Engagement ring styles shift and evolve constantly. What felt fresh five years ago can look dated today, and designs that were once considered unconventional are now some of the most popular choices walking through the door of our workshop on 5 Mary Street. If you're shopping for a ring in 2026, here's what we're seeing.
Oval Cuts Are Everywhere
If there's one shape dominating engagement ring requests right now, it's the oval. Ovals have been gaining ground for a few years, but in 2026 they've firmly overtaken the traditional round brilliant as the most asked about cut in our workshop.
The appeal is easy to understand. An oval diamond appears larger than a round stone because of its elongated shape. It also creates a flattering look on the finger, making it appear slimmer and longer. For anyone drawn to this shape, we have a dedicated Oval Shaped Engagement Rings collection worth browsing.
Lab Grown Diamonds Continue to Rise
Lab grown diamonds have moved well beyond the "alternative" category. In 2026, a significant portion of the engagement rings we create feature lab grown stones, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.
The reasons are straightforward. Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds, but they cost substantially less. This means couples can either save money or get a noticeably larger stone for the same budget. For many people, that's a compelling proposition. We've covered the full comparison in our Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds article, and our Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery page has the current collection.
Solitaire Settings Are Making a Strong Comeback
After years of halos, clusters, and intricate settings taking centre stage, there's been a noticeable swing back towards clean, classic solitaire designs. A single stone on a simple band. No fuss.
This makes sense alongside the move towards larger centre stones (thanks in part to lab grown pricing). When you have a bigger diamond, it doesn't need a halo around it to create presence. The stone speaks for itself. You can browse our current Solitaire Engagement Rings to see what we mean.
Yellow Gold Is Back in Fashion
White gold and Rhodium platinum have dominated the engagement ring market for the past two decades, but yellow gold is making a serious return. It adds warmth to a ring and pairs beautifully with both diamonds and coloured gemstones.
Different Shapes Are Gaining Ground
Pear shaped diamonds (sometimes called teardrop) are another cut seeing increased interest. They offer something a little different without being too unconventional, and like ovals, they tend to look larger. Our Pear Shaped Engagement Rings page shows the range of styles available. If you want something a little different and a ring that truly stands out, the marquise shape might be the perfect choice for you - elegant, distinctive, and full of character.
Coloured Gemstones for the Bold
Not everyone wants a diamond, and in 2026 that's perfectly accepted. Sapphire engagement rings (particularly in deep blue and teal shades) continue to be popular, and we're seeing growing interest in emeralds and rubies too.
Coloured stones offer a way to create something truly personal and distinctive. We've explored the appeal of coloured stones in our articles on Sapphire Engagement Rings and Ruby Engagement Rings.
Custom Design Is Becoming the Norm
Perhaps the biggest shift we've noticed isn't about any single style. It's about how people are buying. More and more couples are choosing to design their ring from scratch rather than picking from pre made options.
Budget Friendly Options Without Compromise
One trend that's less about aesthetics and more about mindset: Irish couples are becoming smarter shoppers. People are doing their research, understanding what drives price, and looking for value rather than just spending for the sake of it.
Whether that means choosing a lab grown stone, opting for 9k gold instead of 18k, there's a real shift towards considered purchasing. We have collections at every price point, from Engagement Rings Under €300 through to Engagement Rings Under €10,000.
See What's Trending in Person
Trends are useful as a starting point, but the best engagement ring is the one that feels right for you and your partner. If you'd like to see what's current and explore your options, call into our workshop at 5 Mary Street in Dublin city centre. No appointment needed, no pressure, just honest advice from people who make rings every day.