3 Tastemakers on 2023 Diamond Trends Worth Banking On

By Victoria Gomelsky | May 10, 2023

Now that lab-grown diamond manufacturers are capable of producing quality diamonds in impressive sizes, the appeal of basic diamond jewels is waning, at least among buyers interested in natural diamonds.

That was one of the takeaways from our informal poll of three jewelry tastemakers, including L.A.-based designer Octavia Zamagias, whose Octavia Elizabeth is stocked by Just One Eye in Los Angeles and ModaOperandi.com, among other high-end retailers; Laura Freedman, founder of Broken English Jewelry, with boutiques in L.A. and New York City; and Elizabeth Gibson, founder of Eliza Page in Austin, Texas.

“The whole lab-grown thing has perplexed and confused everyone,” Zamagias tells JCK. There’s less desire for that 4 carat round brilliant.”

The other trends our tastemakers noted include an emphasis on elongated diamond cuts, such as ovals; statement styles, especially long earrings (think shoulder dusters!); and unusual settings—in short, the opposite of basic!

We’ve collected specific trend highlights below.

Laura Freedman

Founder, Broken English Jewelry, Los Angeles and New York City

“When it comes to this classic stone, I’m seeing shoppers much more focused on originality rather than something super-traditional. They’re not afraid of something with a twist and are actually asking for it with interesting stone placements, reworked versions of classic settings, and very bold proportions. We’re in a total diamond renaissance right now and it excites me that people really want to have fun with their investment pieces instead of playing it safe.”

“Off-set diamonds, such as round diamonds with pears to the side. Everything askew.”

Shay two-stone ring — *Diamond Twin pinky ring in 18k white gold with emerald- and pear-shape diamonds, $44,580; Shay at Broken English Jewelry*

“Reimagined Georgian-style settings”

Jenna Blake gold earrings — *Single Stud diamond earrings in 18k yellow gold, $16,400; Jenna Blake at Broken English Jewelry*

“White gold settings”

Anita Ko bracelet — *18k white gold bracelet with baguette-cut diamonds, $13,600; Anita Ko at Broken English Jewelry*

“Collars and larger cuffs”

David Webb bracelet — *Lane bracelet in 18k yellow gold and platinum with 2.73 cts. t.w. diamonds, $31,500; David Webb at Broken English Jewelry*

Octavia Zamagias

Founder, Octavia Elizabeth, Los Angeles

“We are seeing more people interested in colored diamonds, especially yellow. And three-stones are back. Two years ago, everyone wanted a solitaire.”

Octavia Elizabeth yellow diamond 3 stone ring — *Octavia Zamagias’ personal three-stone yellow diamond engagement ring*

“We’re getting a lot more requests for bezel settings.”

Octavia Elizabeth The Beatrice — *The Beatrice ring in 18k yellow gold with 2 ct. emerald-cut diamond, starting at $31,875; Octavia Elizabeth*

“So many clients are wanting an eternity band as an engagement ring. And the wedding band ends up being a simple 18k gold stacking band that goes beneath it.”

Octavia Elizabeth Petite Emerald Nesting Gem Eternity Band — *Petite Nesting Gem eternity band in 18k gold with 1.5 cts. t.w. emerald-cut diamonds, $12,000; Octavia Elizabeth*

Elizabeth Gibson

Founder, Eliza Page, Austin, Texas

“Diamond ear climbers are back!”

Eliza Page Ear Climbers — *Starry Night baguette climbers in 18k white gold with 1.35 cts. t.w. diamonds, $9,750; Eliza Page*

“In engagement, we are seeing more fancy shapes, specifically pears and more elongated shapes (elongated radiant and movals).”

Eliza Page Charlotte Marquis Engagement Ring — *Charlotte engagement ring in 14k yellow gold with 1.13 ct. marquise-cut diamond, $12,250; Eliza Page*

“Tennis is still huge. We are setting more and more variations in various sizes, diamond combos, shapes, colors, including three-prong-set tennis necklaces and earrings.”