There’s a special kind of energy that filters through Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach at the start of a new year. Maybe it’s the soft winter light over the St. Johns River, or the feeling of fresh beginnings that comes with cooler mornings and long walks on the beach. Whatever the reason, engagement season settles in beautifully here – and with it comes the excitement of choosing a ring that marks one of life’s most unforgettable moments.

Each January at Underwood Jewelers, we love sharing the trends we know will shape that year’s proposals. 2026 brings a blend of celebrity influence, meaningful craftsmanship, and a return to styles that feel rich with emotion and heritage. Here are three trends that are sparkling this year here in northern Florida.

The Taylor Swift Trend: A Local Story with Global Shine

It’s not every day that a cultural moment dovetails so beautifully with local pride. When Taylor Swift revealed her engagement ring – a bezel-set elongated diamond in warm yellow gold, complete with handcrafted engraving – the world started talking. And here at Underwood’s, we started smiling.

That’s because the designer behind the ring, Kindred Lubeck, grew up right here in Jacksonville. She and her father, a local jewelry store owner, are longtime friends of Underwood’s. Now she’s designing for one of the most famous women on earth (and we couldn’t be prouder!).

The style Kindred created has set off a wave of inspiration for 2026. Couples are flocking to bezel settings wrapped in buttery yellow gold. Elongated center stones that look modern and clean. Engraving that adds a sense of intimacy and artistry. These elements are pieces of a love story, meant for people who want their ring to feel personal and intentional. If you’re drawn to jewelry that has a quiet confidence and a touch of romance, this aesthetic may be your match.

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Alternative Center Stones: Color, Meaning, and the Freedom to Choose

Today’s couples want a ring that’s not just beautiful but also feels like them. That’s why we’re seeing more people choosing alternative center stones, allowing color and symbolism to play a starring role.

Sapphire has become the standout. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, it’s suited to a lifetime of wear. And the variety of colors – deep ocean blues, sunset peaches, and serene greens – means you can choose something that speaks to your personality.

We’ve helped customers choose sapphires to represent meaningful memories: the place they met, the color of the water at their favorite beach, the shade of a loved one’s eyes. And for others, sapphire’s historical qualities of strength, loyalty, and wisdom become part of the story they want their ring to tell.

Other gemstones like spinel and emerald are making appearances too, especially among those who want a less traditional but equally meaningful piece. Throughout the process, we’ll help you balance beauty with durability so the ring you choose today will still be breathtaking decades from now.

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Antique & Vintage Styles: Romance Rooted in History

There’s a whisper of nostalgia returning to engagement rings as more couples long for pieces that carry the charm of another era. That romantic pull has only grown stronger as engraved and handcrafted bands (like the one Taylor Swift wears) make their way back into everyday conversation.

Vintage-inspired rings evoke the feel of Art Deco architecture, Edwardian lace, hand-touched metalwork, and heirloom craftsmanship. They’re for the person who loves a story, who appreciates the sentiment of “something old” even in a newly crafted ring.

In our workshops, we’re creating rings with milgrain edges, ornate filigree, floral accents, and side stones reminiscent of decades past. They’re contemporary enough for modern life, but soulful enough to feel treasured from day one.

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Let’s Find the Ring That Feels Like Yours

Choosing an engagement ring is about finding a piece that reflects your love story – whether you’re drawn to Taylor Swift’s clean modern bezel, captivated by the richness of a sapphire, or imagining a vintage-inspired design with intricate detail.

Visit us in Jacksonville or Ponte Vedra Beach whenever you’re ready. We’ll listen closely, share our guidance, and help you explore designs that feel as lasting and meaningful as the moment you’re preparing for.

Your future deserves something extraordinary. Let us help you create it.