Engagement rings are undergoing a shift in taste. The once-coveted delicate bands and towering solitaires are being replaced by bold, weighty designs that balance practicality with impact. Solid gold bands, signet-inspired silhouettes and flush-set stones are fast becoming jewellery’s answer to the “shoulder pad” moment — unapologetically strong, confident, and impossible to miss.
The conversation reached fever pitch when Dua Lipa posted an Instagram selfie showing what many assumed to be her engagement ring from actor Callum Turner. The focus wasn’t just on the news, but on the ring itself — a chunky 18-carat gold design set with a two-carat diamond. It was a decisive break from convention, signalling a wider cultural shift towards bolder, gold-heavy designs.
Other celebrities have also fuelled the trend. Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber have been seen in substantial, sculptural rings, while Emily Ratajkowski’s distinctive double-stone gold band cemented the idea that thicker, unconventional rings feel both modern and powerful.
Designers are leaning in. London-based jeweller Cece Fein-Hughes, celebrated for her hand-enameled, symbol-rich creations under the Cece Jewellery label, has recently launched her Extraordinary Lovers collection. These bezel-set engagement rings combine chunkier gold silhouettes with enamel artistry, creating pieces that double as wearable storytelling. The larger bands, she explains, provide a canvas for colour, detail and meaning, offering couples a chance to make their rings truly personal.
For many brides and grooms, the appeal of a chunky ring is practical as well as emotional. Thicker bands feel solid and secure, far less likely to snag or damage, while still carrying the romantic permanence of an heirloom piece. Increasingly, couples choose one substantial design to serve as both engagement and wedding band.
The concept, however, is not entirely new. By the late 19th century, women were already adopting sturdier rings that suited horseback riding, cycling and tennis — lifestyles that demanded jewellery as durable as it was stylish. Today’s resurgence reflects that same ethos of understated luxury: pieces that are bold and tactile, yet clean-lined and minimal.
For younger generations, especially Gen Z, the shift is also about redefining status. The “ultimate flex” is no longer the biggest diamond but a design that feels intentional, creative and aligned with personal values. Non-traditional silhouettes, recycled gold, and gender-neutral bands are increasingly popular, resonating with those who see jewellery as a reflection of identity rather than a simple marker of wealth.
From recycled men’s bands reimagined into bridal pieces, to hand-painted enamel stories that turn rings into miniature artworks, the chunky engagement ring has emerged as the perfect blend of strength, symbolism and style.
The dainty trend had its moment, but today’s bold bands are built to last — powerful, sculptural, and impossible to overlook.