Engagement Ring Trends of 2020: The Most Popular Looks So Far This Year

The engagement ring trends so far for 2020 are ones not to be overlooked.

You may have already spotted many engagement ring on social media on the hands of newly-engaged celebrities, but it’s not always clear what’s front and center and considered trendy. That’s why we’ve rounded up a number of  jewelry designers and experts who are explaining what’s popular so far in 2020.

‘Fancy shaped diamonds’

Jewelry expert Kristen Trustey told The Zoe Report in April, “Traditionally, round brilliant diamonds have been the most popular shape for engagement rings accounting for as much as 90 percent of diamond engagement ring purchases. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a surge in fancy shaped diamonds (any shape other than round) now accounting for 50 percent of diamond engagement rings, with some of the most popular shapes being cushion, oval, emerald, and princess. Elongated shapes like an oval, emerald, or elongated cushion are particularly popular and finger-flattering.”

Meanwhile, designer Grace Lee said pear cut engagement rings specifically are “the biggest trend I have seen in 2020 so far,” adding that, “More than half of our custom inquiries are for pear-shaped diamonds.”

Classic vs. Non-Traditional

Jewelry designers Lizzie Mandler, Ashley Zhang, Grace Lee, and Baylee Zwart, each of whom has a network of clients on both the West and East coasts, all agree that trends differ on each coast.

The most significant difference between their clients on the East and West coasts is that the East tends to lean towards more classic engagement rings, while the West asks for more unique designs.

“My clients from L.A. tend to be more adventurous and want a ring that is one-of-a-kind,” said Zhang. “They are more often open to unusual diamond cuts like marquise, or shield cuts.” Mandler added, “my West Coast clients tend to be a bit more wild. I’ve done a few signet-style engagement rings recently and rings with gray diamond center stones, trillion center stones, and knife-edge silhouettes for West Coast clients.”

For East Coasters, Mandler and Zwart said white gold and platinum are requested the most, while another popular choice is the classic solitaire style. On the East Coast there is also a higher demand for white gold and platinum prongs as opposed to the heightened demand for yellow gold and bezel settings on the West Coast.

Yellow-Gold Bands

Hailey Bieber’s yellow gold solitaire engagement ring solidified this yellow gold trend and experts don’t think the trend is going anywhere anytime soon. If anything, yellow gold engagement rings increase in popularity throughout 2020.

Jewelry expert Kathryn Money said, “With former Bachelorettes JoJo Fletcher and Rachel Lindsay, along with celebs like Emily Ratajkowski all opting for yellow gold, we expect the metal to hold onto its moment in the spotlight well into this year. Yellow gold’s warm tone pairs beautifully with classic, contemporary and vintage-inspired styles.”

Two Center Stones