Iconic Engagement Rings That Defined Trends Through Their Stones
Iconic Engagement Rings That Defined Trends Through Their Stones
When it comes to engagement rings, the setting may frame the story—but the stone is the real star. Throughout history, a few unforgettable rings have captured the world’s attention, not just because of their size or sparkle, but because of how the choice of gemstone set a new trend and changed what couples dreamed of wearing. Let’s look at some of the most iconic stones that redefined engagement ring style.
Princess Diana’s Sapphire (now Kate Middleton’s)
Few rings have had the cultural impact of Princess Diana’s 12-carat Ceylon sapphire, encircled by a halo of diamonds. In 1981, choosing a sapphire instead of a diamond was revolutionary—proof that colour could be just as regal and symbolic of love.
✨ Why it mattered: Sapphires have long been associated with loyalty, truth, and wisdom, making them a deeply meaningful choice for an engagement ring. Diana’s sapphire also opened the door for coloured gemstones to be seen as elegant and desirable, not just alternative.
Hailey Bieber’s Oval Diamond
When Justin Bieber proposed, he chose a classic yet modern oval-shaped diamond, said to be around 10 carats. Its elongated shape felt fresh and elegant, sparking a resurgence in oval cuts that are now one of the most requested engagement ring styles.
✨ Why it mattered: The oval cut not only maximises sparkle but also creates the illusion of longer, slender fingers. Its blend of tradition and modernity made it the perfect choice for a new generation of brides seeking something timeless yet fashion-forward.
Emily Ratajkowski’s Toi et Moi Ring
Emily Ratajkowski’s ring took the jewelry world by storm with its Toi et Moi design—two stones side by side. Hers features a pear-shaped diamond and a princess-cut diamond, creating a bold, modern statement that celebrates individuality and duality.
✨ Why it mattered: The Toi et Moi style (“you and me” in French) dates back centuries, famously worn by figures like Josephine Bonaparte. Em Rata’s revival of the style reminded us that rings can be deeply personal symbols, uniting two different stones to represent two unique people.
Jennifer Lopez’s Coloured Diamonds
Few celebrities have influenced engagement ring trends quite like Jennifer Lopez. Her early-2000s 6.1-carat pink diamond engagement ring from Ben Affleck introduced the world to fancy-coloured diamonds in a big way—sparking years of fascination with pink stones. More recently, her green diamond ring (also from Ben Affleck, in their rekindled romance) reinforced her reputation as a trendsetter who embraces bold colour and rare stones.
✨ Why it mattered: Pink and green diamonds are among the rarest in the world, prized for their scarcity and individuality. J.Lo’s choices highlighted that rarity and colour can be just as desirable as size and sparkle—setting the stage for coloured diamonds to enter mainstream engagement ring dreams.
Stones as Trendsetters
What ties these rings together is not just their celebrity status, but the way the main stone defined the trend. Whether it’s embracing colour, reviving antique styles, or breaking away from tradition altogether, the choice of gemstone has the power to shape engagement ring history.
At Hope Diamonds & Gemstones, we believe your stone should reflect your story—whether you’re drawn to the timeless sparkle of a diamond, the royal allure of a sapphire, or the bold beauty of something unexpected.
