White diamonds are what most people imagine when they think of engagement rings, but recent trends point that colored gemstones are making a comeback. Rubies, sapphires, and even pearls are becoming more and more prominent as parts of designs offered on the wedding market.
Recent surveys reveal that diamonds are still the most popular choice, being featured on 86% of engagement rings. Experts believe that this comes from the centuries-long representation of diamonds as symbols of prestige and strength.
What we’re witnessing represents an industry-wide shift, as jewelers are adapting to the tastes of new generations. Colored diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or antique engagement rings are popularized by many celebrities like J. Lo or Zoe Kravitz, who wear them.
Another growing trend rose from environmental issues. Jewelers are starting to pay more attention to making synthetic diamonds and recycled gold a part of their production.
However, these lab-grown diamonds could prove to be the downfall of natural diamonds as they come at more affordable prices while being identical. According to recent data, around 25% of couples in 2021 chose lab-grown diamonds, which is an 11% rise throughout the pandemic.
Jewelry experts claim that we’re witnessing a ‘’Renaissance period of engagement rings’’ and that the entire fashion market adapts to changes around us. Supply shortages and a wide range of online choices have made customers more demanding about what they’re searching for in a ring.