At Abbott Lyon, we’re passionate about helping you find a ring that’s perfectly you. Often, that means helping you craft a personalised piece that tells a story, but sometimes it’s as simple as bringing a sense of pride to your jewellery looks by shedding light on the trends that are most popular in the place you call home.
Our latest report dives into the UK’s most-loved engagement ring designs and styles, breaking down what’s trending where. Whether you’re drawn to contemporary styles or the vintage designs that are everywhere right now, read on to discover what’s trending close to home.
How spending varies across the UK
When it comes to how much to spend on an engagement ring, there’s no right answer. Ultimately, it comes down to what feels right to you. We’re strong believers in the idea that meaningful doesn’t have to mean costly, but this may give you a guide if you want a reference point.
- South West England tops the charts for ring splurging. Couples here spend an average of £3,784 on their engagement rings. That’s nearly 20% of their entire wedding budget!
- London loves luxury, with an average spend of £2,335. The big city sets bold fashion trends, but surprisingly, Londoners spend a smaller slice of their wedding budget on rings.
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Scotland & Yorkshire prefer practical glamour: expect average spends around £862-£1,261.
Styles that steal our hearts
Classic solitaire rings
- Solitaire rings are an undeniable favourite—47% of couples across the UK pick these timeless beauties.
- Their simple, elegant sparkle is especially loved in Scotland and Yorkshire, perfect for those with a taste for quiet, understated luxury.
Shop our solitaire ring collection.
Oval diamonds
- Oval diamonds are by far the fastest-rising style, having reached about 33% market share of engagement rings in recent years.
- Oval stones are especially sought after in London and the Southeast, pairing classic brilliance with a modern twist.
Toi et Moi & East-West rings
- Trendsetting cities like London and Manchester are embracing new and unique designs like the ‘Toi et Moi’ & ‘East-West’ trends which feature less-traditional ring compositions and combinations.
- Styles like these are no doubt driven by celebs like Zendaya and Ariana Grande, who have both embraced these newer styles in their ring choices.
Vintage & Trilogy designs
- Scotland and Wales love heritage, with vintage or trilogy rings growing in popularity.
- For us, trilogy rings symbolise the past, present, and future — perfect for couples who treasure tradition.
Diamond shapes: what’s hot, what’s classic?
- Round Diamonds still lead at 45% market share, though they’re quietly making room for their elongated sisters.
- Emerald & cushion cuts are beloved by Londoners, especially chic emerald cuts, while cushion shapes hold a place in Scottish and Welsh hearts.
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Pear & marquise cuts keep popping up in regions with a strong sense of history and pride, showing that vintage vibes never die.
The metal matters: platinum, gold & more
- Platinum is the city favourite—Londoners and urban buyers choose it for its quiet luxury feel.
- White Gold remains reliably popular, especially the highest-quality 18ct, for couples nationwide.
- Yellow Gold is making a comeback in places like Scotland, Wales, and the countryside (particularly when paired with oval stones).
The latest on lab grown diamonds
- London and Belfast lead UK adoption of lab-grown gems, with strong growth among eco-conscious 20–30 somethings.
- According to one report, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the top reasons people choose lab-grown stones are affordability, sustainability, and peace of mind.
Styles by region: who what where?
Scotland
When it comes to rings, heritage means everything in Scottland. Celtic knots and Claddagh rings are especially popular, with many of these styles being passed down the generations.
Wales
Art Deco and vintage styles are trending in Wales right now, where a love of storytelling and rare finds reigns supreme.
Northern Ireland
There seems to be a tradition of high investment in rings in Northern Ireland, which shows just how much these symbols matter in NI culture, with quality and authenticity key.
London
London’s infatuation with premium, designer trends always makes them the first to embrace bold new styles. Think unique settings like the Toi et Moi and East-West rings, as well as colourful, stand-out stones!
Tips for choosing your perfect ring
Hopefully you’ve found some inspiration in this report and feel like you’re a little closer to finding your perfect ring. Either way, here are some tips to help you make a choice you’ll love forever:
- Let your style shine: Whether it’s timeless solitaire or a modern Toi et Moi, pick a ring that feels true to you.
- Consider personalisation: Adding personalised elements to your jewellery, like an engraving, can add even deeper meaning to an already highly emotional piece.
- Quality is key: Look for 18ct gold or platinum for a ring that lasts a lifetime.
- Think ethically: Lab-grown diamonds offer beauty and peace of mind.
Sources:
This report draws on a mix of market data, reports, articles, and current trends linked below:
https://www.professionaljeweller.com/what-engagement-ring-trends-are-brits-falling-in-love-with-in-2024/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewellery_Quarter
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatton_Garden
https://www.markwideresearch.com/uk-lab-grown-diamonds-market/