woman wearing a large carat lab grown diamond engagement ring with a choker necklace featuring lab grown diamonds
woman wearing a large carat lab grown diamond engagement ring with a choker necklace featuring lab grown diamonds

The Impact of Social Media on Engagement Ring Trends

Alicia Briggs | February 05, 2024

If you’re scrolling through your social feeds and dreaming of that perfect engagement ring, you're not alone. Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok shape today's engagement ring trends, heavily influencing shopper's ring selections. With more options than ever available at our fingertips, it can be difficult to narrow down your ideal style.

Below, we cover how social media impacts shopping for engagement rings and how you can effectively use it to find your dream design.

Book an appointment with a VRAI diamond expert to find an engagement ring with a VRAI created diamond that reflects your favorite styles.

The Evolution of Engagement Ring Styles

Engagement ring styles have consistently changed throughout time, often mirroring fashion and cultural shifts. Traditional Solitaire designs and a classic Round Brilliant cut diamond have always remained in style, but every era introduces a new trendy design. Some styles remain timeless while others fade.

Today, we’re witnessing a trend towards more unique, personal engagement ring designs instead of one favored style. Engagement rings are no longer just about a specific diamond shape and a certain size and setting. Shoppers now prefer their engagement rings to represent their unique style, love, and values.

From the minimalist allure of sleek bands, to the bold statements of unconventional designs, modern engagement rings break the historical mold.

How Social Media Influences Engagement Ring Trends

Social media platforms now play a large role in shaping engagement ring trends. They provide a 24/7 virtual showcase at your fingertips. What goes viral often sets the tone for what's in demand.

“Instagram is the reigning queen when it comes to ring inspo, but we also see tons from Pinterest, and even YouTube and TikTok these days,” explains Grace Taylor, VRAI SR. Director of Sales & CX. “I can see TikTok really emerging as a source of inspiration because there are so many creators doing videos on unique, cool, or interesting ring designs.”

Jewelers and designers take cues from these platforms to ensure their collections resonate with the preferences showcased online. Social media offers a more collaborative and personalized shopping experience. It’s now a two-way street where consumers and creators can inspire each other.

Below, we cover the main social media platforms and how they influence the engagement ring industry today.

Instagram’s Influence on Ring Styles

We've all been stuck scrolling on Instagram for hours without realizing it. If you’re interested in buying a ring, chances are your algorithm will soon reflect that.

Endless feeds of glittering engagement rings with searchable hashtags make Instagram a treasure trove for those on the hunt for ring inspiration. It's where the latest trends make their grand debut. Celebrities, fashionistas, and influencers now choose to first reveal their ring designs on Instagram.

TikTok & Viral Ring Trends

TikTok is quickly becoming a heavyweight in the ring inspiration arena. TikTok offers a dynamic way to explore engagement ring trends. Here you’ll find unboxing videos, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the crafting process, and style breakdowns of the latest celebrity engagements.

Pinterest for Design Inspiration

Pinterest is practically the holy grail of design inspiration for future brides and grooms. With its endless array of images, from vintage cuts to modern designs, Pinterest provides limitless visual access to every trend. Pinterest boards act as personal mood boards. It’s easy for consumers to explore according to their style and aspirations, save their favorites, and review their options later.

The Role of Bloggers and Influencers

Bloggers and influencers offer a more intimate and community-driven approach to engagement ring shopping. Many people develop online relationships with their bloggers and influencers, so when they give their opinions, people trust them. From detailed guides on diamond cuts to reviews of different ring styles, hearing a real person share their stories, advice, and experiences, provides an intimate way for consumers to learn.

Current Engagement Ring Trends Influenced by Social Media

A few of the biggest engagement ring trends today, found below, are largely due to social media.

  • A Surge in Custom Designs: Social media has sparked a desire for uniqueness and personalization. This has led to a rise in custom design requests. Jewelers are also offering more customizable details for engagement rings to meet this demand.
  • Vintage Makes a Comeback: There's a newfound appreciation for history and heritage, thanks to vintage-inspired designs trending on social media. Art Deco and Victorian styles are particularly popular today, often due to celebrity selections.
  • Ethical and Sustainable Options: Shoppers are becoming increasingly conscious of the ethical considerations of diamond mining, thanks to social media platforms. Lab-grown diamonds have never been more popular. Alternative metals such as recycled metals are gaining momentum, as is artisan craftsmanship.

The Impact of Social Media on Purchasing Decisions

Social media doesn’t just impact what designs are trending, it’s also changed how consumers make engagement ring purchases. Social media makes it possible to find significantly more retailers than just your local jeweler. “For clients in our showrooms, they almost always say they found out about us through Instagram,” says Taylor.

Shoppers can now view virtual collections from online retailers on social media platforms such as Instagram, making it easier than ever to make engagement ring purchases.

Social media’s visual appeal and easy access to information can shorten the decision-making process. Some shoppers are more prone to buying quickly and more impulsively when they see something they love.

It’s also easier for consumers to verify the quality and expertise of a retailer, thanks to influencer culture. With real-life stories and reviews available online, shoppers can quickly research what to expect from different jewelers.

Lastly, social media has even impacted how we give and receive engagement rings. People are using social media to document the shopping and unboxing experience. This is causing jewelers to design packaging that's as Instagram-worthy as the ring inside.

Discover Trendy Yet Timeless Engagement Rings at VRAI

Engagement rings aren't just a piece of jewelry — they're a lasting symbol of your commitment. The design you choose should reflect your unique fashion sense while remaining timeless.

At VRAI, few diamonds are as beautiful and enduring as our lab-grown diamonds, grown in America’s Pacific Northwest. Our zero-emission foundry is powered by 100% renewable energy, and every VRAI created diamond is fully traceable from the very first atom.

Our assortment of contemporary, fully customizable, enduring designs are the result of unmatched craftsmanship, led by a fourth-generation master diamond cutter. All Carbon-Neutral Certified engagement rings with VRAI creatd diamonds are cut, polished, and crafted to the highest industry standards. With VRAI, you can cherish your unique design for generations to come.

Social Media ​Ring Trends FAQ

Find the answers to further questions about social media trends, below.

What’s the Buzz About Lab-Grown Diamonds in Engagement Rings?

Lab-grown diamonds have become increasingly popular as consumers are seeking an ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamond rings. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They offer the same beauty, brilliance, and rarity as mined diamonds, but without the human or environmental toll.

Can I Really Personalize My Engagement Ring?

You can personalize your engagement ring. Many jewelers offer customizable details such as the diamond shape, setting, and metal color, which allow you to personalize your ring. You can also add an engraving or create a custom design.

Are There Any Rules for Matching My Engagement Ring With a Wedding Band?

There is no set rule for matching engagement rings to wedding bands, but they should feel comfortable and secure to wear together. Some people prefer a seamless match, while others love a bit of contrast. Ultimately, your wedding band should complement your ring, not compete with it.

Is It True That Certain Diamond Cuts Sparkle More?

The diamond cut plays a huge role in how much it “sparkles.” A Brilliant cut will have the classic, coveted brilliance, but any well-cut diamond creates an incredible and unique “sparkle.”

How Do I Find My Dream Ring on Social Media?

You can find your dream ring on social media by using hashtags related to your style and following jewelers that align with your preferences. Pinterest boards are also great for collecting ideas.

Can I Trust Online Reviews?

Yes, you can trust online reviews. We recommend comparing reviews on a variety of trusted sites and looking for detailed feedback and pictures.

Are Custom Rings More Expensive?

Custom rings aren’t necessarily more expensive. When you create a custom ring, you get to choose the jeweler, details, and materials, which means you can largely control the total cost.

virtual appointment with diamond expert meeting with potential customers over a call on a computer
virtual appointment with diamond expert meeting with potential customers over a call on a computer

Consult with a diamond expert

Speak with our diamond experts and enjoy personalized guidance to select your ring, in-depth diamond 4C education, exclusive in-store fittings or virtual try-ons, custom design options.

Speak with our diamond experts and enjoy personalized guidance to select your ring, in-depth diamond 4C education, exclusive in-store fittings or virtual try-ons, custom design options.