Last Updated on July 8, 2025 by Ruby And The Wolf
So you look at your engagement ring and think it needs something more. There are seven ways to take that ring from decent to worth a second glance. Here is what actually works.
Go Big or Go Many
Maximalist multi-stone rings are filling up jewelry counters and social feeds. Jewelers are selling more rings with two or more stones than ever, with toi-et-moi designs, three-stone rings, or layouts that border on extravagant. Piling on stones makes for a louder piece. Some say it looks dramatic. Some say it’s over the top. Either way, it will get your ring noticed.
Setting the Record Straight
Standard prongs might keep a diamond steady, but they’re boring. Half bezels are coming in fast. Think of it as giving your stone a fence that doesn’t block your view. These settings wrap halfway around your gem. This keeps it secure while letting in more light than a full bezel. The stone stands out, doesn’t wobble, and doesn’t fall out during daily chores. Most people won’t know what your setting is called, but everyone will see it doesn’t look standard.
Flipping the Stone
East-west settings (which means setting the stone sideways) are trending hard. For shapes like oval or marquise, turning them horizontally can make the stone seem bigger. It looks new and stands out from all the rings with stones lined up the usual way. If you want a secret handshake with other ring nerds, this is the move.
Stones That Change Everything
Some upgrades are all about center stones. A round brilliant cut diamond is still at the top for those who want classic sparkle, but marquise shapes and vintage Asscher cuts are also taking the spotlight. They each bring a different look, from sharp lines to old-school glamour.
Three-stone rings and toi-et-moi designs use more than one stone. These let you pair shapes or colors, mix old styles with new ones, or play with sizes. There is no rule saying you must keep your ring the same as everyone else’s.
Shapes Are Not Created Equal
Marquise cut diamonds have seen demand shoot up by 146 percent. That means people are choosing points and curves over the round stones that have bored plenty for years. The marquise cut lengthens out a finger and nearly always looks bigger than it is. Vintage shapes like the Asscher cut, meanwhile, have hit a 400 percent jump in demand. These throw in more corners and clean lines, giving your ring an edge that no round or princess shape delivers.
Enough With Skinny Bands
Thick, chunky bands are everywhere. Jewels with skinny shanks get overshadowed by these solid bands that take up actual space on your finger. If you thought engagement rings needed to be delicate, step aside. Thicker bands hold oversized stones well and stand up to wear. Chunky metal is a clear sign you want the ring to have some actual heft, not vanish when you wash your hands.
Metal Takes a Turn
Two-tone and mixed metal rings are spiking like crazy, with two-tone up 9,900 percent and mixed metal up 7,900 percent. Nobody says you need to stick to white or yellow gold anymore. Mixing metals lets you add interest and custom touches. You get more colors, which means more combinations for stacking or matching other jewelry. If you want something even more offbeat, blackened gold and other wild finishes make the ring look custom or even vintage with none of the fuss.
Bands That Refuse to Behave
Wavy, asymmetric, and double band rings are showing up more. It makes sense if you take a look at jewelry cases. You might see zigzags, bends, or even split shanks. These rings break the straight line rule and have designs that twist or curve in ways you probably haven’t seen before. A wavy band gives you motion and interest. Double bands can be finished in different metals or even joined by small stones for a minimalist stack on one finger.
Go Big With Stone Size
Oversized stones are not hiding. Jewelers are pairing these with robust bands for a look that makes thin rings seem pointless. If you want impact, quit thinking small. Match a large stone with a bold setting, and you’ve got a ring that can’t be ignored.
No Excuses
People keep searching for meaning in a piece of jewelry, but if you want your ring to stand out or make you like it more, you have options. The seven ideas above aren’t empty trends. The numbers are clear. If you upgrade with a thicker band, a unique setting, more stones, or get creative with stones and metals, you can get a new look without settling for what was picked years ago.