Here Are Diamond Engagement and Wedding Jewelry Trends For 2022

Wedding jewelry is a significant contributor to the sector. Reports show that over 2.07 million engagement rings will fly off the shelves in 2022. The report, targeting the US, puts this at a staggering $7.6 billion.

The market research also shows a new trend that is catching on quite fast. Lab grown diamond engagement rings are gaining popularity. In fact, 1 out of 4 engagement rings features lab created gemstones.

The evolving nature of the fashion and jewelry industry makes it an exciting sector to watch. So, what can we expect in engagement ring trends for 2022?

Diamond Wedding Jewelry Trends to Expect this 2022

1. Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings Will Gain More Prominence

As we shared in the introduction, lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular. The US report shows that 25% of engagement rings contain manufactured stones. There are many reasons for the rising uptake:-

• Lab grown diamonds are less expensive than mined diamonds. The latter tend to be more expensive due to rarity. Other factors are the mining processes, and supply chain complexity
• Lab grown diamond quality is as high as the mined ones. There is no compromise in the diamond 4Cs, which refer to cut, clarity, color, and carat
• Lab-created diamonds go through the same certification/grading as mined diamonds. So you can be sure that your diamond engagement ring features authentic gemstones
• Modern customers are more conscious of sustainable practices. For a long time, there have been negative connotations around diamond mining. Blood diamonds, environmental impact, and inhuman treatment of workers top the list. Lab-created diamonds provide a fantastic and ethical way of sourcing these stones.

2. Vintage Inspired Engagement and Wedding Rings

The vintage style is making a huge comeback. We can expect to see more of these designs in 2022. The beauty of the style is the uniqueness it brings. Customization options allow for the inclusion of signature aspects. That way you can bring out individual preferences.

Vintage diamond rings can also provide a connection with the past. They have more sentimental or emotional connections with loved ones. Your grandmother may have worn a solitaire diamond engagement ring. The option to have the same makes everything more special.

It is also possible to update your vintage-style engagement and wedding rings. The designers can add hand engravings or draping to add extra pizzaz. Doing this does not reduce the sentimental value of the design.

Vintage ring customization also allows for incorporating family heirlooms. You could add gemstones or metals from generational accessories. The diamonds on your grandmother’s cluster earrings can form the halo on the ring.

The same applies to the diamond cuts. The more traditional cushion cuts are timeless and a safe choice for many brides. The other timeless and universal one is the round cut diamonds. It remains popular due to its ability to exude the greatest brilliance and fire. The sparkle of the rings remains incomparable to other cuts.

3. Make Way for Colored Engagement Rings

Colored engagement rings are an option for the more traditional colorless diamond rings. The market has also seen significant growth. The projections for 2028 are $3,559.74 million at a CAGR of 6.2%.

Colored engagement rings offer the ultimate expression of individuality. The tons of choices available in colored gemstones are broad.

Other than colored diamonds, you can go for sapphire, rubies, morganite, and emeralds. Others are topaz, tanzanite, opal, and alexandrite. The more feminine ladies can opt for pink gemstones. 

Brown or grey stones are the more muted colors that look great in any setting. Blue, peach, and white bring out the bold side of the bride-to-be. Black brings in sophistication, creativity, and a feeling of luxury. The exciting colors bring out a less traditional and adventurous side of the buyers.

4. Greater Exploration of Interesting Diamond Settings

The less traditional diamond settings are now featuring more engagement rings. Take the example of stacked styles. Designers can get creative with gemstone placements. The stacking brings more attention to the centerpiece.

There is also the option of contoured bands on the stacked setting. Take the example of the solitaire ring. The designer can add curves to the metal so that it seems to hug the diamond. You create a more interesting look than the minimalistic solitaire ring design.

Another interesting one is the unique cathedral style. The design shares a lot of similarities with the architecture of ancient cathedrals. The arches add height to the ring and make the gemstone appear much larger. Further, it is easy to mount any gemstone shape resulting in an elegant-looking ring.

The intricate halo design on engagement rings is another design we expect to see a lot of in 2022. The smaller stones surrounding the centerpieces speak of luxury and sophistication. The ability to add colored gemstones makes for a more interesting look. The cheaper lab-grown diamonds are great for those with a strict budget.

A final noteworthy design is the pave setting featuring a gemstone encrusted band. It creates the illusion of a precious stone surface. Indeed, you don’t even get to see the metal part. This design works well when paired with a solitaire wedding ring.

4. Grand Designs for the Bold Brides

2022 may not be the year for the demure, more laid-back brides. This is a bold year where the bigger the rocks, the better rules. The idea is to have a showstopper on the fingers. So, whether the choice leans towards vintage or modern, expect grand designs.

The focus will be on large gemstones. And of course, we can’t forget the color, which we already addressed. Settings like halo and cathedral bring attention to the engagement and wedding rings.

Final Thoughts

The ever-evolving nature of fashion means there is always something new to look forward to. So you can expect that this also applies to engagement rings and wedding rings. We have looked at some trends that we expect will be huge in 2022.

One of the most interesting is the rise in the popularity of lab-grown diamonds. These adhere to safe manufacturing processes that should appeal to any sustainability-conscious bride-to-be. Yet, you get the same quality as you would find in mined diamonds.

When choosing a trend, remember that it comes down to what the wearer likes. Reputable jewelers will offer customization options. That way, you can get an engagement ring that embodies the bride’s style preferences.