Autumn/Winter 2025 engagement trend round-up

Posted on: 29/10/2025

When it comes to choosing engagement rings, today's couples are rewriting the rules. While traditional styles still hold their appeal, our evolving values and a growing desire for personal expression are shaping the way we shop for and celebrate love.

In this guide, we’ll explore the standout engagement trends of the season, from timeless classics to modern statements, and everything in between. If you’re planning a surprise proposal or browsing for rings together, let this round-up serve as the inspiration for your perfect moment.

Lab-grown diamonds

Once seen as an industry disruptor, lab-grown diamond engagement rings are now becoming a go-to choice for modern couples. A recent YouGov survey revealed that around three in ten people would consider buying a lab-grown diamond in the future, and it’s Gen Z who are leading the charge. Nearly half of respondents aged 18–24 said they’d consider a lab-grown diamond, compared to just 35% of 35–44s, 20% of 45–54s, and only 17% of those over 55.

Offering the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds, lab-grown stones come at a significantly lower cost, and often with a smaller environmental footprint. As wedding budgets tighten and priorities shift, they offer Gen Z and millennial couples an ethical and economically smart alternative, without compromising on size and sparkle.

Non-traditional stones, shapes, and colours

According to Pinterest’s Autumn trend report, a wave of both 1960s and Art Deco era nostalgia is driving renewed interest in non-traditional engagement ring styles, including colourful stones, unusual gemstone cuts, and geometric shapes.

Vintage-inspired cuts such as the princess, pear, and marquise are making a comeback, offering eye-catching alternatives to the classic round brilliant. Echoing the clean lines of the Art Deco era, geometric band styles are also rising in popularity, from angular silhouettes to structured settings that feel bold, modern, and architectural.

At the same time, coloured centre-stones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and topaz are growing in popularity, chosen for both their unique aesthetic and personal meaning. Whether it’s a nod to the wearer’s birthstone, a favourite colour, or the symbolism behind a gemstone, these choices are helping couples infuse their rings with deeper significance.

Opting for a non-diamond gemstone can also come with cost savings, and many gemstones, such as sapphires, for example, rank high enough on the Mohs scale to make them suitable for everyday wear. With proper care, these bold and beautiful stones can offer a practical, long-lasting alternative to the traditional diamond.

The round brilliant cut

Among the many alternative styles and stones emerging in the engagement ring market, one timeless style remains enduringly popular: the round brilliant cut. One of the oldest and most iconic gemstone shapes, round-cut diamonds are cut into 58 facets, enhancing their light reflection to produce a dazzling effect that truly lives up to the name. This cut is adaptable to various settings, whether sparkling alone in a solitaire setting, as the centrepiece of a shoulder-set ring, or as part of a dazzling cluster ring.

While they’ve always been a favourite, round stones are particularly popular this autumn, with round brilliant diamonds making up around 70% of Chapelle’s ring sales. In a world driven by ever-changing trends, the round brilliant's timeless appeal makes it the perfect choice for couples searching for an investment that will never go out of style.

Celebrity engagement rings in the spotlight

When it comes to engagement ring trends, celebrities continue to set the tone. This season, it’s all about oversized diamonds, unapologetic luxury, and a return to timeless styles that let the gemstones do the talking. From custom designs to subtly sentimental cuts, these high-profile engagements have captured attention not just for the love stories behind them, but for the jewels that sealed the deal.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

In one of the most talked-about celebrity engagements of the year, iconic pop singer Taylor Swift announced her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce on Instagram. Her ring features a large, elongated cushion-cut diamond set against a yellow gold band. In a thoughtful gesture, Kelce reportedly designed the ring himself (BBC).

The cushion cut is a modern variation of the old mine cut, a traditional style dating back to the 17th century. It’s known for its softened, romantic edges and vintage appeal, making it the perfect match for Swift’s classically feminine, timeless style. It’s a shape that speaks to heritage and sentiment, and the ring has certainly pushed this gemstone cut back into the spotlight for the season ahead.

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner

Also embracing the yellow gold and diamond theme are singer Dua Lipa and her actor fiancé, Callum Turner. Lipa’s engagement ring pairs a chunky, maximalist gold band with a classic round brilliant cut diamond centrepiece. First spotted earlier this year and confirmed this summer, the engagement ring feels both timeless and bold, capturing the singer’s unique, eclectic personal style.

The round brilliant cut might be a timeless classic, but paired with a contemporary setting, it feels fresh and fashion-forward. The heavy gold band is a standout, leaning into the current trend for bold, statement jewellery.

Whinnie Harlow and Kyle Kuzma

Supermodel Whinnie Harlow’s meaningful engagement ring blends sentiment with sparkle. Harlow’s partner, basketball player Kyle Kuzma, proposed with a large oval cut diamond flanked by two smaller side stones. Known as a trilogy ring, the three stones featured in this design are said to represent a couple’s past, present, and future together.

Celebrity shape of the season: Oversized and elongated

The common thread linking many of this year’s celebrity engagement rings? Large, elongated stones, especially in the oval cut.

Alongside Taylor Swift and Winnie Harlow, actor Simu Liu’s fiancée Allison Hsu opted for a slim gold band topped with a chunky, oval-cut diamond, while Georgina Rodríguez, the longtime partner of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, was seen wearing a huge oval cut ring that sparked plenty of admiration on social media.

The ultra-flattering oval cut is gaining popularity for a reason. A variation of the round brilliant, it features 58 facets and provides similar brilliance, but its elongated silhouette flatters all hand shapes. Drawing the eye upwards, the shape creates the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers.

Pop culture pick: Does size still matter?

While oversized diamonds are trending in the celebrity world, a fictional engagement ring has recently fuelled just as much conversation — this time, for the opposite reason.

The popular Amazon Prime show The Summer I Turned Pretty sparked debate among viewers when the main character, Belly, accepted a smaller-than-average engagement ring from fiancé Jeremiah. The scene triggered a wave of discussion online around diamond size, and whether it actually matters. On Instagram, opinions were split:

“Where’s the ring, I can’t see it”, one user commented, while another wrote that the ring was “probably cheaper than the wedding cake”. Others were more supportive, saying that the meaning is what matters. “It’s just a piece of metal [...] if you really love someone and they propose with a looped string, you say yes.”

Lola Tung, who plays Belly, addressed the ring in a PopSugar interview, describing it as “practical” and reflective of a young couple on a budget. She added that her character wouldn’t want her partner to go into debt for a ring.

According to the numbers, Lola’s sentiment is increasingly being shared by younger audiences. A study carried out by Bridebook found that Gen-Z are spending less money on weddings overall than previous generations did, while The Knot’s report found that average cost of an engagement ring has decreased each year since 2021.

As Gen Z continues to prioritise personal values over price tags, it's clear that emotional resonance, rather than carat weight, may well become the new measure of a perfect proposal.

Tips for perfecting your proposal

While the ring is often the star of the show, the proposal itself is just as important. After all, it’s about creating an experience that’s as unique as the love between the couple it represents. Here’s a look at some current proposal trends to get you inspired, as well as some tips for making the big moment unique and memorable.

Set a budget and stick to it

It’s easy to feel pressure to splurge on the biggest diamond or the most expensive ring you can afford, but your proposal shouldn’t have to break the bank. It’s far more important to choose a ring that’s within your budget. With a range of affordable options, from lab-grown diamonds to colourful gemstones, there’s no need to compromise on beauty. And remember, many couples upgrade their rings later on when they can comfortably afford it.

Choose a ring that reflects your journey and style

While it’s true that diamonds are traditional, they’re far from the only option out there.

Consider the wearer’s personal style, and opt for a design that resonates with your history together as a couple. Whether it’s a meaningful shape or a custom design, the ring should be a reflection of the bond you share. After all, this is a piece of jewellery you'll wear forever — make sure it’s something you both truly love.

Personalise the proposal

A proposal should feel as personal as the relationship itself. Think about meaningful locations, shared experiences, or activities you both enjoy. Some couples go all out with destination proposals, while others prefer intimate moments in familiar spaces. Adding a creative element, like a heartfelt letter or a fun treasure hunt, can make the experience even more memorable.

Choose the location wisely

That being said, setting plays a huge role in shaping the lasting memory of your proposal. While grand public gestures, like proposals in restaurants or at sports, might be popular in films, they can lack the intimacy that makes the moment feel special. Not everyone wants to be the centre of attention in such a public way. Opting for a private or intimate setting creates a more relaxed, personal, and, often, more meaningful experience.

Consider expectations and timing

Although surprise proposals can be romantic, many proposees expect them, even if they don’t know the exact date. A conversation about timing and expectations beforehand can help you both feel more comfortable when the moment arrives.

Plus, around 40% of proposees are somewhat involved in choosing the ring (The Knot). Subtle hints, shopping together, or discussing preferences can help ensure you select a ring that reflects your partner’s style, making the proposal feel truly personal.

Capture the moment

Don’t let the special moment slip by without capturing it. Whether through photos, videos, or a surprise photographer, documenting the proposal allows you to relive the magic. Many couples ask a friend or hire a photographer to capture the moment discreetly. These memories will be cherished for years to come and will allow you to share the joy with loved ones.

 

At Chapelle, we’re here to help you find the ring that captures your style, values, and the love you share. And, with at least 30% off the RRP on every piece, you can discover the perfect ring without compromising your budget.

 

Explore our collection online today and begin your engagement journey with confidence. Need guidance? Our experts are here to help — just get in touch.