While engagement rings should always be a deeply personal choice, one that reflects your style, story, and who you are as a couple, there’s no denying that trends emerge each year.
Some are shaped by broader jewellery aesthetics, and others are driven by celebrity engagements (and with so many high-profile proposals in 2025, they’re set to influence what we’ll see in 2026).
With that in mind, here are the top engagement ring trends to watch in 2026.
Bold, Chunky Engagement Rings
After years of ultra-fine, delicate settings dominating the market, 2026 is seeing a return to bold, substantial engagement rings. Think thicker bands, weightier settings, and stones that feel unapologetically present.
Miley Cyrus’s recently revealed engagement ring, solid, sculptural and confidently chunky, has already sparked a wave of interest, signalling the comeback of statement silhouettes. Her specific ring appears to be a 4-5 carat Elongated Cushion cut set in an East West setting. Simple and modern.
The elongated cushion is a modern cut – the traditional square cushion has been around for a long time, but the elongated version is modern and fashion-forward.
For jewellers, this shift is welcome. Heavier designs aren’t just visually impactful, they’re more durable and made to last a lifetime- just like your marriage.
Coloured Gemstones Take Centre Stage
From emeralds to sapphires, rubies to tourmalines, coloured stones are stepping into the spotlight.
The explosion of interest in lab-grown diamonds has made traditional white diamonds more accessible, and with that, many couples are starting to crave something different, unique and something that speaks to them and coloured gemstones offer exactly that.
Whether chosen for symbolism, birthstones, personality, or simply aesthetic preference, they’re becoming a leading choice for 2026 proposals.
The Cushion Cut Comeback
The cushion cut is officially having a moment again—thanks in large part to the celebrities who embraced it in 2025. With its soft edges, vintage charm, and romantic feel, the cushion cut offers timeless beauty with a modern twist.
Several standout examples have already cemented its resurgence:
● Zendaya, who dazzled at the Golden Globes with a 5.02-carat east–west cushion-cut diamond
● Taylor Swift, sporting a distinctive elongated antique-style cushion cut set in yellow gold
● Millie Bobby Brown, whose cushion-cut stone in a halo setting gained major attention
● Gabriella Brooks, engaged to Liam Hemsworth with a ~4.5–5 carat antique cushion or old mine cut diamond in yellow gold
These high-profile rings are inspiring couples worldwide to rediscover this elegant,
romantic shape.
Personalised and Bespoke Pieces
Perhaps the biggest trend of all is individuality. More couples are moving away from off-the-shelf designs and opting for custom-made engagement rings that tell their story.
Jewellers are seeing a rise in clients wanting:
● Meaningful stones, such as birthstones or family gems to truly personalise one of the most meaningful pieces of jewellery you can receive
● Travel-sourced gemstones, like Zambian emeralds brought home from overseas adventures to mark a moment in your relationship
● Custom designs that feel deeply personal and unique Everything, from stone selection to setting style, is becoming more intentional.
In 2026, engagement rings are all about self-expression, as they should be. From statement-worthy chunky designs to richly coloured gemstones, the revival of the cushion cut to the rise of bespoke craftsmanship, couples are choosing rings that feel distinctive, personal and reflective of their own love stories.
About
Talitha Cummins is the founder of The Cut Jewellery, an Australian jewellery brand that offers a taste of ethical luxury with their bespoke range of lab-grown diamonds and unique stones sourced from around the world. The Cut Jewellery have two stunning showrooms based in Sydney’s Paddington and within the iconic St James Trust Building in
the CBD. Talitha is a much-loved Australian personality, known for being on Morning TV for 20 years.
