Engagement Ring Trends in London for 2026
Engagement ring style trends are, much like clothes, cyclical. From 2000 to 2020 engagement rings slipped into an autopilot of bright white round brilliants, halo settings, pave bands and princess cuts. By 2025, those trends had become even more uniform. The diamond oval solitaire rose to new heights in 2025, becoming its own algorithm on Tiktok, while celebrity engagement rings all became enormous and increasingly hard to distinguish from one another.
Now, we believe that brides will start to push back in 2026. People will want rings that represent individuality. While stones continue to grow larger, thanks to lab-grown diamonds, style is becoming paramount. As jewellery editor Malaika Crawford puts it, ‘taste, not scale is the new luxury’. Rings are no longer about maximum sparkle alone, but about individuality, history and design. In London, a city defined by creativity and style, unique engagement rings are set to replace the standard white oval solitaire as personal expression becomes the ultimate marker of luxury.
Antique Stones and Cuts
Most people could recall where they were when Taylor Swift announced her engagement. I was standing in a queue at Pret a Manger, waiting to buy my sandwich, whilst aimlessly scrolling through my phone, when I saw the ring and audibly gasped. So, it’s no surprise that this has caused a seismic shift in what people are looking for in an engagement ring. While continuing the celebrity trend of massive carat weight, the unique setting and cut of Taylor’s ring sets it apart from the rest. Old Mine cuts offer a warmth and softness that adds to its vintage charm. Antique diamonds were cut to glow in candlelight, whereas modern day machinery cuts diamond to sparkle immensely. As a result, the broader facets of antique stones create a softer, more romantic shine. Each antique diamond carries tiny irregularities that make it unmistakably individual. No two are truly alike. So, while antique cuts reflect less light due to their shallow depth, they make up for it in uniqueness and charm.
Over the last century, many antique stones were recut into modern brilliants, making true antique diamonds increasingly rare. The cutting techniques themselves have largely been lost through generations due to lower commercial profitability. Yet demand is now rising again as modern buyers seek character over perfection. In 2026, antique cuts will move from niche to mainstream, symbolising knowledge, refinement and quiet luxury within the London engagement ring market.
Different Cuts
Another move away from the Instagram homogeneity of engagement ring styles will be more unique cuts, such as marquise, pear and ascher. Selena’s engagement ring thrust the marquise cut back into the spotlight, highlighting its romantic style through its lengthening effect of the finger and illusion of a larger carat size due to its elongated form. The marquise cut reflects light from multiple angles, creating an intense, radiant shine. While the Marquise cut surged in popularity from the 1990s, it has been around for a long time. The cut was first commissioned by King Louis XV of France (1710-1774), as he wanted a diamond modelled after the lips of his mistress, the Marquise of Pompadour.
The pear cut is set for a similar resurgence. Introduced in the mid-1400s by Flemish cutters, pear shapes were originally known as ‘teardrop diamonds’. Like the marquise, they elongate the finger while offering asymmetry that feels expressive and personal. In a landscape dominated by ovals, the pear feels daring yet timeless.
Asscher and emerald cuts will also continue their rise, appealing to those drawn to architectural lines, mirror-like reflections and vintage glamour. In 2026, the cut will become a statement of personality rather than a default choice.
Chunky gold and bezel settings
In 2026 we predict we’ll see an embrace of weighty and thick bands, transitioning away from the delicate, skinny bands of the 2010s. Thick gold bands, sculpted profiles and strong bezels are replacing fragile pave stacks. These designs feel substantial and intentionally designed rather than mass-produced. Miley Cyrus has embraced the chunky gold engagement ring in 2025 and as an edgy style icon, we have a feeling that chunky bands will be on the rise for brides. Bezel settings, in particular, will continue their momentum. They protect the stone, offer a modern silhouette and create a clean, architectural frame around the centre stone, feeling both contemporary and heirloom-worthy. Chunky gold settings not only provide durability but also add personality and longevity.
Sculptural bands
The band itself is becoming a design statement. Rather than a simple shank plus stone formula, designers are exploring softened signets, undulating curves, melted textures and sculptural forms inspired by early modernist jewellery. Dua Lipa’s engagement ring from Callum Turner embodies this movement. Her ring shows how a minimal setting can transform a diamond ring into a true sculpture. It feels pure, sophisticated and timeless, yet modern enough to stand apart.
These sculptural bands shift the focus from solely sparkle to design integrity. They appeal to brides who see engagement rings as a statement of their own personal style, especially in London where fashion is a language of identity and style is currency.
Warmth and softened tones
Colour is not necessarily replacing white diamonds but the palette is definitely warming. There is an undeniable growing interest in champagne diamonds, light yellows, honey tones and smoky browns. Over the years, champagne diamonds have adorned the wedding fingers of celebrities including Scarlett Johansson, Victoria Beckham and Beyonce and now the floodgates seem to be opening.
These stones may fall lower on the colour grading scale but they create rich, captivating shades that feel romantic, organic and deeply personal. Rather than chasing icy perfection, couples are embracing stones that feel unique and special to them. These warmer tones pair beautifully with yellow gold and antique settings, reinforcing the shift away from stark whiteness towards softness and depth.
In a world driven by algorithms and homogeneity, individuality has become the ultimate luxury. In 2026, London brides will be redefining engagement ring styles, embracing personality and originality in their cuts, unique stones and statement bands.
If you’re searching for the most distinctive engagement ring styles in London for 2026, we offer a curated approach to modern ring design. Our expert gemmologists guide you through every step of the process, from selecting rare stones and innovative settings to crafting a ring that reflects your personal style.
Whether you’re drawn to chunky gold bezels, antique diamonds, warm-toned stones or sculptural bands, our Mayfair showroom offers a space to explore engagement rings that feel considered, contemporary and uniquely yours. Book a consultation with Fenton to explore the future of engagement ring design in London.
