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Back11/07/2025
When More Was Definitely More
When we think of the 2000s, we can almost see the shimmer before it even hits us. It was the decade of glitter, low-rise jeans, and statement everything and jewellery was no exception. The minimalist mood of the 1990s slowly faded, making way for dazzling sparkle, bold designs, and plenty of personality.
Engagement rings followed suit. From pavé bands to halo settings, the 2000s were all about catching the light (and everyone’s attention). And, of course, a few celebrity engagements helped set the tone for what was considered the ring to have.
Let’s take a closer look at the key engagement ring trends that defined the decade of shine.
The pavé band, a setting featuring small diamonds encrusted along the shank, truly had its moment in the 2000s. It offered the perfect blend of subtle glamour and noticeable sparkle, making any centre stone pop. Celebrities quickly fell for the look, and so did the rest of the world. Jennifer Aniston’s spiral pavé engagement ring from Brad Pitt became one of the decade’s most talked-about designs, perfectly capturing that signature 2000s love for intricate, eye-catching detail. Whether you opted for a round, princess, or emerald cut, pavé bands added that extra glimmer that made hands impossible to ignore. It was the era where sparkle on sparkle became the norm.
Why stop at one pavé band when you can have two? Gwyneth Paltrow’s engagement ring from Chris Martin took this idea to heart. Her stunning Asscher-cut diamond sat proudly atop a double pavé band, turning an elegant ring into a true showstopper.
That clever twist — doubling the shimmer — quickly caught on. The design became a defining trend of the 2000s, proving that even classic cuts could feel fresh with the right setting.
Sometimes, all it takes is a small design tweak to make something feel completely new. That’s exactly what happened when Kate Beckinsale revealed her emerald-cut engagement ring, which was set east-west instead of the traditional north-south orientation.
This sideways placement gave the classic emerald cut a modern, fashion-forward edge — perfectly in tune with the bold, experimental spirit of the decade. It was a trend that showed elegance doesn’t have to mean predictable.
If there’s one setting that truly captures the essence of early-2000s glamour, it’s the halo. Surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds, the centre stone appeared larger, brighter, and even more eye-catching — exactly the look the 2000s adored. From pop stars to Hollywood A-listers, everyone wanted that extra bit of shine. And when Kate Middleton’s sapphire and diamond halo engagement ring was revealed in 2010 — a royal heirloom that once belonged to Princess Diana — it reignited the world’s love affair with the halo design. While fashion has since leaned back towards minimalism, the halo setting remains one of the most beloved engagement ring styles ever created — a sparkling legacy of the era that said more is more.
The 2000s gave us a bold new vision of engagement ring design; one that celebrated light, luxury, and unapologetic glamour. Even now, pavé bands, double shanks, halo settings, and east-west orientations remain go-to choices for those who want their engagement ring to make a statement.
Because let’s be honest; a little extra sparkle never goes out of style!