We’ve all heard the saying “new year, new me.” While that phrase can apply to any part of your life, for couples considering tying knots, this is especially true. A new year for many signals an opportunity to take the next step in a relationship, and what better way to do so than by getting engaged! So, if you and your partner are ready to take this leap of love, finding the perfect engagement ring should be your next course of action.
When beginning your search, it’s important to have an idea of what you might like, as this will help narrow down the vast array of engagement ring options that are available today. “The amount of choice can be very overwhelming so it helps when you have a few clear design ideas, as well as the overall budget when you first start looking,” shares Rachel Boston, founder of the luxury brand Rachel Boston Jewelry. “In all likelihood, you will end up with a design quite different from what you first imagined and that’s totally fine. It should be a fun process and it’s important to explore different designs to be sure you eventually settle on something you’re truly excited by.”
What’s more, understanding the trends of the year will help you hone in on a ring style that you and your partner will love for years to come. Thus, with the continued help from Boston, here are the top five engagement ring trends to expect in 2023. Be sure to take notes!
Modern Art-Deco
“Art-deco pieces are still going strong, unsurprisingly, given their timeless elegance. It’s such an extensive style that offers something for every taste. Whether a five-stone ring with all-emerald cut diamonds or an antique old mine cut surrounded by a modern baguette hello, the design vocabulary that Art-Deco offers is so rich,” notes Boston.
Simply put, these designs are perfect for couples who prefer unique styles mixed with timeless and elegant touches. “There is something for everyone, and I can’t see the appeal of Art-Deco-inspired pieces slowing down anytime soon,” Boston added.
Colored Stones
Although diamonds will forever be an engagement ring staple, many couples are veering from tradition and opting for pieces that feature colored gemstones. “One of the main appeals of colored gemstones is that each stone will have its own distinctive character. Because no two colored gemstones are alike, these are wonderful choices for meaningful, personal jewelry,” shares Boston. “There is so much scope for the personality of the wearer to come through and to have a piece that is really unique to them.” We especially love this style as it adds a bit of versatility and excitement to even the most pared-back engagement ring designs.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
There has been a huge push toward sustainability practices over the past few years, and the demand for lab-grown diamonds has continued to spike with no sign of it slowing down. In 2023, we expect to see even more couples embrace this trend, and purchase sparklers that are 100 percent conflict-free.
Additionally, lab-created stones are great options for those looking for quality and long-lasting rings at an affordable price. If you’re interested in learning more and finding a few designs that work for you, VRAI x Brides has a gorgeous collection of lab-grown jewelry (with several engagement rings) for those who’d like to embrace this fast-growing trend.
East-West Settings
While not a new trend, Boston expects to see this unique setting gain more momentum in 2023, given the emphasis on individuality in the wedding space. “[East-west settings] make for a playful but still endlessly elegant solitaire. We find that there is currently a real demand for pieces that are full of character but have an air of timelessness to them, investment pieces that will become chic future heirlooms,” shares Boston.
Multiple Large Stones
This year, skip the solitaire setting and opt for designs that feature multiple large stones. For example, Boston anticipates that we’ll see this trend everywhere in the form of Toi et Moi rings. “‘Toi et Moi’ (French for ‘you and me’) refers to a two-stone engagement ring,” she notes. “It’s a romantic option cemented throughout by some of history’s most famous couples—think Napoleon and Josephine and John F Kennedy and Jackie O.” Other variations of this trend can also include three-stone rings, a la Meghan Markle, or pieces that feature clusters of multiple diamonds and gemstones.