I am often asked what the most popular engagement ring design is. Therefore, I have taken on the task of finding the most popular styles of engagement rings. I usually do not recommend simply going for the most popular design, because an engagement ring should suit you/her. However, it does provide a sense of security to know that the design is popular among others. At least then you are not completely off track if you are looking for an engagement ring for your better half and are a little clueless about his/her preferences.

The trend in engagement rings changes from year to year, though not as much as the fashion industry. Jewelry is often more classic in design, and engagement rings especially so. The same classic designs have been popular since the 1800s, and even large jewelry giants have not changed their designs for many years.

To learn more about the most popular engagement rings here in 2022, I conducted a large survey with over 1000 respondents who had gotten engaged from February to December 2021, and the results are telling.

Our data at Abelstedt shows that 84% of all engagement rings sold have a clear, white center stone of either white diamond or white sapphire. Of this number, 56% of purchased engagement rings have stones down the side of the engagement ring and a halo with small diamonds around the center stone, while 29% choose a solitaire engagement ring without small diamonds around the center stone.

A halo engagement ring is therefore more popular than a solitaire engagement ring. Here you can see the difference:

Solitaire engagement ring

Halo engagement ring

What is the most popular engagement ring right now?

In recent years, we have seen many choose an emerald cut center stone with diamonds down the side of the band and a halo of diamonds around the center stone. Major influencers such as Mathilde Gøhler and Disney star Clara Marz have both been spotted with an emerald cut diamond and sapphire ring from Abelstedt, which has certainly helped make this design a hit from our own collection.

The most popular center stone in an engagement ring is round cut

Although many choose a more creative shape and cut, round cut is a cut that never goes out of style and will probably always be the most popular engagement ring. According to my questionnaire, 42% have an engagement ring of this style with the round center stone. Its appearance is timeless, versatile, and has plenty of sparkle. A round cut is cone-shaped from the bottom to maximize light return through the top of the diamond or sapphire, which looks fantastic in all lights and settings. Round cut will always be a classic.

The new trend in engagement rings is oval cut

Do you also see the oval engagement ring every time you open Instagram? If so, you are not alone. The oval cut diamond or sapphire has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Based on my survey, a full 18% have received an oval cut center stone. This is an increase of almost 20% since the previous year 2020, and in 2014 the number was only 2%.

Who knows? Maybe the oval cut center stone will one day surpass the round cut. Although the round stone is at the top for engagement rings, it appears that it may be facing a decline. Although 42% have an engagement ring with a round stone, that number has fallen by 3% since last year, and it looks like the curve has started to fall even more.

So why has the oval cut engagement ring become so popular? The answer can, of course, be found among the biggest celebrities. Blake Lively was one of the very first to show off her large oval engagement ring in 2012. Subsequently, even more celebrities have appeared with the same popular cut. Stars such as Ariana Grande, Hailey Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and Kourtney Kardashian all have oval cut engagement rings, and this certainly does not harm the cut's reputation and popularity.

In addition to its accepted status from many celebrities, the oval cut can also do something else. An engagement ring with an oval cut creates the illusion of lengthening the finger with its elongated shape. The shape also makes the stone's carat appear larger than it actually is. And if you add a halo or perhaps a double halo around the diamond or sapphire, it will look even bigger. The oval shape is especially beautiful if you want to wear several rings next to the engagement ring, such as eternity rings. It creates a beautiful and cohesive look when the oval stone slightly overlaps your other rings on your finger.

Next to oval cut is princess cut (the square diamond or sapphire). This is therefore the third most popular cut. 10% of all respondents chose a princess cut. After that comes cushion cut and pear cut with approx. 6% each.

The most popular precious metal for an engagement ring is white gold

When you look at an engagement ring, you probably first notice the center stone shape (cut), and you most likely see one of the aforementioned. And yes, it is true that the center stone is, of course, the most defining element of the ring's expression. But believe it or not, the precious metal actually has a drastic influence on the visual appearance and durability of the engagement ring. A gold engagement ring, for example, can give a warmer glow to the diamond or sapphire than, for example, platinum.

According to my survey, however, the most popular precious metal is white gold. 47% of respondents said they have a white gold ring, followed by gold and then silver. Platinum is not as commonly used in Denmark as in, for example, the USA. However, we are seeing more and more people choose gold over time.

Personally, I recommend choosing a white gold ring if you have a design that is covered with gemstones and diamonds, as the light color makes the stones appear clearer and cleaner than gold would.

The most popular center stones in an engagement ring are diamonds and sapphires

When it comes to the center stone in an engagement ring, diamonds are a constant favorite. As De Beers once marketed: "A diamond is forever". My data shows that 75% of all engagement rings have a clear white diamond as the center stone.

However, the diamond is not the only gemstone that is a hit. 10% of respondents said that their engagement ring has another gemstone besides diamonds, which makes their ring even more unique. This may indicate that consumers are now interested in finding budget-friendly alternatives to diamonds that also offer ethical and sustainable benefits.

Of those who do not have a diamond ring, a sapphire is the second most popular choice. Sapphires account for 17% of all engagement rings with gemstones. Morganite and opals each account for approximately 6%, while emeralds account for 3%.

Ultimately, it's about choosing a ring that is unique in a way that perfectly suits you or the person who will receive it. And while round cut diamonds and sapphires are consistently the most popular choices, more couples are experimenting with shapes that are as unique as they are. I generally find that our own customers are less concerned with fitting into the 'mold' and are more focused on a unique ring that speaks to them and to their shared love.

I hope that my guide and collected data could give you inspiration and bring you a little closer to what decision is right for you when buying an engagement ring.

Check out our entire selection of engagement rings which mainly consist of white gold or gold with diamonds and a sapphire center stone of all cuts. If you want a diamond as a center stone, it is certainly possible. All you have to do is click on "inquire about a diamond center stone" under the product, and I will get back to you with a no-obligation offer. If you want a completely unique design according to your own wishes and dreams, that is also possible. Just write in the chat, and you will get in touch with me or one of our other design experts.