The Engagement Rings Everyone's Obsessing Over in 2026

Want to make a classic diamond shape feel instantly modern? Turn it sideways. East-west settings, where the centre stone is set horizontally instead of vertically are absolutely exploding in popularity right now.

The Zendaya Factor

Zendaya's engagement ring, featuring a cushion-cut diamond set east-west, caused searches for this style to skyrocket. And for good reason. It's elegant, unexpected, and incredibly flattering.

Why It Works

• The horizontal orientation creates a sleek, elongated silhouette that looks stunning on the finger. 
• It transforms familiar cuts like oval, emerald, and marquise into something that feels contemporary and fashion-forward. 
• Plus, it's distinctive without being loud. The kind of detail that makes people do a double-take in the best way.

East-west settings work beautifully in any metal (yellow gold for warmth, platinum for cool sophistication) and they pair perfectly with the chunky band trend we talked about next.

Big, Bold, & Unapologetic

If you thought delicate, barely-there bands were forever, think again. 2026 is all about substantial, sculptural gold that has presence and weight.

We're talking thick yellow gold bands that feel like a statement in themselves, wide platinum bands with clean architectural lines, and dome-shaped rings that have this gorgeous, organic quality. These aren't just "settings" for your diamond, they're integral to the whole design, creating a look that's cohesive, intentional, and seriously striking.

Why Everyone's Loving Them

There's something incredibly satisfying about a ring that feels substantial on your hand. These chunky bands have heft and permanence. They feel like heirloom pieces from day one. They're also practical in the best way:

• you can wear them solo without feeling like something's missing,
• they're durable enough for everyday life,
• and they provide the perfect canvas for engraving something meaningful.

Plus, they just look good. Really good. A thick yellow gold band with a classic diamond solitaire hits that sweet spot between timeless and totally now. It's traditional enough to feel classic but bold enough to feel fresh.

The Dua Lipa Effect

Speaking of bold bands, Dua Lipa's engagement ring basically broke the internet with its chunky, cigar-style band and modern, almost tension-set stone. It's sculptural, it's contemporary, and it perfectly captures what people are gravitating toward right now: rings that look like wearable art.

Let's just say it: lab-grown diamonds have officially gone mainstream. They're not an alternative anymore, they're a primary choice for couples who want beauty, value, and ethical transparency.

Same Sparkle, Different Story

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. But they offer some compelling advantages: 

• they're more affordable (meaning you can size up without breaking the bank), 
• they're environmentally friendlier, 
• and they come with complete transparency about their origin.

For engagement rings especially, lab-grown diamonds make a ton of sense. You can get a larger stone, higher quality, or both for your budget. That 2-carat diamond that was out of reach? Suddenly very much in reach with lab-grown.

The Future Is Here

By 2026, the "lab-grown vs. natural" debate has largely settled into personal preference. Some people love the romantic idea of a diamond formed over billions of years deep in the earth. Others prefer the innovation and transparency of lab-grown. Both are valid! The important thing is choosing what aligns with your values and priorities.

Bezel settings are officially mainstream again, and we're thrilled about it. This secure setting style, where metal encases the diamond's edge rather than using prongs, offers the perfect combination of practicality and contemporary aesthetics.

The Miley Cyrus Vibe

Miley Cyrus rocked a bezel-set cushion cut that perfectly captures the appeal of this setting: it's modern, it's chic, and it has this cool, understated confidence. The thick metal rim creates a bold frame for the diamond while keeping everything secure and streamlined.

Practical Perfection

Let's be real: prongs can snag on things. They can loosen over time. They require maintenance. Bezels? They're basically bulletproof. The diamond is protected on all sides, making this the perfect setting for people who actually live their lives - working out, traveling, doing dishes, existing in the real world.

But bezels aren't just about practicality. They have this sleek, architectural quality that feels very 2026. The clean lines work beautifully with minimalist aesthetics, and you can play with proportions. Thick bezel with thin band, thin bezel with chunky band, whatever speaks to you.

The marquise cut is having a serious renaissance, and honestly, it's about time. This elongated, pointed shape offers vintage glamour with a modern edge, and it's been showing up on celebrity fingers and Pinterest boards everywhere.

The Selena Gomez Effect

Selena Gomez's marquise-cut engagement ring on a pavé band perfectly captures this stone's appeal. It's elegant, it elongates the finger beautifully, and it has this vintage-meets-Victorian vibe that feels romantic and regal all at once.

Flattering and Distinctive

The marquise shape creates serious visual impact. It looks larger than its actual carat weight because of that elongated silhouette. It's also distinctive enough to stand out without being overly trendy. When set north-south (the traditional way) it's classic; when set east-west it's thoroughly modern. Best of both worlds.