Engagement rings are evolving beyond the traditional diamond solitaire, with more couples exploring ethical options, bold colors, and personalized designs. Whether you’re going classic or trendy, here’s a breakdown of the top gemstones making waves in the U.S. engagement ring market this year.
The Most Popular Engagement Gemstones
- Natural Diamonds (60%) Despite a rise in alternatives, natural diamonds still lead the way for engagement rings. Their timeless beauty and enduring value make them a favorite for 60% of buyers.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds (20%) Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more mainstream. Their affordability and ethical appeal allow couples to opt for larger stones at a lower cost, with these gems now making up 20% of the market(markets.businessinsider.com)
- Sapphires (10%). Sapphires, especially in unconventional colors like teal, green, and lighter blues, are becoming a popular choice. They offer a unique, personal touch to engagement rings while still maintaining a classic elegance.
- Moissanites (8%). For those seeking brilliance without the price tag of a diamond, moissanites are a great alternative. Their sparkle and affordability are attracting more couples looking for an eye-catching option.
- Other Colored Stones (2%). Emeralds, rubies, and other vibrant gemstones are seeing a rise in popularity. Couples are incorporating these colorful stones for a pop of individuality and symbolism
Why the Shift in Preferences?
The shift in engagement ring preferences toward lab-grown diamonds is largely driven by their significantly lower prices, as the cost of lab-grown diamonds has dropped sharply in recent years. While some buyers mention ethical sourcing as a key motivation, this reasoning is often overstated. In reality, many companies tend to exaggerate the ethical superiority of lab-grown diamonds, while downplaying the sustainability and ethical aspects of natural diamonds. The claims of lab-grown diamonds being more ethical are not always as straightforward as they seem, and many industry experts argue that there is bias in how both options are marketed
Sources of Information:
- Taylor & Hart Blog - Insights into engagement ring trends, including the growing popularity of sapphires and custom rings with colored side stones.
- Business Insider - Report on lab-grown diamonds and their rise in the engagement ring market due to affordability and ethical concerns.
- Martha Stewart Weddings - Trends on engagement rings in 2024, including the growing demand for colored sapphires and sustainable, lab-grown diamonds.
- Whiteflash - Data on engagement ring trends, emphasizing the dominance of natural diamonds and the rise of unique gemstone choices.
- Image source: Creative Commons