In an era dominated by meticulously curated social media announcements, Zendaya has taken a different approach by showcasing what appears to be an engagement ring at the Golden Globes. The ring, reportedly designed by Jessica McCormack, features a five-carat cushion-cut diamond set in yellow gold. Neither Zendaya, Tom Holland, nor McCormack has officially confirmed the engagement. However, internet detectives noted that Holland had liked a post featuring a similar ring on McCormack’s Instagram three years ago. This event raises questions about current trends in engagement rings and celebrity influences on these choices.
The timing of this apparent engagement, along with Selena Gomez's recent engagement to Benny Blanco, adds to the growing list of celebrities who choose December for their proposals. This month has historically been popular for engagements, both among celebrities and regular couples. The festive season offers a sentimental backdrop, often providing intimate moments and picturesque settings for memorable proposals. Additionally, the popularity of various diamond cuts and settings is influenced by both celebrity endorsements and evolving fashion trends.
December Engagements: A Time-Honored Tradition
December has long been a favored month for proposing, as seen in the engagements of Zendaya and Selena Gomez. Many couples find the holiday season ideal for creating lasting memories. The combination of Christmas and New Year provides a perfect setting for romantic gestures. According to Wendy El-Khoury, founder of Wedded Wonderland, December's sentimental value and the desire to capture stunning proposal pictures contribute to its popularity. Couples can leverage New Year’s Eve fireworks or beautiful holiday backdrops to make their moment unforgettable.
Global surveys and local reports confirm that December is indeed the most popular month for engagements. The Knot’s survey and Easy Weddings’ Australian report highlight the same trend. For many, the festive period brings more intimate time together, making it an opportune moment for significant life decisions. El-Khoury notes that some couples are drawn to the sentimentality of the season, while others see it as a chance to create visually appealing proposal photos. The holiday spirit adds an extra layer of romance, ensuring that December remains a top choice for proposals.
Emerging Trends in Diamond Cuts and Settings
The choice of diamond cuts and settings is increasingly influenced by celebrity endorsements and evolving fashion preferences. Michael Hill’s chief marketing officer, Jo Feeney, anticipates that "fancy cut" shapes, particularly elongated cushions, will continue to gain popularity. These cuts offer a unique yet classic look that appeals to brides seeking something distinctive. Other notable trends include the resurgence of white gold, bezel settings, and east-west facing stones. Rebecca Klodinsky from Prestwick Place observes a surge in demand for oval-shaped diamonds, driven partly by Hailey Bieber’s engagement ring.
Cushla Whiting, co-founder of Cushla Whiting Jewellery, notes a rise in demand for emerald cuts, marquise cuts, and horizontally set elongated cushions. Her company even created its own signature elongated cushion cut to meet this demand. Lucy Folk, a jewelry designer, emphasizes that while celebrity rings inspire, clients prefer personalized designs over direct imitations. Couples are increasingly involved in the ring selection process, making it more collaborative. Moreover, lab-grown diamonds have gained traction among budget-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. Michael Hill reports a 50% increase in lab-grown ring sales. Some couples opt for sapphires for their uniqueness, aligning with the growing desire for one-of-a-kind pieces. As trends evolve, experts recommend finalizing engagement plans well before the holiday season to avoid last-minute stress.