Modern Engagement Ring Trends vs Timeless Classics

Selecting an engagement ring is one of the most significant and frankly enjoyable shopping experiences that you’ll ever have. But how do you choose a piece that suits your partner’s current style, yet still looks timeless when you look back at photos in a few years?

No matter whether you’re engaging next week or next year, it’s worth finding balance between fresh, on-trend designs and enduring classic styles. In our opinion, it’s the best way to pick a ring that’s truly built for forever. 

What does ‘modern’ mean in 2025?

Today’s designs are all about personality and ethics. One of the biggest shifts is the growing acceptance of lab-grown diamonds, which are now being promoted by A-list celebrities like Billie Eilish. These gems offer larger carat weights and perfect clarity at accessible price points, with ethical sourcing guaranteed.

Aesthetically, contemporary trends include boldness with unexpected pear-cuts or elongated oval stones, asymmetric settings and mixed metals, like rose gold paired with white gold. 

Minimalist settings (where the focus is solely on the stone) and elegant cluster designs are also important trends, perfect for the cool-girl aesthetic.

The lasting appeal of timeless classics

A classic design is established, not boring. The enduring appeal of these styles lies in their simplicity and elegance, with quintessential brilliant cut stones on sleek platinum or yellow gold bands.

These designs remain popular across generations because they beautifully complement pretty much any wedding band. They never clash with changing fashion trends, either. You can still update a classic by focusing on the minor details of the setting—for instance, a knife-edge setting carries modern flair without removing any of that classic charm.

Blending styles with hybrid and custom designs

Many couples are choosing to create brilliant fusion rather than picking between the two styles. Hybrid designs offer the best of both worlds, updating a classic silhouette with trendy touches.

Hidden accent stones, like a tiny diamond underneath the main setting, help to personalise rings even further and subtly incorporate different styles. From delicate milgrain edging to a flash of coloured gemstone like sapphire or emerald, custom designs can be truly breathtaking.

By working with a jeweller, you can make sure that you choose an engagement ring for your partner that’s both traditional and uniquely theirs, with a true blend of tradition and trend in one piece.

Practical considerations

Finally, beyond just the dazzling design, the best engagement rings need to be practical. In the process of finding the perfect fit for your spouse, you should think about how it will weather years of wear. 

Durability and wearability for daily life are both paramount. Think about your partner’s job and hobbies: while a higher setting might snag on things, a softer stone might not hold up to everyday activities.

Consider the stone’s hardness, prioritising diamonds and sapphires for a beautiful yet robust choice. And lastly, don’t forget to do your research to pick the right stone. Whether they’d prefer an ethical lab-grown diamond or something mined for heirloom potential, make sure you’re confident.