The diamond engagement ring trends to look out for in 2023, and how the royals inspired them

A diamond expert shares the hottest engagement ring trends of 2023, from colored stones to the rising popularity of oval shaped diamonds. Here, we explore four of the biggest trends to look out for and how royal brides and fiancées continue to inspire trends and styles.

• Diamond expert Tony French, of luxury jewelry brand, Austen & Blake shares the four biggest engagement ring trends for 2023
• Many royal rings can be seen in the inspiration behind the popular styles, including the resurgence in popularity for art deco rings (a favorite of Kate Middleton) and colored stones (a nod to Princess Diana’s iconic blue sapphire ring)
• In other royal news, Prince William and Kate Middleton's 'beautiful' invitation to Christmas Carol Service 2022 leaves royal fans confused

With the cold, winter months practically here, a silver lining to the frosty season is the thawing of even the coldest of hearts.

That’s right, it’s what the kids call “cuffing season” – or when couples are more likely to commit to one another.

So, you might notice more engagement announcements springing up in the coming months. And be sure to keep an eye out for their rings because the chances are they’ll be one of these four hot engagement ring trends, as revealed by a luxury jewelry expert.

The biggest trend, as spotted by the experts and from searches online, is the rise of the oval engagement ring.

The diamond expert tells us, “There has been a huge jump in requests for an Oval shaped diamond Halo ring, whether they are regular or hidden halo rings, they are definitely a lot more fashionable right now.”

“I think the halo oval rings will be in the ascendancy and are our second most popular choice after the round brilliant shape right now. 2023 will only get better for oval.”

Sophie, Countess of Wessex was ahead of the trend.

Countess Sophie's engagement ring, designed by British royal jeweler Garrard, boasts a two-carat central oval diamond, with two heart-shaped diamonds either side and is reported to be worth around $149,000.

Another huge trend will be art deco rings, a style favored by stars and royals alike, including Princess Catherine, the Queen Consort Camilla and Scarlett Johansson.

Queen Consort Camilla’s engagement ring from King Charles III was an art deco design, featuring a five-carat emerald-cut diamond in the centre, with three diamond baguettes on each side.

It once belonged to the Queen Mother, Charles' grandmother, and it has a value of over $110,000.

Colored gemstones are also expected to make a huge comeback. At one time considered unconventional, Princess Diana’s engagement ring helped cement the enduring legacy of a colorful stone.

Diana’s ring, from crown jeweler Garrard, featured a white gold band, 14 solitaire diamonds and a mesmerizing blue sapphire stone.

Prince William inherited the sapphire stunner, eventually using it to propose to Catherine in 2010.

A final trend is the French-inspired Toi et Moi.

Popular among celebrities like Megan Fox and Emily Ratajkowski, "Toi et Moi" translates to "you and me" in French, and the beauty of this unique design is the two complementary diamonds that symbolize two people coming together as one.

Jackie Kennedy also famously redesigned her own Toi et Moi Van Cleef & Arpels engagement ring. 

The emerald and diamond jewel was surrounded by linear baguette diamonds, which she had replaced with marquise cut diamonds. 

Expert Tony French says, “Toi et Moi is an undeniably romantic and unique style that can be crafted especially to your spec for your special someone. For multiple large matching diamonds, they have to be twinned, and so our expert sourcing team seeks the best possible pair to complement the other’s beauty."