The allure of celebrity engagement rings continues to captivate the public, influencing trends in the diamond industry. Recently, Zendaya’s appearance at the Golden Globes with an east-west cushion cut diamond engagement ring, courtesy of Jessica McCormack, sparked widespread attention.
This follows her confirmation of engagement to Tom Holland. Similarly, Selena Gomez’s marquise diamond engagement ring announcement garnered significant social media buzz, with her Instagram post receiving 23 million likes.
Zoë Kravitz also made headlines with her cushion cut diamond ring from the same jeweler, further solidifying the impact of celebrity choices on consumer preferences.
Shifting Trends in Diamond Shapes
Recent engagements, such as those of Gomez and Zendaya, highlight the current appetite for elongated diamond shapes, including marquise and east-west settings. Hailey Bieber’s influence on oval engagement rings in 2018 led to a surge in demand, which has since evolved into interest in other elongated cuts like emerald and radiant diamonds. Lauren Boc, founder of Hera Fine Jewelry, observed, “Right now, we’re seeing more diversity in what people are looking for. … We are getting more requests for marquise, for sure.”
The Evolution of Engagement Rings
Engagement rings have traditionally been a symbol of commitment, often featuring classic solitaire designs. However, modern trends are shifting towards more unique settings and shapes. The east-west setting, for instance, offers a fresh twist on traditional designs by placing the diamond horizontally. This shift reflects broader changes in attitudes towards marriage and personal expression.
Lab-Grown Diamonds and Sustainability
The rise of lab-grown diamonds has also contributed to the experimentation with non-traditional shapes. According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, more than half of couples now opt for lab-grown diamonds, marking a significant increase from previous years. This trend is driven by both cost-effectiveness and sustainability concerns. Lauren Boc noted that a celebrity adopting a lab-grown diamond could further normalize this choice, potentially changing consumer perceptions.
Changing Attitudes Towards Marriage
Beyond diamond trends, societal attitudes towards marriage are evolving. Pew Research data from 2023 showed a record 25% of 40-year-olds in the U.S. have never been married. This shift is reflected in how engagement rings are perceived and worn. Alexei Hay, a New York-based jeweler, observed, “The whole tradition of engagement rings is being overhauled right now, starting with the idea of, ‘Is it just with a man and a woman? Do you need another person, or can you get engaged to yourself?’”
Celebrity Engagement Rings in the Diamond Industry
Despite the influence of celebrity engagement rings, their impact on the diamond industry has decreased over time. Engagement rings once accounted for over 40% of consumer diamond sales but now represent about one-third of the market.
However, the media coverage and public fascination with celebrity rings keep the industry in the spotlight. As Paul Zimnisky noted, “I can’t believe how much mainstream media coverage diamonds still get,” highlighting the enduring allure of diamonds despite the industry’s relatively modest size compared to the global luxury fashion market.
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