Engagements, weddings and various other celebrations were cancelled in 2020. However, love is definitely in the air this summer as engagement ring searches online continue to soar.
Diamond engagement rings are still the number one choice for most Brits, with a white gold setting. Diamonds have been the traditional engagement stone for decades, and it looks like that’s not about to change anytime soon.
F-Hinds recently carried out a survey to examine Google search trends in 2020 for engagement rings. The data revealed that diamond rings are by far the most popular engagement ring choice in the UK. In fact, there was an average of 14,800 searches for ‘diamond’ engagement rings every month in 2020. Love was still in the air for most Brits, despite the looming lockdown restrictions. White gold was the most popular setting choice, with a total of 9,900 online searches per month in 2020. Platinum was a close second, followed by silver.
North America and Canada, however, prefer rose gold engagement rings over a white gold setting. Brazil likes a silver engagement ring, and Australia enjoys a Sapphire or rose gold ring. Gemstone engagement rings are also becoming popular with celebrities. Hit pop singer, Katy Perry, wears a ruby in a floral halo design for her engagement ring from Orlando Bloom.
Diamonds are a timeless choice for an engagement ring. Engagement rings originated in Rome and did not include diamonds. Initially, engagement rings were a sign of ownership and a little less romantic than they are nowadays. In the early 1900s, engagement rings were fairly uncommon, and when they were worn, they were very dainty with intricate details. In 1920, however, as fashion and art came into play – engagement rings became more popular. Art deco took centre stage and replaced the old-fashioned rings of the Edwardian era with gemstones and angled lines. As a result of The Great Depression, engagement rings became less extravagant and expensive. Simple stone with a platinum setting was popular during World War II.
In the 40s, glamorous engagement rings returned with large stones and a yellow gold band. Back in 1948, De Beers launched their ‘Diamond is Forever’ campaign and made diamonds a symbol of ever-lasting marriage.
While diamonds are undeniably beautiful to look at, the process behind acquiring them is far from it. A natural diamond is forged in the immense heat of the Earth’s mantle, and most were created over one billion years ago. Diamond mining has a detrimental impact on the environment – and has been connected to water pollution, deforestation and public health problems.
Fortunately, lab-grown diamonds are pretty much physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds. They are grown in a machine that produces extreme heat and pressure to replicate the conditions of the Earth’s mantle.
Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular with the younger generation. Nearly 70% of Millennials would consider opting for a lab-grown diamond over a natural one for their engagement ring. Millennials and Gen-Zers are known for being more environmentally and ethically aware. Young engagement ring buyers are drawn to lab-grown diamonds, and the market is increasing by 15 per cent to 20 per cent.
Engagement rings are a wonderful sentimental gift of love and commitment. There is an engagement ring for every budget, couple and lifestyle.