When Taylor Swift debuted her old mine cut elongated cushion engagement ring, it quietly nudged a vintage-leaning trend back into the spotlight. As 2026 approaches, couples preparing for proposals are seeking rings that feel personal, ethical, and full of character. Lab-grown diamond expert and Plum Diamonds Co-Founder Kristy Cullinane shares what styles are gaining momentum in the year ahead.

Old Mine Cut Diamonds

Old mine cuts are rising fast, thanks to their soft edges, candlelit sparkle, and old-world charm. They blend naturally with cushion, oval, and round shapes, making them a versatile choice for both classic and contemporary settings.

Colored Diamonds

Colored lab diamonds are stepping into the spotlight, offering vibrant alternatives to traditional colorless stones. Cullinane notes greens, pinks, blues, and yellows as favorites, each one durable enough for everyday wear. These gemstones look especially striking in bezel settings and glow even more when paired with warm metals.

Asymmetric Floral Cluster Rings

Floral-inspired rings with asymmetric clusters and petal prongs are gaining traction. These designs bring softness, movement, and an organic quality to the finger. Pieces like the Oval Petals Cluster Ring also create a more natural, airy stack when paired with wedding bands, a refreshing contrast to rigid, perfectly aligned silhouettes.

Elongated Stones

Elongated shapes continue to dominate, beloved for their flattering proportions and the illusion of greater size. Ovals, marquises, elongated cushions, pears, radiant, and emerald cuts all fall into this category, and many couples are opting for east-west settings to make them feel fresh.

Subtle Personalizations

Couples are adding hidden birthstones, engravings, milgrain edges, and even fully bespoke elements to their rings. “Most people want to wear something that’s unique to them, with personal touches that carry significance,” Cullinane shares. Customization turns the ring into a quiet, wearable archive of meaning.

 

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From character-rich old mine cuts to expressive colored diamonds, 2026 engagement rings are steering toward individuality, artistry, and thoughtful storytelling. Couples are choosing rings that resonate with their values and aesthetics, elevating the proposal moment into something beautifully personal, down to every prong, sparkle, and hidden detail.