Money Talks: What Shoppers Spend in 2025
Before you pick a diamond, it helps to know what people actually spend. In 2025, the average engagement ring budget sits between $6,527 and $8,580 based on survey data. The exact figure depends on who you ask. For example, Estatediamondjewelry.com puts the number at $8,580, while a separate study cited by Livenowfox.com lands at $6,527. The cost of rings has increased compared to past years. In 2019, the number was closer to $7,400, and by 2022, it reached $9,500. The latest data shows a slightly lower mark but keeps in line with the general plan most people adopt: rings are still a priority purchase.
Where you live also matters. People in Washington, California, and Illinois spend the most, often paying over $9,000 for a ring. Kansas, New Jersey, and Florida round out the list, with the average buyer spending over $8,000. States like Texas and Michigan aren’t too far behind either. Incomes linked to ring buyers also range widely, from $35,000 up to $125,000. But it’s striking that more than 70% of these buyers have some type of debt.
Setting the Scene: What’s Trending in Diamonds
Rings for 2025 don’t look or feel exactly like the ones from three years ago. East-west engagement rings are at the top of trend lists. This setting turns a diamond sideways. Custom clear diamond center stones are very much in demand, too, with more than half of the rings in 2024 following this style, and more expected next year.
Lab-grown diamonds now take a bigger piece of the market share. These appeal to shoppers looking for lower prices and clarity about sourcing. Many stores focus on making it easy to buy, offering financing options because high inflation is still a factor for most buyers. What you see online plays a role as well, since more people research and shop for rings through websites before visiting a store.
Shape Pairings Inspired by Celebrity Rings
Many current jewelry trends take hints from Hollywood. The way celebrities pick their diamond shapes now includes more than classic solitaires. For example, Emily Ratajkowski brought attention to two-stone rings, while Ariana Grande helped popularize elongated oval cuts. A focus on unique pairings is clear, with options like toi et moi engagement rings joining east-west designs and side-stone settings.
These styles give shoppers more ways to mix shapes and fit personal taste. Mixing an emerald cut with a pear, or round with marquise, offers a subtle nod to celebrity style without copying one look.
The Breakdown: Top Diamond Shapes and What to Know
Round Cuts: Still Classic
Round diamonds are everywhere. The reason comes down to their symmetry and ability to reflect more light. These stones shine the most and, because the cutting process is precise and labor-intensive, tend to cost more per carat than most other shapes. This is the shape most often chosen for engagement rings and consistently holds value.
Round diamonds are also versatile. They fit into any ring style—vintage, modern, or even super-minimal. Another plus: their lack of pointed edges. This makes round cuts less likely to chip or snag.
Oval & Elongated Styles: More Size, Less Cost
Oval diamonds have a definite advantage for shoppers looking to stretch their budgets. An oval cut can look 12 to 20 percent larger than a round diamond of the same weight. Cutting rough stones into ovals wastes less material. That translates into a price point about 15 to 25 percent lower than round cuts.
Oval cuts also have softer edges, which can minimize the chance of chipping. There is a downside: some ovals have a “bow tie effect”—dark patches through the center where light doesn’t bounce back as much. Reviewing photos or seeing the diamond in person can help avoid this.
Princess, Cushion, and Emerald Cuts: More Choice, Different Feel
Princess-cut diamonds are second in line after round cuts. With sharp, clean lines and a square shape, they look modern but can be vulnerable at the corners if not set carefully. Cushion cuts, with rounded edges and a boxy softness, often feature in rings with an old-fashioned or romantic feel.
Emerald cuts, with long, flat facets, keep things chic. Their larger open table shows off clarity, so inclusions are more noticeable. These cuts have roots in Art Deco jewelry, giving them a natural association with vintage rings.
Pear & Marquise: Length That Flatters
Pear and marquise shapes both draw the eye along the finger, creating an impression of length. Many people pick these cuts to make their fingers look more slender. Marquise cuts can sometimes appear larger than other shapes of the same weight. Both styles can feel less traditional, appealing to those who want something less seen.
Toi et Moi & Two-Stone Settings
This year, “toi et moi” settings—rings with two stones, often in different shapes—have been getting attention. Some draw on styles worn by celebrities, while others mix unlikely pairs for a subtle standout look.
What Else Matters: Durability, Setting, and Cut Quality
Not every shape is equally strong. Round and princess cuts avoid having sharp points, so they are less likely to chip or catch. Emerald or marquise cuts have corners that need protective settings. Cushion and oval shapes offer a middle ground: rounded but still different from basics.
The setting you choose can add more robustness, especially to delicate shapes. A halo can boost the sparkle around a cushion or oval stone. Solitaire settings suit rounds and princess cuts best, letting the shape stand alone.
Remember, a diamond’s “cut” does not mean its shape but how well it’s faceted to bounce light around. A well-cut shape, even if it isn’t the most expensive, will always look better than a poorly cut pricier one.
Personal Taste: Why the Right Shape Feels Right
In the end, your budget and your taste are what matters. Round is popular, but oval and pear offer more for the money. Princess and cushion give off distinct style cues, and two-stone or east-west settings can add some trend awareness. Many buyers seek customized designs that connect with their tastes or values. There’s no real right or wrong here.
Final Steps: Use Expert Opinions
Shoppers often feel better after speaking with a jeweler or gemmologist. These experts point out small differences—like a barely visible flaw, the amount of sparkle, or a setting that boosts a stone’s impact—before you spend. Take time to clarify what matters to you: larger size, more sparkle, unique shape, or something seen in celebrity coverage but made personal.
Takeaway
Choosing a diamond shape means taking a close look at how much to spend, where you buy, and what actual rings look like on real hands. Keep an eye on clear trends—east-west settings, clear stones, and options like lab-grown diamonds. Remember, each shape offers something a little different, from price to style to lasting value. Make sure your ring lines up with your finances and personal taste. The best choice is one that fits both.
Read more jewelry articles at ClichéMag.com
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