Engagement Ring Trends 2026: 7 Styles Couples Are Choosing Now

November 04, 2026

Engagement rings in 2026 are more personal than ever. Couples are moving away from the one-size-fits-all round diamond solitaire and choosing color, unusual shapes and designs that feel like their own. Here are the seven trends we see most in our made-to-order workshop, and in what jewelry editors are reporting, with a ring to shop for each look.

Quick answer: the top engagement ring trends of 2026

1. Colored gemstone center stones
2. East-west settings
3. Toi et moi (two-stone) rings
4. Step cuts and emerald cuts
5. Vintage and Art Deco designs
6. Elongated shapes: oval, pear and marquise
7. Moody stones: gray and black

1. Colored gemstone center stones

Color is the biggest story of 2026. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds and color-change alexandrite are replacing the classic white diamond as the center stone, often as a birthstone or a favorite color. Lab-grown colored stones make large, vivid gems affordable.

Shop the look: 5 Carat Kite Lab-Grown Alexandrite Halo Ring Set (Model 416), from $1,400, our best-selling ring this year, or the 1.7 Carat Lavender Sapphire Floral Ring (Model 446-7), from $950.

2. East-west settings

An east-west ring sets an elongated stone horizontally across the finger instead of pointing toward the fingertip. It's an easy way to make a classic oval, pear or emerald cut look fresh and modern, and it sits lower and more comfortably on the hand.

Shop the look: 3 Carat Emerald and Pear Cut Moissanite Two-Stone East-West Ring (Model 760), from $1,250.

3. Toi et moi (two-stone) rings

French for "you and me," a toi et moi ring pairs two center stones side by side, one for each partner. In 2026, couples are mixing cuts and colors, for example an emerald cut beside a pear, or a colored gem beside a white stone.

Shop the look: 3 Carat Emerald and Pear Cut Teal Sapphire Two-Stone Ring, from $1,555.

4. Step cuts and emerald cuts

Step cuts have long, parallel facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect instead of scattered sparkle. They look architectural and elegant, and they show off a colored gem's body color beautifully. Emerald cuts with a halo or side stones are especially popular.

Shop the look: 3 Carat Emerald Cut Lab-Grown Alexandrite Halo Ring (Model 572-9x7), from $950.

5. Vintage and Art Deco designs

Milgrain edges, filigree, halos and geometric Art Deco details give a new ring the character of an heirloom. Vintage-inspired rings are a favorite for couples who want something romantic and one of a kind.

Shop the look: Oval Lab-Grown Alexandrite Vintage Style Ring (Model 771-8x6), from $850, or our Art Deco Alexandrite Engagement Ring Set, from $1,344.

6. Elongated shapes: oval, pear and marquise

Elongated center stones look larger for their carat weight and make fingers look longer and slimmer. Oval remains a top choice, and pear shapes are rising fast, especially in halo designs with a matching band.

Shop the look: Pear Lab-Grown Diamond Halo Twisted Ring Set (Model 152), from $3,833.

7. Moody stones: gray and black

Gray moissanite, salt-and-pepper looks and black rhodium-plated gold give engagement rings an edgy, modern feel. They're a favorite for couples who want something that doesn't look like everyone else's ring.

Shop the look: 4 Carat Radiant Cut Dark Gray Moissanite Hidden Halo Ring (Model 447-11x7), from $1,285. Learn more in our guide to gray moissanite stones.

The trend behind the trends: lab-grown and custom

Across every style, two things are driving 2026: lab-grown stones, which make large and colorful center stones affordable, and made-to-order design, which lets couples choose the exact stone, shape, metal and setting. Every Giliarto ring is made to order, so any of these trends can be built around your choice of stone and metal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular engagement ring style in 2026?

Colored gemstone center stones and elongated shapes, such as oval and pear, are the most popular, followed by east-west settings and toi et moi two-stone rings.

Are colored engagement rings a lasting trend?

Colored engagement rings have a long history, from sapphires to rubies, and durable stones like sapphire (9 on the Mohs scale) and alexandrite (8.5) are made for everyday wear. Choose a color you love, not just one that's trending.

Is an east-west ring practical for everyday wear?

Yes. East-west rings often sit lower on the finger and catch less on clothing than tall north-south settings.

When should I order a custom engagement ring for a holiday proposal?

Our made-to-order rings take 19 to 21 business days, or up to 25 for complex designs. See our holiday custom jewelry guide for 2026 order-by dates.

Prices shown are starting prices as of November 2026. Giliarto is a made-to-order fine jewelry brand founded in 2017 in Pennsylvania, specializing in lab-grown diamonds and colored gemstones set in recycled gold.

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