Sustainable Sparkle: Engagement Ring Trends 2023

Elevating your commitment to love and the planet is plausible with these sustainable ring trends of 2023. Explore now

You know, 2023 isn’t messing around when it comes to engagement rings. Gone are the days when it was just about that shiny rock. Now? It’s all about making eco-friendly choices while still getting that precious piece of jewellery. Isn’t that cool?

Explore the latest sustainable engagement ring trends below and make the right choice.

• Lab-created diamonds: the game changer

Okay, first things first: lab-grown diamonds. They’re making quite the entrance. Not just because they’re all sparkly and pretty but because they’re the good guys of the diamond world. Picture this: all the dazzle of a natural diamond, but way kinder to Mother Earth.

You’re probably thinking green, like a lot of folks these days. Well, these gems? They’re leading the charge. Wearing one doesn’t just light up your hand but also lights up that little eco-friendly spot in your heart.

And here’s the kicker: a lab-created diamond engagement ring is just as real as one with mined diamonds. In a statement, the FTC reiterates, “These stones have essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as mined diamonds. Thus, they are diamonds.” Think of it as getting the best of both worlds—that classic bling without any guilt attached.

• Vintage vibes: old is gold (literally)

Ah, vintage rings. What’s not to love? There’s a depth to them, an aura that just can’t be replicated. Remember that old movie you love? The one that’s got that black-and-white charm? That’s what vintage rings bring to the table.

Each has its own history—maybe it’s seen a world war or, perhaps, it was part of a roaring 20s flapper party. When you slip a vintage ring onto your finger, it’s like you’re inheriting a piece of another era.

And hey, while you’re at it, consider getting a bit of history from the seller. Where did the ring come from? What’s its story? It adds a whole new layer to your bling.

• Not just rings: earrings make their mark

Who even said engagement celebrations are only about rings? Enter the unsung hero: lab-grown diamond earrings. Especially the dangly, shiny kind. They’re slowly but surely stealing some of the limelight, giving a fresh twist to good ol’ traditions.

Imagine it like this: your ring’s the main gig, but those earrings? They’re the surprise hit single. It’s like making a promise of love and a better world, all in one go. Yeah, the ring’s your main bling, but don’t underestimate those earrings, like lab-grown diamond drop earrings. They’ve got their own magic, that’s for sure.

• Metal mixtape

Rules? Who needs them, right? This year is all about tossing the old playbook and mixing things up. Think of it as creating your own playlist—a little bit of this, a touch of that. It’s the era of mixed metals.

Combining yellow gold with a twist of rose gold or merging silver with platinum creates a visually engaging piece that’s sure to start conversations. Plus, it’s symbolic. Just like in a relationship, where differences come together to make something beautiful, mixed metals harmoniously merge to tell a tale of unity in diversity.

• Simple and sleek

In a world filled with constant noise and overstimulation, there’s something irresistibly calming about simplicity. And 2023’s ring designs are taking that to heart. Minimalistic designs, stripped of excess, focus on craftsmanship and the beauty of the material itself.

Perhaps it’s a plain gold band with a single diamond. Or it could be a delicate bezel setting that wraps around a gem. Time and again, the magic lies in the details, or in this case, the deliberate lack thereof. If you’re a fan of the ‘less is more’ mantra, now’s your time to shine. It just goes to show that you don’t need a gazillion sparkly trappings in order to shimmer.

• Tailor-made treasures

There’s something oh-so-special about wearing a piece nobody else has. Custom engagement rings are like the haute couture of the jewellery world—made for you, and only you. Imagine being part of the design process, picking out the metal, choosing the gem, even deciding the setting.

According to a Forbes article, the jewellery industry is emphasizing the demand for individuality, which has generated a brand-new market for bespoke and personalized rings with numerous brands and businesses offering ‘build your own’ programs.

Every little detail is a reflection of what you love, ensuring that the final masterpiece is drenched in personal significance. And while at it, why not engrave a little secret message inside? It could be a date, a nickname, or a quote that means the world to both of you.

• Beyond the diamond glow

The year 2023’s saying, ‘Diamonds, move over a bit.’ Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and other gems are taking some of the limelight. In 2021, about one in four engagement rings included a man-made centre stone as opposed to always being a diamond, an increase of 11% over the previous two years.

Think of them as the indie bands breaking into the mainstream. But it’s not just their undeniable beauty that makes them stand out. Each has its own personality. A ruby might remind you of passion and romance, while an emerald speaks of luxury and sophistication.

Ever thought of personalizing based on birthstones? It’s an intimate way to make a ring resonate even more. And don’t forget, these coloured gems can often be more affordable, letting you go bigger or bolder without breaking the bank.

Final words

There you have it—the engagement ring lowdown for 2023. It’s a blend of the tried-and-true and the brand new, with a strong dose of eco-awareness thrown in. Whatever ring you choose, it’ll be more than just a piece of jewellery. It’ll be a reflection of you, your story, and the world you want to build. Happy ring hunting!

ITP Media Group newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.