Style

Colored-Diamond Rings: The Controversial Bridal Trend, Explained

Perhaps I’m the only one noticing this, but there’s been an influx of cool-girl bridal themes on my For You page recently. With more and more Gen Z weddings taking center stage as the years go on, micro-weddings, anthurium bouquets, and third (or fourth!) looks are gaining popularity among my close circle of friends in their mid-20s. Most of us can agree on the small aesthetic details of our future weddings based on our Pinterest boards, but when I started ring shopping earlier this year, there was no debate that lit up our group chat quite like the decision that I was exclusively looking at non-white diamond engagement rings.

Before you throw your arms up to protest my unconventional and, to some, downright ugly choice, just know I’m not alone. This year, there have been a few high-profile colored-diamond engagement rings that the internet has collectively lost its mind over. Gabbriette Bechtel’s jet-black ring surrounded by brilliant-cut white diamonds was a fan favorite among alt Twitter, and Twilight star Christian Serratos’s jaw-dropping 11.66-carat pink, pear-shaped engagement ring from Brilliant Earth made its way to the Instagram Stories of nearly every prospective bride I know.

Lorraine Brantner, a certified gemologist and James Allen sales manager, confirmed that there’s been a massive surge in clients seeking out colored diamonds in lieu of white diamonds for engagement rings. Lab-grown stones are especially seeing a spike in interest, Brantner explained, alluding to the fact that the man-made options are coming at a much more affordable price point than earth-mined stones. James Allen also released a new Radiant Reflections collection of colored-gemstone fine jewelry for those who love the look but aren’t getting engaged.

For some brands, colored diamonds have become their primary mode of business. Take Aaryah, for example. The Instagram-viral, cool girl–beloved NYC jewelry spot specializes in colored earth-mined diamonds. While founder and third-generation jeweler Megan Kothari does, in fact, sell colorless diamonds, you wouldn’t know it from glancing at her brand’s page. Since starting in 2021, Aaryah has been one of the biggest driving forces behind fiancés favoring unique bands, interesting cuts, and chicer hues in a world full of engagement rings that, frankly, look all the same at times.