4 engagement ring trends to know for 2023: from the ‘toi et moi’ style band Prince Harry gave Meghan Markle and colourful alternatives like Princess Diana’s sapphire ring to lab

As the saying goes, a diamond is forever. But like all pieces of jewellery, engagement ring styles come and go – a reflection of the era in which they were popular.

So we asked Anna P. Jay, a private jeweller based out of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Charleston, South Carolina, about the engagement ring trends she thinks will be popular in 2023.

In recent years, engagement rings with ultra-thin bands or singular, statement stones have been on the rise, but Jay said she’s anticipating an increase in “chunky” pieces in 2023.

For instance, three-stone settings are going to be popular in 2023, according to Jay.

“I think that the three stone, where it’s kind of the past, present, future representation, is always going to be a timeless style,” Jay said.

She also thinks three-stone rings are appealing to people who want a ring that looks large.

“It’s a way for people to get a larger look on their hand without having to make the investment in a larger stone,” she added.

In the same vein, Jay thinks people will continue to gravitate towards “toi et moi” rings, which consist of two stones, one of which is typically larger than the other.

“It translates literally to ‘you and me’ in French,” Jay said of the playful style, which is why it feels like a meaningful engagement ring choice for many.

The design offers a modern look that will stand the test of time.

Most people probably think of clear diamonds when they think of engagement rings, but colourful diamonds and other durable stones can also be great choices.

“Colour is definitely making a comeback, which is really fun because there are so many different varieties of colour out there,” Jay said. “The world of jewellery isn’t just diamonds.”

“It’s a way for people to incorporate colour with their diamonds,” Jay said.

If you are choosing a stone that’s not a diamond for an engagement ring, ensure you pick something that’s durable, since it is likely to be worn every day.

“I also think lab-grown diamonds are going to continue to gain popularity,” Jay said. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds; they are just manufactured, so they don’t require mining, nor do they have ties to colonialism. They are also less expensive than mined diamonds.

And these days, many people feel bigger is better when it comes to diamond rings, Jay said.

“Generally speaking, I would say we’ve seen an influx in people wanting larger diamonds,” Jay said. “And I do believe that this has to do with social media. People want the look.”