2024’s Biggest Engagement Ring Trend Is Totally Unexpected — & Half the Price of the ‘Traditional’ Choice
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When it comes to proposals, brides-to-be are creating their own rules. Gone are the days when you hope your partner knows which ring you want. People who want an engagement ring are sharing exactly the styles and stones they’re interested beforehand to make sure they get exactly what they want. And over the last few years, more and more people are opting out of spending a fortune on a ring —especially Gen Z, which a recent study says is a generation that’s far less interested in costly engagement rings, especially when inflation rates and housing prices keep climbing.
Plus, younger Americans are much more likely to invest in goods that are ethically made and better for the planet—jewelry included.
Even so, brides still don’t want to sacrifice style when it comes to popping the question; they’re just starting to lean away from expensive, flashy, natural diamonds and instead turning towards environmentally-friendly, more affordable, and still gorgeous-as-ever stones. Which is why lab-grown diamonds are poised to become the biggest engagement ring trend of 2024. The numbers back that up: According to a March 2023 report, the lab-grown diamond market is expected to grow to $37 billion by 2028 (it’s currently valued at $22.45 billion).
What are lab-grown diamonds, exactly?
Lab-grown diamonds are what they sound like: They’re diamonds grown in a lab. Scientists mimic the environment where natural diamonds are cultivated with high temps and immense pressure. In this environment, carbon atoms are physically bonded together to form a crystalline mass. They look and feel exactly like diamonds, yet only take a few weeks to create — and they’re just as durable.
And the price of lab-grown diamonds is seen as a huge plus, which is something jewelers are noting. “Lab-grown diamonds have become so popular among younger couples looking to get engaged because it has given them a chance to own a beautiful piece of jewelry without spending a ridiculous amount of money,” explains Rustin Yasavolian, CEO of Masina Diamonds.
“In an age where everything has become more expensive, lab-grown diamonds have exploded in popularity. It gives couples a chance to get engaged with a diamond size and quality that they would have to otherwise taken years of savings. You can now get a colorless VS clarity 3.00ct diamond under $10K where it would cost over $40K in a a natural diamond,” he adds.
Ahead are the five most popular lab-grown diamond engagement ring styles we’re going to see in 2024. Get ready to add these to your Pinterest board!
1. Horizontal Emerald Cut
Emerald cut diamond rings have been trending for years, but in 2024, brides want something that’s a little more original, which is why many will be opting for a horizontal (east west) emerald cut ring. This 14k gold setting includes a lab-grown diamond that is just as brilliant and eye-catching as earth-grown diamonds, but a serious fraction of the cost.
Because Blue Nile mainly sells online, they don’t work off of commissions, which allows the company to keep prices as low as possible for the consumer. They also have a diamond price-match guarantee, making them one of the most competitive (and successful) diamond retailers out there.
East West Solitaire Ring
$2,010
2. Petite Oval
Celebs like Ashley Benson love the single oval solitaire design (except when you’re a celeb, your ring tends to be massive). In 2024, we’re predicting that brides will be opting for this classic-cut design that’s just a little smaller, but still has all of the sparkle. This one is under $2,000 for a lab-grown diamond and solid 14k gold band.
Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring
$1,870
3. Two Stone Engagement Ring
The two-stone engagement ring started with Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly a few years ago, but it’s going strong in 2024 with just a few tweaks. The classic two-stone set that’s close together will still be trending, but expect to see more two-stone rings with a space, like this one that features a white and yellow diamond with a 14k gold band.
Two Stone Engagement Ring
$4,900
4. Wide Bands
Tish Cyrus (Miley’s mom!) opted for an ultra wide engagement ring band with an emerald cut stone, and we’re going to see more wide band rings in 2024. This style is perfect for brides who don’t want to stack a wedding band on top of their engagement ring, or anyone who wants to stand out a little from the norm.
ZAC ZAC POSEN Three-Stone Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring
$3,100
5. Marquise Engagement Rings
Each year, the desire for unique engagement rings that no one else has grows, and 2024 will be no different. One stand-out unique style is the marquis engagement ring. Blue Nile makes it super easy to understand how to build out the marquis ring of your dreams with its easy-to-reference FAQ page it has for each style.
According to the FAQ: “Marquise-cut engagement rings showcase a center diamond with an elongated shape that curves along the sides and comes to a point at both ends.” They also help the finger to look extra long and lean, thanks to its vertical cut.
Scalloped Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
$1,800
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