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Back12/03/2025
The 2010s marked a powerful shift in the world of engagement rings. Couples began moving beyond tradition, embracing self-expression, ethical sourcing, and unique design. From coloured gemstones to statement cuts, this decade proved that love stories don’t come in one size — and neither should engagement rings.
Celebrities and royals played a huge role in shaping preferences throughout these years, but everyday couples were just as inspired to seek out rings that truly reflected their own personalities, values and lifestyles.
Let’s take a look at the four biggest engagement ring trends of the 2010s — each with its own iconic celebrity moment.
Coloured gemstones made an unforgettable comeback in the 2010s, and once again, royalty led the way.
When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with Princess Diana’s iconic blue sapphire engagement ring, the world fell in love with coloured stones all over again. The striking 12-carat oval sapphire, surrounded by sparkling diamonds, reignited a passion for non-traditional centre stones.
Following this moment, couples started to move away from the all-white diamond look, opting instead for sapphires, emeralds, rubies and even pastel shades like morganite and aquamarine.
Why people loved it:
Coloured gemstone engagement rings weren’t just a trend — they became a statement.
If there was one trick everyone loved in the 2010s, it was making the centre stone look as big as possible — and thin, diamond-set bands did just that.
By choosing a slim or micro-pavé band encrusted with tiny diamonds, the centre gemstone instantly looked larger and more prominent. This also added sparkle without overpowering the main stone.
Celebrities who embraced this trend included:
Why it worked:
This trend perfectly reflected the decade’s love for subtle glamour and optical magic.
Three-stone engagement rings existed long before the 2010s, but it was Meghan Markle’s engagement ring that made them wildly popular all over again.
Gifted by Prince Harry in 2017, Meghan’s ring featured a central 3 carat cushion cut diamond from Botswana, flanked by two diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection, all set on a slim gold band.
The symbolism behind three-stone rings — past, present and future — made them incredibly appealing for couples wanting a deeper emotional meaning in their design.
Why couples loved three-stone rings:
It was, quite literally, a royal revival.
Clean, elegant and architectural — the emerald cut became one of the most sophisticated choices of the decade, thanks in part to George Clooney’s proposal to Amal Alamuddin in 2014.
He presented her with a stunning 7-carat emerald-cut diamond, surrounded by tapered baguettes and set on a platinum band. The result? Pure, silent glamour.
Emerald cuts appealed to those who appreciated clarity, symmetry and a less “sparkly” but more refined aesthetic.
Why the emerald cut became a favourite:
It quickly became a go-to choice for modern romantics who wanted something understated yet powerful.
The 2010s gave couples the green light to break rules, choose ethically sourced stones, explore alternative gemstones and embrace individuality. Engagement rings became more than just symbols; they became personal stories, values and style all wrapped in precious metal.
If one thing is clear, it’s this: the 2010s taught us that there is no single “right” ring — only the right one for you.