DiamondBuzz

U.S. couples spent 5% less on engagement rings in 2024 : The Knot

Published

2 years ago

March 13, 2025

In recent years, the engagement ring market has witnessed significant changes, particularly in consumer spending and gemstone preferences. According to a report by The Knot, U.S. couples spent approximately 5% less on engagement rings in 2024 compared to the previous year. The average cost of an engagement ring fell from $5,500 in 2023 to $5,200 in 2024, marking a 10% decline from 2022 and a 13% decrease from 2021. This trend aligns with the increasing preference for lab-grown diamond center stones, which, for the first time, accounted for more than half of all engagement rings purchased. The shift towards synthetic diamonds has surged by 40% since 2019, contributing significantly to the downward trend in overall spending on engagement rings.

The rise in demand for lab-grown diamonds is not only reducing costs but also influencing the size of center stones. While the average cost of a natural diamond engagement ring remains at $7,600, couples who opt for lab-grown alternatives tend to select larger stones. In 2024, the average engagement ring center stone measured 1.7 carats, an increase from the 1.5-carat average in 2021. This shift suggests that couples are prioritizing carat size while seeking more affordable alternatives to mined diamonds. Additionally, shape and metal preferences have remained relatively stable, with round and oval cuts being the most popular, and white and yellow gold accounting for over 70% of engagement ring settings. Notably, yellow gold has increased in popularity by 5% year-over-year, while white gold has declined by 3%.

Beyond gemstone and metal choices, setting styles are also evolving. Prong settings continue to dominate, with 35% of respondents selecting this classic option. However, the hidden halo setting—a cluster of diamonds encircling the base of the center stone—has gained traction, capturing 18% of the market and surpassing the traditional halo setting, which saw a decline to 13%. This trend reflects a shift in aesthetic preferences among modern couples who seek a balance between timeless elegance and contemporary design. Moreover, the engagement ring purchasing process has become more meticulous. Over half of proposers spent between one and four months researching and selecting a ring, with a quarter taking even longer. The increase in shopping duration correlates with a rise in the number of jewelers visited. On average, proposers explored five stores in 2024, compared to just two in 2022 and 2023, underscoring the importance of in-person evaluation before making a purchase.

The engagement ring industry continues to adapt to evolving consumer behavior, as financial considerations, ethical concerns, and aesthetic trends shape purchasing decisions. With lab-grown diamonds offering an affordable yet visually identical alternative to natural diamonds, the shift in spending and preferences is likely to persist. As couples become more discerning and invested in the selection process, the future of the engagement ring market may see further innovations and adjustments to meet the needs of modern consumers.

Related Topics:2025 diamondbuzz EngagementRings internationalnews US Couples

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DiamondBuzz

Exceptional Platinum Jewelry Designs Win AGTA Spectrum Awards Competition

More than 60 platinum jewellery entries competed for top honours, recognising exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs and the versatility of platinum across coloured gemstones and pearl jewellery.

Published

4 days ago

November 7, 2026

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Platinum Guild International (PGI), in partnership with the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), is pleased to announce the Platinum Honors winners of the 2026 AGTA Spectrum Awards.

More than 60 platinum jewelry entries were submitted to the Platinum Honors category, which recognizes outstanding uses of platinum in colored gemstone and natural or cultured pearl jewelry across multiple categories, from Evening Wear to Engagement Rings. PGI also traditionally presents an award for Best Use of Platinum and Color.

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The AGTA Spectrum Awards competition was held at the Omni Frisco Hotel at the Star in Dallas, where Jenny Luker, President, PGI USA, judged the Platinum Honors category.

“The AGTA Spectrum Awards bring together an extraordinary range of platinum jewelry, and the level of design innovation, technical execution, and artistry is exceptional,” said Luker. “It’s exciting to see so many talented designers exploring the material in different ways, creating intricate, distinctive pieces that showcase the versatility of platinum.”

AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. thanked PGI for its sponsorship of the Spectrum Awards and extended his congratulations to the Platinum Honors winners. “Receiving a Platinum Honors distinction from PGI is one of the industry’s highest achievements,” he said. “We were happy to see Platinum so well represented among the AGTA Spectrum entries, which increased by 21% this year.”

Platinum’s potential for design innovation and technical accomplishment was exemplified by several of this year’s AGTA Spectrum Award winners.

The Best of Show award and 1st Place in Classical Wear was awarded to “Can’t Look Away,” a necklace by Lezlie Slavens of Luxe Fine Jewelry and collaborators. The design features a carved Paraiba tourmaline backed in platinum, suspended from a diamond-accented platinum chain and illuminated by a magnet-activated LED light source.

The Art Deco-inspired “Horus Egyptian Revival” bracelet by Joseph Dardashti, in Platinum with Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, and Onyx, won 1st Place in the Spectrum Awards’ Evening Wear category and also received a Platinum Honors distinction in the same category.

Jeffrey Bilgore’s Mahenge Spinel and Diamond “Neuvelle Moi et Toi Forever” Platinum ring received the Stuller Color of the Year Award, a new category honoring exceptional interpretations of Stuller’s “Signature Red”, and won 2nd Place in the Spectrum Awards’ Classical category.

The honour of 1st Place in the Bridal category went to Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems, Inc. for his Platinum ring featuring a 5.32 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline, accented by Tourmaline (1.05 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.69 ctw.).

New entrant Shelby Lichtenstein was awarded 1st Place in Engagement Rings with her Platinum “Something New, Something Blue” ring, featuring a 4.50 ct. blue emerald-cut Zircon accented by Diamonds (0.26 ctw.).

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“Because of platinum’s durability, strength, and tensile properties, designers can achieve things that might not be possible with other metals,” said Luker. “Whether it’s intricate micro pavé work or delicate prongs, platinum allows for exceptional precision while ensuring that gemstones remain secure.”

Across all categories of the Spectrum Awards competition, noteworthy platinum jewelry trends included bezel settings in engagement rings, designs that paired platinum with moonstones for a dreamy, elegant white-on-white effect, and brooches for both men and women that incorporated multiple gemstone types in an array of cuts and sizes.

“The level of design this year was incredible,” said Luker. “I was particularly impressed by the innovation and execution. Platinum plays such a wonderful supporting role to gemstones, and that relationship has endured—and will endure—forever.”

AGTA Spectrum – Platinum Guild International (PGI) Platinum Honors

Best Use of Platinum & Color

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Roland Krainz, Krainz Creations – Platinum “Ambrosia” necklace featuring Opals accented by Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, and tsavorite Garnets (140.80 ctw.).

Best Use of Platinum Crown

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – Platinum “Everest” ring featuring a 9.70 ct. cushion-cut Tanzanite accented by Diamonds (1.67 ctw.).

Bridal Wear

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC – Platinum “JuneStones for June Brides” necklace featuring a 27.02 ct. blue-sheen oval Moonstone accented by a 7.95 ct. natural conch Pearl, Alexandrites (3.23 ctw.), and Diamonds (10.36 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear

Gabriel Angulo, Pompos Jewelry Corporation – Platinum stretchable ring with titanium springs featuring a 5.42 ct. natural oval cabochon black Opal accented by Diamonds (5.15 ctw.) and Sapphires (3.28 ctw.).

Classical

Eve Streicker, Original Eve Designs, in collaboration with Rohan Agrawal – Platinum “Zellige” brooch featuring marquise-shaped Aquamarines (8.40 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (0.28 ctw.).

Engagement Rings

Underwood Design Team, Underwood’s Fine Jewelers – Platinum ring featuring a 3.66 ct. cushion-shaped Sapphire accented by Diamonds (1.22 ctw.).

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Evening Wear

Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti, Ltd. – Platinum and 18K yellow gold “Horus Egyptian Revival” bracelet featuring Rubies (5.90 ctw.), blue Sapphires (3.75 ctw.), and Emeralds (0.70 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (6.50 ctw.) and Onyx (0.75 ctw.).

Innovative Design

Cari Goldman, Pieces by Cari, LLC, in collaboration with Alexsey Yarnikh – Platinum “Love Spun” ring featuring marquise crystal Opals (2.24 ctw.) accented by Diamonds (1.0 ctw.).

Men’s Wear

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. – Platinum “Siren’s Relic” ring featuring a 5.35 ct. emerald-cut Zoisite.

These highlights offer a glimpse of the exceptional work recognized in the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards. We invite you to explore the complete collection of winning entries at AGTA.org and discover the artistry behind each award.

Many of the winning pieces will be on display during AGTA GemFair Tucson, January 31–February 4, 2027, at the Tucson Convention Center. For AGTA members and the wider trade, it is an opportunity to appreciate the gems and craftsmanship up close, connect with the community behind them and find inspiration for what comes next.