When Dua Lipa was first pictured wearing a diamond ring on the fourth finger of her left hand in December, speculation around her potential engagement to actor boyfriend Callum Turner reached fever pitch. While neither party has publicly addressed the rumours, the couple’s impossibly romantic display under the Eiffel Tower during Couture Week did nothing to dispel them. Still, one imagines that the pop star’s commitment to wearing said ring on that finger is all the confirmation we’ll be getting right now.
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Whether official or not, Dua’s ring – believed to be an 18-carat yellow-gold band with a two-carat diamond, estimated to be worth around £30,000 – is definitely trending in 2025. “I think the replacement of fine bands and delicate claw settings with chunky engagement designs speaks to the shift in people seeking rings that feel both more contemporary, and wearable,” London-based jeweller Kitty Fuller – whose chunky rings are a signature of her brand Kitty Joyas – tells Vogue.
As we’ve seen a shift towards the celebration of eclectic personal style in recent years, it makes sense that people are moving away from the classic solitaire ring. “I love the bold, sculptural aesthetic of them,” says fellow London-based fine jeweller and goldsmith Jessie Thomas of the rise of the chunky engagement ring. “They feel more unique and make for a cool, wearable statement piece, yet remain timeless.”
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Although the chunky engagement ring trend may seem like an alternative choice nowadays, the style actually dates back to the Victorian era. “The gemstone is embedded into the band – as opposed to claw-set, which was very much the style at the time – creating a flush surface,” Thomas continues, noting that it’s a less showy way of setting a larger stone, making it more suitable for everyday wear. “The design was, and continues to be, extremely appealing for its practicality and durability, with the flush setting protecting the gemstone from wear and tear.”
Fast forward to today, and wearers are choosing to put a modern take on the style. “Dua’s ring features a half-set diamond with open sides which feels very cool and modern,” Thomas notes. Meanwhile, Fuller – who is the proud owner of her own chunky engagement ring, which she unwittingly designed for herself – has found that an increasing number of clients are opting for coloured gemstones, too. “Diamonds definitely remain the most popular stone choice, but I’ve seen a real uplift in people being open to adding coloured gemstones next to their diamonds as a way of reflecting their personality, or upcycling heirloom stones that they inherited,” she explains.
For those considering a chunky engagement ring, it’s worth trying before you take the plunge. “I always work with my client’s hand to ensure that the design is balanced to their hand and finger size,” Fuller advises. “Once you have a size that will work well, I think it’s important to opt for a design that feels like you, and isn’t just a nod to a trend.”
As with most things, simple is usually best. “Focus on a beautiful stone and comfort above all else,” the jeweller adds. “This is a forever piece of jewellery that you want to enjoy wearing for a lifetime.”
