As we look ahead to 2026, engagement ring design is entering a new era: one defined by intention, individuality and self-expression. Couples are moving beyond tradition for tradition’s sake, instead seeking rings that reflect personal style, shared values, and a sense of longevity. From distinctive settings to curated bridal stacks and a growing focus on men’s engagement rings, this year’s engagement ring trends reveal a shift towards bridal jewellery that feels deeply personal and that tells couples' own unique love stories. To explore what this means for couples planning a proposal in the year ahead, we turned to our engagement ring experts for their insight into the trends shaping 2026.
THE ART OF RING STACKING
In 2026, the engagement ring is no longer designed to stand alone. Instead, couples are thoughtfully curating bridal stacks that evolve over time, combining engagement rings with wedding bands and future anniversary or eternity rings to create a cohesive and meaningful set. As Co-Managing Director Jessica McCabe-Moran explains, “Bridal and occasion jewellery trends are deeply rooted in commemorating life’s most significant milestones,” and this sentiment is at the heart of the growing appeal of ring stacking.
Rather than focusing on fashion-led stacking, this approach is about balance, longevity and storytelling. “The stacking trend is a beautiful way to design your unique life’s story and carry it with you every day,” Jessica notes, as engagement rings are paired with full-circle diamond bands, eternity rings and wedding bands featuring diamonds, coloured gemstones or mixed metals. These additional rings often mark significant moments such as wedding days, anniversaries or personal achievements, transforming a bridal stack into a living timeline of a relationship.
We’re seeing growing interest in pairing classic solitaire engagement rings with diamond eternity bands, alongside more contemporary combinations that incorporate sapphires, emeralds or other coloured gemstones for contrast and individuality. Antique and vintage wedding rings are also being chosen alongside modern engagement rings, creating a layered look that blends history with modern design.
The result is a uniquely personal bridal stack; one that can be added to and reimagined over a lifetime, without losing its sense of harmony or elegance.
Shop Linea Rings | Gerard McCabe
The Rise of the East–West Engagement Ring Setting
No engagement ring style is having a bigger moment than the East–West setting. Instead of the stone being set vertically, the diamond lies horizontally across the finger, creating a style that is “a modern take on a classic look”, as our Design Manager Jackie Mahoney describes it.
This unconventional setting has been catapulted into the spotlight thanks to celebrity influence. Zendaya brought the style into the spotlight with her engagement ring at the Golden Globes, and with Miley Cyrus now engaged and wearing a gorgeous long cushion-shaped East–West chunky gold ring, Jackie notes that these designs are “becoming increasingly popular and likely to become more popular” in the year ahead.
In our own collection, the Selene engagement ring has quickly become a standout. Jackie explains that “Selene has a nice, rounded band that gives a finer look with structure and strength,” complementing the sleek horizontal stone.
Described by Jackie as having “a nice Art Deco vibe”, the elegant half-bezel setting allows light to pass through the diamond for maximum shine. Versatility is another hallmark of the design, working beautifully with radiant cuts, emerald cuts and long cushion-shaped stones.
Couples are increasingly drawn to styles that blend tradition with individuality, and the East–West setting does exactly that. Whether chosen for comfort, modernity, or simply to stand out from the crowd, it’s poised to remain one of the defining engagement ring styles of 2026.
Shop Selene East-West Engagement Ring | Gerard McCabe
ENGAGEMENT RINGS FOR MEN
Men’s engagement rings continue to gain momentum in 2026, reflecting a broader shift towards inclusivity and self-expression in modern relationships. More couples are choosing engagement rings for both partners, redefining what commitment jewellery looks like today.
Our collection of men’s engagement rings spans bold mixed-metal designs, classic yellow or white gold bands, and contemporary styles accented with diamonds. Traditionally worn as dress rings, many of these pieces are now being chosen specifically as engagement symbols. This shift reflects a desire for equality in marking life’s milestones, as well as a growing appreciation for jewellery that aligns with personal style rather than convention alone.
Whether minimal or statement-making, men’s engagement rings in 2026 are confident, intentional, and deeply personal.
Shop Men's Engagement Rings | Gerard McCabe
ANTIQUE & VINTAGE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Vintage engagement rings are having an unmistakable resurgence, with couples increasingly drawn to pieces that carry history, symbolism, and individuality.
The trend has been helped along by several high-profile engagements. Taylor Swift’s recent vintage-inspired ring, featuring an elongated cushion cut old mine brilliant diamond, has sparked enormous interest in antique styles.
In our own antique and vintage collection, you will find an extensive range of engagement rings that span the most influential jewellery eras, from Victorian and Edwardian through to Art Deco and Mid Century Modern design. These pieces feature an extraordinary variety of centre stones, ranging from old mine cut diamonds to an array of vibrant gemstones, each hand-selected for its character and beauty.
Antique and vintage rings carry with them their own unique history, and many clients tell us that choosing a vintage ring feels like adding a new chapter to its story. With sustainability and longevity at the forefront of modern buying habits, these heirloom-quality rings offer both ethical appeal and one-of-a-kind artistry. It’s no surprise they’re becoming the preferred choice for a new generation of romantics.
Shop Antique & Vintage Engagement Rings | Gerard McCabe
The engagement ring trends of 2026 signal a clear move towards personal expression and lasting design. Whether through curated bridal stacks that evolve over time, bold East–West settings, the growing presence of men’s engagement rings, or the enduring appeal of antique and vintage pieces, today’s couples are choosing rings with meaning at their core.
What ties these trends together is a shared desire for engagement rings that tell a story and stand the test of time. As proposals become more personal, so too do the rings that mark them.
For those planning a 2026 proposal, now is the moment to explore designs that feel authentic, intentional, and timeless. Our contemporary range as well as our collection of antique and vintage engagement rings offers a curated selection that embodies the very best of what the year ahead has to offer.
