More than half of US consumers believe the design or uniqueness of their engagement ring is more important than price, stone size or brand name, according to a Jewelers Mutual survey.
Despite that, 62% of respondents to the 2026 Engagement Ring Study still ranked the jewel among the three most expensive items they own, behind only a home and a car, the insurance provider said Tuesday.
Solitaire settings are the most popular choice, with 37% of those surveyed opting for them, compared with 22% in 2024. Meanwhile, 43% favored white gold, up from 35% two years ago, though platinum is gaining traction.
“Engagement-ring styles keep evolving, shaped by changing tastes, shared decision-making, and the meaning couples attach to this milestone,” Jewelers Mutual said. “In 2026, the biggest shifts since 2024 point to a move toward cleaner, more timeless looks with a few notable changes in both settings and metals.”
Consumers valued their loved ones’ input most when deciding on their ring, with 48% asking advice from friends and family. Some 47% followed current jewelry trends, while 28% made use of social media and 15% chose based on celebrities.
So far this year, 43% of respondents purchased their engagement rings from a jewelry brand store, 28% bought from a retail store, and 10% from a local business. On average, 61% of those surveyed said both members of the couple wear an engagement ring, but the generational split is wide. More than 80% of couples aged 55 to 64 stated both wear a ring, versus only 43% of those 18 to 24.
Jewelers Mutual conducted the study in May 2026 with a sample of 2,000 US adults who were responsible for making insurance decisions in their household, purchased or received an engagement ring in the last five years, and were currently engaged or married within the past five years, it added.
Image: A couple getting engaged. (Shutterstock)
