The fashion and accessory scene for 2025 is gearing up to witness significant shifts, especially when it pertains to engagement rings. With the holiday season signaling the onset of engagement proposals, private jeweler Anna P. Jay shared insights with Business Insider about the trends expected to dominate the market this upcoming year.
One of the predominant trends is the emergence of elongated shapes for engagement rings. Jay has observed a rise in popularity for stones such as emerald, oval, pear, and marquise. "Elongated shapes are great because they visually trick the eye to appearing larger," Jay explained. Recent celebrity proposals have illustrated this trend, such as Benny Blanco’s marquise diamond ring for Selena Gomez back in December 2024.
Beyond the shapes of stones, colorful engagement rings are also becoming more popular. While diamonds remain classic, there is a noticeable shift toward sapphires, rubies, and emeralds— stones known not only for their stunning hues but also for their durability. Jay pointed out, "People are not shying away from diamonds, but I think we're starting to see more color." She even noted creative designs with colored stones, like matching tourmaline hues to specific colors like eelgrass for custom pieces.
Another trend is the increased preference for thicker bands. "The '80s are back in a very big way," Jay highlighted, as couples lean toward bigger and chunkier bands. Thicker bands add stability and longevity, which is particularly important for something meant to last a lifetime. Jay stated, "If we can add tenths of millimeters, you're visually not going to be able to tell the difference, but structurally, it's going to be much more sound." This practicality may help counter the sometimes fragile nature of thinner bands popular over the last couple of years.
While yellow gold has become the conventional choice for engagement rings, future preferences may lean toward white gold and silver. Jay anticipates this shift may take two to three years, emphasizing the increasing costs associated with gold. She indicated, "I think we are edging toward more white and silver," as this seems to be the direction consumer preferences are headed. With many opting for sterling silver for everyday jewelry, it’s plausible they may choose white gold or platinum for more significant pieces as well.
Alongside the aforementioned trends, hidden details add charm and personalization to engagement rings. Jay has witnessed clients embracing subtle touches, such as hidden halos or engraved birthstones cleverly incorporated within the setting. "We're involving our partners more in this process," she remarked. This participatory approach not only allows for collaborative design but also brings forth elements of surprise and individual significance.
When it boils down to the essentials, the center stone remains the primary focus for many couples. Jay emphasized the trend of prioritizing quality over quantity, as many consumers now favor investing more significantly in their center stone. This means choosing simpler settings for future flexibility, such as the possibility of resetting the ring or stacking it with other pieces later on. "If you ever did want to reset it, you could add side stones or put it in a chunkier setting or something likethat."
Overall, as the engagement season approaches and new styles surface, it is clear 2025 is set to embrace vibrant colors, bold designs, and personalized details, reflecting the individuality of each couple. With insights from industry experts like Anna P. Jay, the future of fashion and jewelry seems both exciting and distinctly unique.