Couples walking through Hatton Garden aren’t just browsing. They’re asking sharper questions. They’re taking their time. London has always been the centre of fine jewellery in the UK, and Hatton Garden still carries that weight, but the mood has shifted. The loud trend-chasing of the last few years has cooled off. What I’m seeing instead is a return to pieces that will still look right in twenty years, cleaner designs, better diamonds, and more thought behind every choice. It feels less like shopping and more like marking a moment properly.
The Return to Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are back in firm favour. Lab-grown had its surge, mostly because of price and novelty, but many couples are circling back to stones that were formed over millions of years. There’s a gravity to that. When someone proposes, they want the ring to feel rare, not manufactured last month in a facility.
I’ve noticed more buyers asking where the diamond came from and how it was sourced. The Kimberley Process comes up in conversation. Responsible sourcing matters — it’s not a niche concern anymore; it’s standard. A natural diamond carries history, and for some, it carries value beyond the emotional side. It holds up over time.
It’s also worth knowing that not all jewellers are fully transparent about the lab-grown diamond market. Some present lab-grown stones as an equivalent alternative without addressing the significant differences in rarity, resale value, and long-term worth. The best Hatton Garden jewellers are clear about this distinction rather than chasing every shift in the market.
Rennie & Co has stayed consistent here. They work exclusively with natural diamonds and have chosen not to offer lab-grown options — a principled stance rooted in transparency rather than trend-following. That commitment to quality and honesty is a significant part of what makes them one of the best jewellers in Hatton Garden.
Most Popular Ring Styles Trending in 2026
Solitaire rings are still leading. Designs like the Vittoria, Lia, and Caterina keep showing up because they do one thing well: they let the diamond speak. Clean band, single stone, no distractions. When the diamond is strong, that simplicity feels confident rather than plain.
Oval cuts are having a serious moment in London. Styles like the Oval Massima and Oval Pianeti Halo get attention fast. An oval elongates the finger and gives a softer look than a round brilliant — flattering without feeling trendy for the sake of it.
Trilogy rings, like the Round Liona and Grazia, draw couples who like symbolism but don’t want it spelled out loudly. Past, present, future is the usual meaning, and it works. Three stones balance beautifully on the hand, especially for someone who wants presence without going full halo. Halo settings are back in rotation. The Round Pianeti Halo and Radiant Pianeti Halo designs bring that extra frame of sparkle. Paired with the right centre stone, they look deliberate again rather than overdone.
Coloured gemstone rings are gaining quiet momentum. Sapphire, emerald, and ruby options are being chosen by couples who want something less predictable. Not everyone wants a colourless diamond at the centre — some want a deep blue or rich green that feels entirely personal and unique to them.
For those who want to take the ring home the same day, Rennie & Co also offer a Ready to Wear collection — an extensive range of beautifully finished pieces available for immediate purchase, ideal for couples who don’t want to wait for the full bespoke process.
Metal of the Moment — Platinum vs Gold
Platinum is climbing again. It’s dense, durable, and has a clean white finish that doesn’t fade. For someone who plans to wear their ring every day for decades, platinum makes practical sense.
Yellow gold hasn’t slowed down. It works especially well with vintage-inspired settings and warmer diamond tones. There’s something grounded about it. Rose gold still attracts romantics, it softens the overall look and pairs beautifully with certain skin tones.
Rennie & Co offers all three metals across their bespoke range, so couples aren’t boxed into one direction. The choice usually comes down to lifestyle and personal taste, not a rulebook.
Why Couples Are Going Custom
More couples want control. They don’t want to pick a ring from a tray and call it done. They want to choose the diamond shape first, then decide on the setting, the metal, the proportions. Sometimes they bring in sketches. Sometimes just a vague idea and a few saved photos.
Hatton Garden is still the place for that level of service. You sit down, talk through options, compare stones side by side. The process isn’t rushed. The best jewellers guide you from sourcing the diamond to the final polish, explaining trade-offs without pushing you into a bigger budget. That bespoke journey feels personal rather than intimidating. You’re walked through it at your own pace.
For couples who want flexibility, there’s also an option between full bespoke and ready-to-wear. Many jewellers, including Rennie & Co, can adapt existing designs to suit your preferences — adjusting metal, stone size, or setting to make something feel entirely yours.
Where London Couples Are Going for Their Ring
Hatton Garden remains London’s jewellery quarter for a reason. The concentration of experience there is hard to replicate elsewhere in the city.
Rennie & Co has been crafting engagement rings since 1958. Still family-run, now led by father and son André and Dan Rennie, that continuity shows in how they deal with clients. They are known for GIA-certified natural diamonds, a fully bespoke service, and a 4.9/5 rating on Trustpilot reflecting a steady, quality-first approach that has been refined across three generations.
Engagement rings start from around £1,500, with options across a wide range of styles, metals, and diamond shapes making the process accessible without compromising on quality. Whether you are beginning with a modest budget or investing in something more substantial, the team guides you to the best possible result for your circumstances.
For couples looking to explore their options with trusted London engagement ring specialists, visiting Rennie & Co’s multi-award-winning Hatton Garden showroom offers a truly personalised experience. Private appointments are available for those who want a quieter setting to make decisions that matter.
Tips for Choosing the Right Ring in 2026
Start with how your partner lives day to day. Someone who works with their hands might need a lower setting. Someone who dresses simply may prefer a clean solitaire over a busy design.
Choose the diamond shape before locking in the setting. The shape drives the personality of the ring more than the metal does.
Ignore old price myths. The two or three months’ salary rule was marketing, not law. Focus on quality and meaning instead. Rings are available from around £1,500 at quality Hatton Garden jewellers, so there is no need to feel priced out before you begin.
Always ask for certification. GIA grading remains the gold standard for natural diamond. If your jeweller can’t explain the grading, that’s a red flag.
Visit in person if possible. A diamond under store lighting can look one way; in natural light, it tells the truth. Rennie & Co’s showroom gives you the space and time to see stones properly before deciding.
Conclusion
In 2026, choosing an engagement ring feels less about following a wave and more about choosing something that lasts. London’s jewellery scene, especially in Hatton Garden, is meeting that shift with better diamonds, thoughtful design, and proper guidance. Couples are slowing down and choosing well.
If you’re stepping into that chapter, take the time to explore your options and book a consultation with a specialist who will treat the decision with the care it deserves. The right ring isn’t just a purchase — it marks the start of something real.
