From Zendaya’s rumoured east-west engagement ring to Selena Gomez’s vintage-inspired marquise diamond, engagement rings have been making bold statements in Hollywood. As celebrities like Margot Robbie and Lady Gaga step into the spotlight with their unique ring choices, it’s clear that the trends are shifting away from the traditional. The days of classic round diamonds are being replaced by fresh takes on timeless cuts—oval diamonds, pear-shaped stones, and even coloured gems are becoming increasingly popular.
So, what makes these designs so desirable? We spoke to four expert jewellers to break down the cuts, colours, and styles that are defining the engagement ring scene in 2025.
East-West Settings: Sleek & Modern
Perhaps the most talked-about trend right now is the east-west setting, epitomised by Zendaya’s (rumored) engagement ring. This orientation involves setting an elongated stone (like an oval or emerald cut) horizontally across the finger rather than vertically. The result is a chic, modern look with a twist.
“East-west settings are gaining traction because they offer a fresh, more casual approach to traditional solitaire engagement rings,” says Rachel Boston, founder of Rachel Boston Jewellery. “They still have the elegance of a classic solitaire but with an added personality, making them feel modern and a bit rebellious.”
Lucy Crowther of Minka Jewels agrees, adding that east-west rings are “modern, chic, and cool,” making them a perfect fit for couples seeking something different. The appeal lies in their sleek lines, the way they elongate the finger, and how they retain the essence of an engagement ring while departing from the traditional.
Eliza Walter from Lylie Jewellery notes that these rings work especially well for shorter fingers, making them not only stylish but practical. This unique setting is certainly one to watch as it continues to make waves in the celebrity world.
Marquise Diamonds: The Bold, Elegant Choice
Another cut that’s gaining steam is the marquise diamond, most famously seen in Selena Gomez’s engagement ring. The marquise shape, with its long, slender silhouette, combines classic elegance with a modern twist.
Laura Vann of Laura Vann Jewellery highlights the marquise’s ability to elongate the finger, noting that it has “vintage charm but can be styled in modern ways.” However, she points out that it can sometimes show the “bow-tie effect” in lower-quality cuts, where a shadow forms in the center of the stone.
Boston, though, views the marquise as “underrated,” adding that it’s a great choice for a more graphic, contemporary design. “It’s a really elegant choice, and it complements a wide variety of hand shapes and sizes,” she says. The symmetrical nature of the marquise also allows it to work well with both vintage and modern designs.
Oval Diamonds: Timeless & Versatile
Oval diamonds remain a staple of engagement rings, favored by Lady Gaga and countless other celebrities. The allure of the oval shape lies in its ability to flatter the finger while maximizing sparkle—attributes that keep it in high demand.
Crowther calls oval diamonds “gorgeous” and notes that they have “so much personality,” especially when cut with a little more weight to give them a fuller shape. “They’re elegant, unique, and feel fresh while stepping away from traditional round cuts,” she adds.
According to Walter, oval diamonds are especially popular because they can appear about 10% larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. (Plus, they save you roughly 20% on the price tag—an attractive feature for many couples.)
Pear-Cut Diamonds: Romantic & Whimsical
Margot Robbie’s pear-cut diamond engagement ring exemplifies the timeless appeal of this shape. The pear cut is a blend of both a round and marquise diamond, offering a distinct teardrop shape that’s both unique and classic.
Walter believes pear-cut diamonds have an undeniable romantic appeal. “They offer a delicate, feminine feel and work beautifully for someone with a whimsical or romantic style,” she says.
Crowther adds that while pear cuts are “modern and beautiful,” they are best suited for those who “dare to be different.” Pear cuts, though, are not for everyone. “You either love them or you don’t,” says Walter, but for those who do, the cut adds an element of fun and grace to the engagement ring.
The Colourful Shift: Beyond White Diamonds
While classic white diamonds will always be in style, there’s a notable shift toward colored stones, particularly yellow diamonds and sapphires. Both Boston and Vann have seen an uptick in the popularity of fancy-coloured diamonds, with pale yellow diamonds being a standout choice.
“People are embracing the subtler hues of pale yellow diamonds, especially when paired with white diamonds,” Boston shares. “It’s a way to add a bit of colour without going overboard, offering something unique while still maintaining elegance.”
Vann has also noticed the rise of teal sapphires, offering a rich, earthy alternative to the traditional blue. “These sapphires feel fresh and understated, making them perfect for those seeking something a bit different,” she says.
Meanwhile, Walter has seen increased demand for yellow sapphires, a trend that has found its way into the engagement ring scene. “They’re special and rare, which makes them even more desirable,” she says.
“Ultimately, engagement rings are about expressing a couple’s individuality,” says Boston. “These trends reflect a desire for something that feels fresh yet rooted in tradition, making them timeless choices for modern couples.”
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