Liam Hemsworth & Gabriella Brooks: A Bezel-Set Love Story
Hollywood engagements are rarely understated, but Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks just proved that less really can be more. The couple revealed their engagement through a grainy black-and-white Instagram carousel — no press release, no flashing headlines, just three simple slides: the couple, a beach sunset, and the ring. A single white heart emoji said it all.
The centre of it? A slightly elongated antique cushion-cut diamond, estimated at 4.5 carats, set east-west in a sleek bezel. It’s romantic, quietly luxurious, and a clear signal of where jewellery trends are headed in 2025–26.
The Rise of Antique Cuts: Why We’re Obsessed
Modern love stories are turning vintage. Antique diamond cuts — from Georgian and Old Mine to antique cushions — are staging a major comeback. Unlike today’s precision-engineered round brilliants, antique cuts were crafted by hand, long before lasers and computers dictated symmetry. The result? Diamonds that don’t just sparkle — they glow.
Where modern cuts maximise brilliance and light return, antique cuts emphasise charm and individuality. Their facets are broader, their outlines softer, and their light performance more romantic than clinical. In Gabriella’s ring, the antique cushion cut showcases this perfectly: a diamond with a pillow-like shape, gently rounded corners, and flashes of light that feel warmer and deeper than their modern equivalents.
This is why antique cuts are captivating designers and collectors alike. They feel timeless, heirloom-worthy, and quietly confident — jewellery that whispers, not shouts. It’s no coincidence we’re seeing a celebrity wave, from Taylor Swift’s Antique Elongated Cushion Bezel ring to Zendaya’s east-west bezel Georgian cut, now followed by Gabriella Brooks. Old-world glamour has officially re-entered the chat.
What Makes Antique Cuts Different?
If you’re wondering what sets antique cuts apart from modern ones, here’s a quick education:
- Hand-Cut Character: Antique cuts were shaped by eye, giving each stone a unique personality. Unlike the cookie-cutter perfection of modern brilliants, no two antique cushions or Old Mines look exactly the same.
- Chunkier Facets: These diamonds feature fewer, larger facets, which means the sparkle isn’t a blinding disco-ball effect. Instead, it’s slower flashes — romantic, candlelight brilliance.
- Softer Shapes: Expect rounded corners, less symmetry, and a slightly “pillowy” profile. It’s all part of the charm.
This is exactly why they resonate with the current “old money” trend. They look like they’ve lived a life already — even when they’re newly cut in antique styles — and that subtle imperfection makes them feel more human, more romantic.
Why the Bezel Setting Wins
The bezel is one of the oldest settings in jewellery — a smooth band of metal that wraps around the diamond, offering both security and style. Paired with an antique cushion cut, the bezel becomes more than a practical choice: it’s a design statement.
Gabriella’s ring takes the look a step further with an east-west orientation. Instead of setting the stone vertically, it’s placed horizontally across the finger, making the diamond feel fresh, architectural, and just a touch unexpected.
Why choose this over a classic solitaire or diamond band? A bezel has two clear advantages. First, it’s secure and low-profile — ideal for active lifestyles, from workouts to sandy beach strolls. Second, it accentuates the unique charm of antique cuts by framing them like artwork. Rather than being distracted with extra stones or halos, the bezel says: This diamond is strong enough to stand alone.
It’s the perfect fusion of heritage meets minimalism, timeless meets modern.
Celebrity Trends & The “Old Money” Moment
We’re calling it now: antique cuts in bezels are the engagement ring trend of 2025–26. What started as niche collector interest is now firmly in the celebrity spotlight. Gabriella’s ring signals a continuation of a broader shift we’ve been tracking: the rise of “old money” aesthetics in jewellery.
For years, engagement trends leaned maximalist — pavé halos, stacked bands, and centre stones designed for maximum Instagram sparkle. But now, we’re seeing couples lean toward designs that feel like heirlooms. They want jewellery that looks as though it’s been passed down, even if it’s brand new.
The east-west bezel set antique cushion is the perfect embodiment of this trend. It feels collected, not purchased. Considered, not showy. For modern couples, that distinction matters.
Love This Look? Our Recommendation
If Gabriella’s engagement ring has left you inspired, our jeweller’s pick is a 3-carat emerald-cut diamond set in a vintage yellow gold bezel. Emerald cuts and bezels make an ideal pairing: the long, mirror-like facets of the emerald cut glow under a sleek bezel frame, creating a style that’s both timeless and contemporary.
Yellow gold elevates the look further. It brings warmth to the clean lines of the emerald cut, giving the ring a subtle vintage flair while still feeling modern. For clients who admire the old-world sophistication of antique cuts but want something fresh, this is one of the most versatile and stylish options we recommend.
Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks may have announced their engagement with casual ease, but their ring choice speaks volumes. A 4.5-carat antique cushion cut, set east-west in a bezel, is more than just a design — it’s a declaration that luxury is moving towards character, heritage, and understated elegance.
At Fergus James, we believe rings like this mark the beginning of a new era in engagement jewellery: one defined by subtle individuality, timeless design, and pieces that feel as though they already carry history within them. Want to recreate this look? We can craft a bespoke east-west bezel-set ring, antique cushion or otherwise — or design something entirely your own. Contact us here for bespoke orders.
