SEATTLE — Online diamond retailer Blue Nile has published new data on how states and cities across the country stack up when it comes to engagement ring trends.
The company determined the top engagement ring settings, metal styles and diamond shapes and sizes across the U.S. by analyzing its nationwide sales data from the past 12 months.
While round-cut diamonds are most popular, don’t rule out other shapes, Blue Nile advises, noting that fancies can look larger and cost less than a round of similar carat weight.
Dallas – Although Seattle is known as the “Emerald City,” Dallas orders the most emerald-cut diamonds and wears the crown for the princess cut.
New York City – “Watch out Big Apple, New Yorkers may have a new favorite fruit,” Blue Nile says in a press release. It turns out that New York City buys the most pear-shaped diamonds. The Empire State also reigns supreme for radiant-cut diamonds.
Los Angeles – This city loves the vintage-inspired marquise cut most.
Chicago – Oval-cut diamonds are the most popular in the Windy City, and orders have doubled nationwide in the past three years.
Blue Nile also released findings related to diamond weight.
Charleston, SC – Holy moly, the “Holy City” is rocking the biggest rock with an 8.04 carat princess cut purchased in the past year.
Honolulu – Hawaiians have a lot of heart … when it comes to diamonds that is. The island coincidentally nicknamed the “Pacific Diamond” lays claim to the largest heart-shaped diamond purchased in the past year (4 carats).
Platinum is the most popular metal nationwide given its durability and symbol of enduring love, Blue Nile notes.
Atlanta – Rose gold is on the upswing nationwide, with double the number of orders between 2016 and 2019, especially in Atlanta, leading the trend with orders.
San Francisco – This California city may be home of the Golden Gate Bridge but is the most popular city for platinum.
Texas – Gold is bigger in Texas. Dallas orders more white gold than any other city, while Houston orders more yellow gold than any city.
The number one setting nationwide is, of course, a classic solitaire. However, if the illusion of a larger, more brilliant center stone is a priority, opt for a Halo setting, says Blue Nile.
District of Columbia – The nation’s capital capitalizes on a little extra bling; the most popular setting is the white gold Riviera Pave.
Houston – While a platinum six-prong solitaire is nationally the most popular, Houstonians are tradition twisters, with preference leaning toward white gold six-prong solitaires.
Philadelphia – Philadelphians must be inspired by their “Keystone State” moniker – the vintage-inspired Heirloom Petite Milgrain Engagement Ring is the most popular setting.
“While the round cut is always the most popular because of how it optimizes fire and brilliance, we’ve noticed that engagement ring trends vary based on where our customers reside and it’s those trends that tell a story of their own,” said Katie Zimmerman, Blue Nile’s chief merchandising officer. “Every engagement ring created on our site is handcrafted and unique to each individual, their love story and customized to their unique style preference.”