2025 Diamond Trends: What’s Hot for Engagement Rings This Holiday Season

The holidays are a magical time for popping the question. If you’re shopping for an engagement ring as the ultimate gift, you’ll want to know the hottest trends of Holiday 2025. From ethical lab-grown diamonds to vintage-inspired designs, this season’s rings blend timeless romance with modern flair. In this guide, we break down the top engagement ring styles, shapes, and materials trending now – all with examples from  – so you can find “the right ring for that special someone”.

Lab-Grown Diamonds & Ethical Sparkle

One of the biggest shifts in 2025 is the surge in lab-grown diamonds. Couples are embracing lab-created stones as an ethical, budget-friendly alternative to mined diamonds. In fact, “lab diamonds are affordable and ethical; natural diamonds have legacy and resale appeal”. By choosing a lab-grown diamond, you can often afford a larger or higher-quality stone – think upgrading from a 1 carat to 2 or 3 carats for the same budget. Mikado Diamonds specializes in certified lab-grown diamond engagement rings, offering “the biggest, cleanest-looking diamond for your budget” while valuing ethics and transparency.

Holiday shoppers also appreciate that lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free and sustainably created. It’s a feel-good choice for an engagement ring, aligning with the season of giving. Mikado’s Lab-Grown Collection features a wide range of popular styles – solitaires, halos, three-stone rings, vintage designs and more – all with brilliant lab-grown stones hand-selected by gemologists. If a responsibly sourced sparkle is on your wish list, lab-grown is the trend to follow this year. (And don’t worry – lab diamonds are 100% real and identical to mined diamonds in beauty and durability.)

Customization & One-of-a-Kind Designs

In 2025, personalization is paramount. More couples want an engagement ring that tells their unique story, and that’s driving a major trend toward custom-designed rings. Rather than picking a mass-produced style, shoppers are using tools like Mikado’s online ring builder to create one-of-a-kind designs. “Select a ring setting and choose a stone to create a perfect engagement ring as unique as the one you love.” This holiday season, consider designing a ring with custom touches – it’s a heartfelt gift and an experience rolled into one.

What kinds of custom details are trending? Think hidden personal elements like birthstones or engravings, mixed metals, or incorporating an heirloom diamond into a new setting. Hidden halos, engraving in your partner’s handwriting, or subtle nods to special places are all popular custom options. Mikado’s design team has crafted rings with mountain ridge etchings, under-gallery vine motifs, and other deeply personal details. The beauty of going custom is that “you have total control over every detail” and end up with a one-of-a-kind ring.

Keep in mind that custom rings do take time – often 4–8 weeks to design and produce. If you’re planning a holiday proposal and want a bespoke ring, start early (or consider a “placeholder” ring for the big moment and design the final ring together afterward). For those on a tighter timeline, Mikado offers plenty of ready-to-ship designs (more on that below). But if you have the time, giving a custom-designed ring during the holidays can be incredibly meaningful. It shows you went the extra mile to create their dream ring. Mikado even offers free virtual design consultations to help bring your vision to life – a perfect pre-holiday planning step.

East-West Settings: Horizontal Elegance

When it comes to ring settings, East-West orientations are one of 2025’s chicest style trends. An east-west setting simply means the center diamond (often an elongated shape) is set horizontally on the band rather than upright. This unexpected twist on a classic setting creates a sleek, modern look that’s catching everyone’s eye. “Forget tradition – the east-west diamond setting turns classic stones on their side for a fresh, architectural effect”. It’s an ideal style for the bride who loves minimalism with a twist.

Why the buzz about east-west rings? First, the horizontal layout can make the diamond appear larger and even more prominent on the finger. It emphasizes the distinct curves and length of fancy shapes like ovals, emerald-cuts, marquise or pears. For example, a marquise or emerald diamond set east-west creates a bold silhouette that still feels refined. Mikado Diamonds has noted this trend in their own education guides: “Some designers set marquise diamonds horizontally (‘east-west’) for a unique, modern twist that emphasizes the stone’s graceful curve.” An east-west orientation gives the ring a contemporary vibe without adding extra diamonds or ornamentation – it’s a simple change that makes a big style statement.

If you love this look, check out Mikado’s selection of elongated shapes (oval, marquise, emerald, etc.) and ask about east-west setting options. Many ring designs can be adapted to an east-west mount, or you can custom-build one. This trend is especially hot for Holiday 2025, so an east-west ring will feel fashion-forward and unique. It’s the perfect blend of understated and unexpected – a conversation starter every time they show off their hand.

Hidden Halo Accents: Surprise Sparkle

Halo settings have been popular for years, but in 2025 the spotlight is on the hidden halo – a subtle variation that offers surprise sparkle. A hidden halo features a circle of small diamonds underneath the center stone, rather than around it. When viewed from the side, the ring has a gorgeous glittering halo; from the top, the halo is barely visible, letting the center diamond shine solo. This design gives you the best of both worlds: extra brilliance without overtly framing the center gem.

Hidden halos are everywhere this season, prized for their elegance and practicality. Mikado Diamonds notes that “hidden halos bring elegance and movement, a dynamic sparkle that shows up when you least expect it”. Many buyers also love that a hidden halo can enhance a diamond’s look for less cost – “fewer stones overall means a lower price tag, all while adding an elegant touch of detail”. It’s a smart way to maximize sparkle on a budget. And unlike big halo rings that might go in and out of fashion, hidden halos have a “more lasting appeal” thanks to their subtlety. In short, this trend has major staying power.

Mikado offers numerous engagement rings with hidden halos, including the popular Journee Hidden Halo Engagement Ring. This elegant design “features 1/2 ctw. of brilliant diamonds that extend down the band and in a hidden halo.” Any center stone 0.50 carat or larger – whether oval, cushion, round, pear, etc. – can be set in the Journee style. That means you can add a secret halo to whatever diamond shape you love most. Hidden halos also pair beautifully with lab-grown colored diamonds (another trend!) – Mikado’s experts often tuck pink, yellow, or blue lab-grown diamonds into hidden halos for a vibrant yet elegant twist.

If your partner would appreciate some extra sparkle but still wants a classic-looking ring, a hidden halo is a perfect compromise. From oval solitaires with hidden halos to vintage-inspired designs with peekaboo diamonds, this trend adds surprise shine that’s sure to delight. It’s like hiding a little holiday surprise under the tree – except the tree is a diamond and the surprise is more diamonds!

Vintage-Inspired Romance

Everything old is new again in 2025. Vintage-inspired engagement rings are trending strongly, as modern couples fall in love with the romance and character of bygone eras. We’re seeing Art Deco details, antique cuts, and heirloom-inspired settings make a big comeback. According to Pinterest’s 2025 Wedding Report, “couples are redefining tradition with designs that blend classic romance with unexpected twists” – and vintage style is a big part of that.

What defines a vintage-inspired ring? Often it’s in the details: milgrain engraving (the tiny beaded edges on antique rings), filigree scrollwork, geometric Art Deco motifs, or floral Victorian elements. Classic diamond cuts like the cushion, Asscher, or marquise also lend a vintage vibe. Brides and grooms in 2025 are choosing rings that evoke “the glamour of bygone eras” while still feeling fresh and meaningful. A great example is the cushion-cut diamond in an antique-style setting – “with its soft, rounded corners and dreamy antique sparkle, a vintage-inspired cushion cut ring channels pure romance”. This style appeals to Gen Z’s love of nostalgia, proving that “something old” can be new and totally on-trend.

Mikado Diamonds has an entire Vintage/Antique collection, featuring rings that capture that old-world charm. From Art Deco halo designs with geometric patterns to intricate milgrain-accented rings like the Eryn Engagement Ring (which “features .30 ctw. of dazzling diamonds and fine milgrain detail”), these rings have a distinctive character. Asscher cut diamonds – a 1920s favorite – are also seeing renewed popularity; they offer “a captivating blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication”. Consider a setting with vintage touches such as baguette side stones, a cushion-cut center, or a nature-inspired motif. Vintage-inspired doesn’t have to mean “old-fashioned” – today’s designs often mix antique details with contemporary simplicity, resulting in a ring that feels timeless.

Choosing a vintage-style ring for a holiday proposal adds extra sentiment: it’s a nod to history, romance, and maybe even your family’s heritage. And because these styles are resurfacing as a top trend (marquise and pear shapes, for instance, are described as having a “regal comeback” this year), your vintage-inspired ring will be both distinctive and fashionable. It’s the perfect way to start a new chapter with a piece of jewelry that carries a storybook aura.

Yellow Gold & Mixed Metals Shine Bright

Warm, golden hues are dominating this season’s engagement ring aesthetics. Yellow gold – the longtime classic metal – is back in a big way for 2025. Many trending designs feature yellow gold settings or two-tone combinations that make diamonds pop. After a decade of white metals like platinum and white gold stealing the show, the pendulum has swung back toward the rich glow of yellow (and even rose) gold. It’s a trend that pairs naturally with the vintage revival, since yellow gold gives a ring that heirloom, romantic feel.

One notable micro-trend is mixed metal settings. Designers are artfully combining metals for a modern look: “Mixing metals is making a comeback. Think white gold paired with yellow or rose gold accents, creating depth and contrast while keeping things elegant.” A ring might have a platinum band with a rose gold halo, or a yellow gold band with white gold prongs holding the diamond. This approach lets you enjoy the best of both worlds – the contemporary tone of white metal alongside the warmth of yellow. It’s also great for those who can’t choose just one metal! Mikado offers custom two-tone options, and many of their preset styles can be ordered in your choice of metal. In the Journee Hidden Halo ring mentioned earlier, for example, you can select 14K or 18K yellow gold (or white, rose, platinum) for the band. Mixing metals or choosing a less-common metal is an easy way to make a classic ring more personal.

Why is yellow gold so hot right now? Apart from the vintage influence, it’s also about skin tone and style preferences. Yellow gold complements warm skin tones beautifully and offers a luxurious contrast to colorless diamonds (making the stone appear even icier-white by contrast). It photographs wonderfully under the warm glow of holiday lights – perfect for those ring selfies by the Christmas tree or Menorah. And practically speaking, yellow and rose gold are a bit easier to maintain than white gold (which needs rhodium plating to stay bright white).

If your partner loves a classic, sunny look or wears a lot of gold jewelry already, a yellow gold engagement ring could be the ideal pick. This metal is timeless yet trending, giving the ring a festive warmth and elegance. And if you’re feeling bold, consider a trendy two-tone design. For instance, a white gold ring with a surprise yellow gold gallery (underside) or a yellow gold band with a platinum head can make the ring truly stand out. Holiday 2025 is definitely glimmering in gold, so don’t shy away from these warm tones.

Ready-to-Ship Rings for Last-Minute Shoppers

The holiday season can be a hectic time – if you’re planning a surprise proposal on Christmas or New Year’s, you might be scrambling to get the perfect ring in time. Enter another practical trend: ready-to-ship engagement rings. Many jewelers (Mikado Diamonds included) now offer a curated selection of preset rings that are in stock and can be sent out immediately. It’s a game-changer for last-minute proposals or if you want to have the ring in-hand well before the big moment.

Mikado’s ready-to-ship collection is particularly attractive, not just for its convenience but also for its value. The rings are already crafted with center stones and settings, so what you see is what you get – and they’re deeply discounted, 40–70% below traditional retail prices. That means you can snag a gorgeous ring for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere, and have it delivered fast. The selection spans “a wide variety of popular styles, from timeless solitaires to hidden halos and modern designs”, all in standard ring sizes. “Perfect for last-minute proposals or couples who don’t want to wait,” these rings are in stock and ready to ship today.

For holiday shoppers, a ready-to-ship ring offers peace of mind. You avoid the stress of production timelines or shipping delays that can come with custom orders in December. Mikado notes that you can often have a ring shipped out within 24 hours of purchase – ideal if you need it now. Despite the quick turnaround, you’re not limited to boring designs. You’ll find everything from classic 1.00 ct round solitaires to intricate halo and three-stone rings in the ready-to-ship section. Many are lab-grown diamond rings, letting you maximize size and quality for your budget.

On the flip side, if you have something very specific in mind and enough lead time, you can always go the custom route as discussed above. But it’s reassuring to know that in November/December, you still have plenty of stunning options available for immediate purchase. In fact, some couples intentionally opt for a ready-to-ship ring during the holidays to take advantage of the sale pricing, then plan a custom upgrade or anniversary ring later. However you approach it, Mikado has you covered: you can “shop today and enjoy unbeatable prices on luxury engagement rings… with styles designed to last a lifetime.” In other words, whether you need it now or you’re planning ahead, you’ll get a beautiful ring in time for that holiday proposal.

Make This Holiday Proposal Unforgettable

From ethical diamonds to East-West elegance, hidden halos to yellow gold glows, 2025’s engagement ring trends offer something for every love story. The common thread is personal meaning and quality – choosing a ring that not only sparkles, but also resonates with your values and style as a couple. This holiday season, lean into the trends that speak to you (and your future fiancé’s wish list). Maybe it’s a lab-grown diamond in a vintage-inspired yellow gold setting, or a sleek oval diamond turned East-West with a hidden halo surprise. You can mix and match these trends to create the ultimate ring.

Most importantly, remember that the best trend is the one that celebrates your unique bond.  is an excellent place to start (and finish) your search. With unique styles and a wide selection of engagement rings, you’re sure to find the right ring for that special someone. You can browse ready-made rings on sale or craft a custom design, all in one place. And if you need guidance, Mikado’s experts are a click or call away – you can even book a virtual appointment for personalized help.

Give the gift of a lifetime this holiday: a breathtaking engagement ring that’s both on-trend and timeless. With these 2025 trends in mind and Mikado’s exceptional offerings, you’ll be able to wrap up the perfect ring to say “Will you marry me?” in unforgettable style. Happy Holiday ring shopping – and here’s to your magical proposal moment!