Move over, classic white diamonds—2025 is the year of the brown diamond.
Once overlooked in favor of clear or colored gemstones, brown diamonds (also known as “chocolate,” “champagne,” or “cognac” diamonds) are now taking center stage as stylish, unconventional, and deeply personal engagement ring choices.
And if Pinterest boards, bridal runways, and celebrity trends are any indication, this earthy-hued gem is here to stay.
Why Brown Diamonds Are Trending
The modern bride is no longer interested in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, she’s embracing meaning, individuality, and personal aesthetic—and that’s exactly what brown diamonds represent.
Their rich, warm tones range from light champagne to deep espresso, offering a versatile palette that feels luxurious, grounded, and fashion-forward.
What Makes Brown Diamonds Special
- Affordability: Brown diamonds are often more affordable than white diamonds of the same carat size, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious couples who don’t want to compromise on style.
- Uniqueness: No two brown diamonds are the same. Their varying undertones and saturation mean each gem has its own personality—just like your love story.
- Earthy Aesthetic: These stones blend beautifully with rose gold, yellow gold, or even matte black settings, giving a ring an organic, refined edge.
Design Styles to Watch
Brides in 2025 are pairing brown diamonds with vintage-inspired settings, unusual cuts, and mixed metals to create rings that feel bespoke and heirloom-worthy.
Rose Gold with Champagne Diamond
The soft blush of rose gold enhances the warmth of champagne diamonds, resulting in a romantic and timeless finish. Ideal for vintage lovers or those seeking a softer alternative to traditional white diamonds.
Hexagon-Cut or Oval-Cut Cognac Diamond
Unusual cuts like hexagon or marquise add an architectural edge to a brown diamond, especially when set in a bezel or surrounded by a halo of white diamonds for contrast.
Minimalist Solitaire with Matte Gold
A minimalist solitaire featuring a polished or matte gold band paired with a deep espresso diamond makes a bold, elegant statement without excessive sparkle.
Three-Stone Settings with Mixed Gemstones
Pairing a brown diamond center stone with side stones like smoky quartz, morganite, or white sapphires creates a multidimensional look that feels modern and artistic.
The Emotional and Symbolic Appeal
In the world of color symbolism, brown is associated with stability, reliability, comfort, and connection to the earth.
Choosing a brown diamond may be a subtle yet powerful way of expressing a love that is strong, grounded, and enduring.
It also appeals to couples who value sustainability, ethical sourcing, and meaningful design over traditional norms.
Celebrities Are Embracing the Brown Diamond
Fashion-forward celebrities and influencers have been spotted wearing brown diamond engagement rings, leaning into the non-traditional elegance and uniqueness they offer.
As individuality and creative expression take precedence in modern bridal trends, brown diamonds are increasingly seen as a bold and beautiful choice.
Several high-profile figures have helped shine a spotlight on this trend:
- Scarlett Johansson: In 2019, Scarlett Johansson made headlines with her engagement ring from Colin Jost—an 11-carat, pear-shaped light brown diamond set on a distinctive dark band. Designed by James de Givenchy, the ring is a striking example of how earthy tones can exude luxury and sophistication.
- Kate Hudson: Kate Hudson’s engagement ring, first seen in 2021, features a light brown diamond estimated at 6 to 8 carats. Its understated elegance and soft warmth reflect the shift toward alternative gemstones that feel both modern and timeless.
- Kristen Bell: Kristen Bell’s engagement ring from Dax Shepard includes an emerald-cut brown diamond flanked by smaller white diamonds on a platinum band. The combination blends classic design with a twist of individuality, much like her public persona.
These celebrity choices reinforce the growing appeal of brown diamonds as a fashionable, expressive, and meaningful option for today’s bride.
Shopping for a Brown Diamond Engagement Ring
If you’re considering a brown diamond, here are a few tips to guide your search:
- Choose reputable jewelers who can verify the diamond’s authenticity and quality.
- Ask about ethical sourcing and conflict-free certification.
- Consider customization to create a design that is uniquely yours.
Many online and boutique jewelers now offer customization tools, various setting options, and a wide selection of brown diamonds to suit different styles and budgets.
Final Thoughts
Brown diamond engagement rings are more than just a passing trend—they reflect a shift in what modern couples value most: individuality, authenticity, and timeless beauty.
For the bride who wants something different, who isn’t afraid of bold elegance, and who finds meaning in details, a brown diamond is the perfect expression of a love story that doesn’t follow the crowd.
Whether you’re planning your engagement or simply exploring what’s new in bridal design, brown diamonds are redefining what it means to sparkle with intention in 2025.
