This year’s most popular engagement ring styles are all about adventure, individuality, and living life to the fullest. The past two years have reminded us that life is both precious and unpredictable. As a result, more and more couples are taking a “we only live once” approach to picking out their engagement rings. In 2022, couples are gravitating towards engagement rings that are special, meaningful, expressive, and sometimes extravagant. Here are the top trending styles within the year’s crop of unique, striking engagement ring designs.
Toi et Moi Rings
Toi et Moi engagement rings are a huge trend for 2022. This romantic engagement ring style features two centre stones that represent the two halves of the couple, hence the name “Toi et Moi,” which is French for “you and me.”
Toi et Moi rings often feature two different types or shapes of centre stones, reflecting the individuality of each person in the couple. They also frequently feature a bypass band, which is a split band that coils around the finger. The bypass design works wonderfully with the toi et moi design, as it shares a similar sentiment of two individuals coming together.
Toi et moi rings started trending last year thanks to the influence of two celebrity engagement rings: the princess cut and pear-shaped diamond ring worn by Emily Ratajkowski and the pearl and oval cut diamond ring worn by Ariana Grande. Yet, while the trend is new, toi et moi rings themselves are far from new. This style became famous in the late 1700s when Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to his wife-to-be Joséphine with a toi et moi ring. This ring style was also famously worn by Jackie Kennedy, who had an emerald and diamond toi et moi engagement ring.
Rare Diamond Shapes
Couples are shying away from round cut diamonds this year and are instead opting for more rare diamond shapes. Fancy shaped diamonds are popular for both center stones and side stones. Some of the most sought-after center stone shapes for 2022 are oval cut, pear-shaped, marquise cut, cushion cut, emerald cut, and Asscher cut diamonds. Highly uncommon centre stone shapes, like the trillion cut, are also having a moment in 2022. For side stones, pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds are a top choice as always, but that classic option is joined by fancy shapes like baguette-cut and marquise cut diamonds.
Unique Three Stone Engagement Rings
Unique three stone engagement rings are a major trend this year. Three stone rings feature three centre stones that represent a couple’s past, present, and future together. The most traditional three-stone ring design has one larger center diamond and two smaller side diamonds, all of which share the same shape. But this year, unique three stone rings featuring a range of gemstone types, shapes, and sizes are trending.
Many attribute this style’s rise in popularity to celebrity influence. Paris Hilton has a three-stone engagement ring with a 10 to 20 carat emerald cut diamond center and two trapezoid cut diamond size stones. Kat Dennings has a similarly styled three stone ring that features a 4 carat emerald cut diamond center and two trapezoid cut diamond side stones.
Chunky Ring Settings
One of the most unique engagement ring trends of 2022 is chunky ring settings. Thin bands have reigned supreme for many years, but wide bands are coming back with a splash. Wide bands with strong, chunky shapes are particularly popular this year, as are sculptural solitaire engagement rings that take inspiration from the Art Deco era.
Bezel Set Engagement Rings
In keeping with the move toward strong shapes, bezel settings are trending for 2022. Bezel settings hold gemstones in place with a solid ring of metal that fully surrounds the side of the stone. This naturally emphasizes the shape of the enclosed gemstone and creates a strong, yet streamlined look. As an added bonus, bezel settings are more protective compared to prong settings. They’re also less likely to snag your clothing. So, bezel settings are a great option for both fans of bold design and fans of low maintenance jewelry.
Rose Gold Engagement Rings
Yellow gold and white gold engagement rings have dominated bridal jewelry for the past few years, but rose gold engagement rings are coming back into fashion. This trend is tied to the urge for more unique, individual engagement rings. Right now, people are less likely to pick a ring in the most popular precious metal and more likely to select whichever metal best suits their personal style. For fans of romantic or vintage-inspired jewelry, a rose gold ring is an obvious choice.
Colored Gemstones and Diamonds
Colored gemstones and diamonds are everywhere this year as couples gravitate toward stones that suit their style and carry a meaning that speaks to their love story. A huge range of colored diamonds and gemstones are trending this year, but blue sapphires and yellow diamonds are among the most popular.
Vintage-Inspired Halo Engagement Rings
Unique, vintage-inspired halo rings are on the rise in 2022. Halo rings feature a halo of smaller gemstones around their center stone, but there’s plenty of variation in what this halo can look like. Modern halo rings often have seamless halo that’s set with round pavé set diamonds, while vintage halo engagement ring styles tend to have more ornate halo settings. This year’s most popular vintage-inspired halo rings include floral-inspired halo settings, as seen on Princess Diana’s iconic blue sapphire ring, and starburst-style halos that boast baguette-cut or marquise cut diamonds.
Oval-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
Every fancy diamond shape is trending this year, but oval cut diamonds are particularly popular. It’s easy to see why. Oval cut diamonds are unique yet classic, highly brilliant, and very flattering on the finger. They work well for both traditional and unique designs, making them appealing to a wide range of people. As if that weren’t enough, oval cut diamonds also look larger per carat compared to most diamond shapes thanks to their large table (top). What’s not to love?
Playful Bridal Stacks
Traditional bridal sets feature an engagement ring and a matching wedding band. While that type of bridal set will never go out of style, it’s no longer the dominant option. Playful wedding rings with striking shapes and unique details are a huge trend in 2022. Wearing multiple stacking bands alongside an engagement ring is also a big trend.