Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What Couples Are Choosing
Engagement rings are changing faster than ever. Lab grown stones have become the norm, yellow gold is back, and settings that were niche a few years ago, like east-west and toi et moi, are now everywhere. Here are the trends shaping engagement rings in 2026, starting with the hard numbers and then the styles we are making most.
The numbers: what couples actually bought
The Knot's 2026 Real Weddings Study surveyed more than 10,000 US couples who married in 2025. As reported by JCK in February 2026, it found:
- 61% of engagement rings had a lab grown centre stone, up 239% since 2020. About 40% of couples said it was important to them that their stone was lab grown.
- The average centre stone was 1.9 carats, and the average spend was about $4,600.
- Round (26%) and oval (25%) were the two most popular shapes, almost tied.
- Yellow gold was chosen by 39% of couples, up 140% in five years, while white metals are slowly declining.
- Among non-diamond centre stones, sapphire (23%) and moissanite (20%) were the most popular.
The message is clear: couples want a bigger look for their budget, and they are comfortable choosing lab grown diamonds and diamond alternatives to get it.
1. Lab grown diamonds go mainstream
With six in ten rings now lab grown, choosing a lab grown diamond is no longer unusual. It is the most common choice. A lab grown diamond is a real diamond, grown in a lab rather than mined, and it lets couples choose a larger stone or a better metal for the same budget. If you are deciding, read are lab grown diamonds worth it? and browse our oval lab grown diamond engagement rings.
2. Moissanite for a big look on a smaller budget
Moissanite is one of the two most popular non-diamond centre stones. It is very hard, it sparkles with strong rainbow fire, and a 2 or 3 carat look costs far less than a diamond. Start with what is moissanite? or see moissanite engagement rings under $500.
3. Ovals and other elongated shapes
Oval is now almost as popular as round, and other long shapes are rising with it: marquise, elongated cushion, pear and emerald. Elongated stones look larger per carat and make the finger look longer. Compare the top two in oval vs round engagement ring, or shop oval moissanite rings and marquise moissanite rings.
4. East-west settings
Turning an elongated stone sideways across the finger is one of the most talked-about looks of the year. It feels modern and unexpected, and the tips of a long stone run along the finger instead of pointing out, which helps protect them. Learn more in east-west engagement rings explained and see our east-west engagement rings.
5. Yellow gold
Yellow gold has made a strong comeback. It gives a ring warmth and a vintage feel, and it flatters warm skin tones. White stones such as colorless moissanite and lab grown diamonds look especially bright against it. Our rings are made to order in 10K, 14K or 18K solid gold, in yellow, white or rose.
6. Antique and vintage cuts
Old mine, old European and Portuguese cuts bring the soft, flickering sparkle of antique jewelry with the durability of modern stones. They pair naturally with milgrain edges, filigree and yellow gold. Our guide to antique-style cuts explains the differences, and you can shop old European cut, old mine cut and Portuguese cut rings.
7. Toi et moi: two stones, side by side
The toi et moi ("you and me") ring sets two stones next to each other, often in different shapes, such as a pear with an oval. It is a romantic design with a long history and a very modern look. Read toi et moi ring meaning to see how to design one.
8. Hidden halos and quiet details
Many couples want a clean solitaire from the top with a surprise from the side. A hidden halo of small stones under the centre stone does exactly that. See what is a hidden halo? and our hidden halo engagement rings.
9. Bezel settings
A smooth rim of metal around the stone protects its edge, does not snag on clothing and looks sleek and modern. A bezel shows a little less of the stone's outline than prongs, but many people prefer the security for everyday wear. Browse moissanite bezel engagement rings.
10. Color
Colored centre stones are a growing way to make a ring personal. Blue, green and champagne moissanite give the look of a colored gem with moissanite's hardness and fire. See our colored moissanite guide and colored moissanite engagement rings.
11. Three stone rings
The three stone ring, often said to stand for your past, present and future, remains a favourite, especially with baguette or trillion side stones for a modern twist. Read three stone ring meaning or shop three stone moissanite engagement rings.
Trend or timeless?
Trends are a great source of ideas, but you will wear this ring for decades. A simple rule: choose a classic base, such as a solitaire, a well-proportioned shape and a metal you love, then add one personal or on-trend detail, like an east-west orientation, a hidden halo or a colored stone. If nothing in our range is quite right, we make custom designs to order.
Quick answers
What is the most popular engagement ring shape in 2026?
Round and oval are almost tied, with round at 26% and oval at 25% in The Knot's 2026 Real Weddings Study.
Are lab grown diamonds the trend now?
Yes. About six in ten engagement rings bought by couples who married in 2025 had a lab grown centre stone.
Is yellow gold in style for engagement rings?
Yes. Yellow gold was chosen by 39% of couples and has risen 140% in five years.
How big is the average engagement ring?
The average centre stone in the same study was 1.9 carats.
Source: The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study, as reported by JCK, "Lab-Grown Diamonds Take Command of the Engagement Ring Market," February 25, 2026. We update this guide each year.