contact someone who offers customized designs.

Choosing engraved wedding rings with your names and a meaningful date or message is an increasingly common option. Online jewelers are often happy to answer queries and provide customers with a personalized service.

If you have the option to choose a customized ring, you might consider your clothing choices, lifestyle (whether you work with your hands), and the type of band that will best enhance your chosen centre diamond.

Related Article:

• Top 10 Wedding Ring Trends for 2023