Survey Reveals Pandemic Strengthened Couples

Robbins Brothers conducted a survey in an effort to gain insight into how the pandemic impacted couples across the country. We wanted to understand what happened to relationships when the world slowed down and partners suddenly found themselves spending far more time together than ever before. What we heard was overwhelmingly hopeful: for most couples, that stretch of uncertainty did not pull them apart. It brought them closer.

We surveyed people at three stages of commitment, seriously dating, engaged, and married, and asked about communication, milestones, proposals, and how their feelings about rings and celebrations shifted. The findings paint a clear picture of resilience. If you are thinking about the next step with your partner, we invite you to explore our engagement rings and see what speaks to you.

And the Survey Says

Across every relationship status we surveyed, the message was consistent. Time at home tested couples, but far more often it strengthened them. Partners reported deeper communication, renewed appreciation for one another, and in many cases a stronger pull toward commitment. Below we break the findings down by where couples stood in their relationship, because the story looked a little different at each stage.

Seriously Dating

Couples who were dating seriously reported some of the most striking gains. A full 75% said they came out of quarantine feeling stronger than ever, while only 9% described things as rocky and 4% said their relationship stayed the same. Communication was a big part of that story: 84% said the pandemic strengthened how they talk to one another, compared with just 4% who said it did not.

More couples started thinking about forever.

All that togetherness had couples looking ahead. An impressive 89% said they had considered getting engaged, with only 11% saying they had not. Timing was another matter: couples split evenly, 50% to 50%, on whether the pandemic caused them to postpone an engagement. When it came to ring preferences, most held steady, with 73% saying their tastes had not changed and 23% saying they had.

For those whose preferences did shift, alternatives to the traditional diamond drew real interest. Among dating couples ranking their most likely choices, lab-grown diamonds and colored gemstones led the way, followed by moissanite and pearl. If you are curious about these options, you can browse our lab-grown engagement rings and our colored gemstone engagement rings.

Engaged

Engaged couples gave us a window into how proposals and milestones changed during the pandemic. Surprise was still very much alive: 63% said their proposal caught them completely off guard, while 38% said it was planned together. Openness to something beyond a classic diamond was notable here too, with 68% saying they had considered a non-traditional center stone and 32% saying they had not. Among engaged respondents ranking alternatives, lab-grown diamonds and colored gemstones again topped the list of most likely choices.

That openness is one reason we love helping guests explore the full range of what a ring can be. A lab-grown diamond offers the same brilliance and durability as a natural stone, and it lets many couples choose a larger or higher-quality center. Below are two rings that show how different that first choice can look, one a striking lab-grown pear and one a timeless natural diamond round. Explore more in our engagement ring collection.

Eternalle 14k Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 2 ct. tw.

• SKU: 0465376
• 14k yellow gold setting
• Eternalle lab-grown diamond design
• Pear-shaped center, 2 ct. total weight

Poem 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 1 ct. tw.

• SKU: 0460412
• 14k white gold setting
• Poem designer collection
• Round natural diamond center, 1 ct. total weight

Celebrations looked different, and that was okay.

Engaged couples also adapted how they marked the moment. More than half, 56%, said they did not hold a formal celebration, while others found smaller ways to honor it: 16% went out to dinner, 16% gathered safely, and 12% celebrated virtually. Interestingly, many took the quieter approach in stride. When asked how they felt about less attention on their milestone, 36% said they were relieved and 32% said they were upset but accepted it, while only 8% were very upset. The pandemic even shaped spending, with 56% saying it affected their ring budget. Many couples channeled that energy into new traditions instead, from weekly at-home date nights to daily check-ins about how they were feeling.

Married

Married couples, many with years of history behind them, found that the pandemic still had lessons to teach. A strong 69% said their communication grew stronger during this period, with 15% saying it did not and another 15% unsure. When it came to anniversaries, plans shifted for many: 60% said they changed their anniversary plans, and 44% marked a milestone virtually while 56% did not.

Rather than skip the celebration, most couples simply postponed the fun. Among those planning a make-up celebration, 43% intended to take a trip, 39% planned to buy a gift, and 17% looked forward to a nice dinner. For couples marking a milestone, a piece of relationship milestone jewelry can turn a delayed celebration into something lasting.

If you enjoyed these findings, we have explored other moments in love and commitment too. Take a look at our vow renewal survey, our Valentine’s survey, and the stories in our Real Love collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a strong relationship really need a big milestone to celebrate it?

Not at all. Our survey showed that many couples felt closest during quiet, everyday moments, and plenty were relieved to skip a large event. A milestone like an engagement or anniversary is simply one meaningful way to mark a bond that is already strong. When you are ready to celebrate, our jewelry experts can help you find a piece that fits your story.

What are the alternatives to a traditional diamond engagement ring?

Popular alternatives include lab-grown diamonds, colored gemstones such as sapphires and emeralds, moissanite, and pearls. Our survey found strong interest in lab-grown diamonds and colored gemstones in particular. You can browse our lab-grown and colored gemstone collections, or visit us to see them side by side.

What is the difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond?

A lab-grown diamond has the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a natural diamond, but it is created in a controlled setting rather than formed in the earth. Many guests choose a lab-grown stone to get more size or higher clarity, while others prefer the origin story of a natural diamond. We are happy to walk you through both so you can decide what matters most to you.

How can we choose an engagement ring together?

Choosing together is increasingly common and a wonderful way to make sure the ring feels right for both of you. Start by talking about metal color, center shape, and everyday lifestyle, then try on a few styles in person. You can book an appointment and one of our experts will guide you through the options with no pressure.

Is a surprise proposal or a collaborative one better?

There is no single right answer. In our survey, most engaged couples were completely surprised, yet plenty planned the moment together. If you want the element of surprise but are unsure of your partner’s taste, our experts can help you narrow down a style, and many settings can be exchanged if preferences change.

Can we upgrade or trade up a ring over time?

Many couples like the idea of starting with one ring and enhancing it later, whether that means a larger center stone or an anniversary band. Ask our team about upgrade options when you visit so you can choose a setting that grows with your relationship.

What jewelry works for an anniversary or milestone celebration?

Anniversary bands, pendants, and earrings are all meaningful ways to mark years together, and a delayed celebration is a perfect reason to choose something lasting. Explore our milestone jewelry ideas, then visit us to find a piece that suits the moment.

Do you offer custom design if we cannot find the right ring?

Yes. If nothing in the cases is quite right, our master jeweler can help you design a one-of-a-kind ring built around your vision. Book an appointment and we will start with a conversation about your ideas, your partner’s style, and the details that make it personal.

Wherever you are in your relationship, we would love to help you celebrate it. Visit us at one of our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington to explore engagement rings and milestone jewelry with an expert by your side.

Find a Robbins Brothers near you and start the next chapter together.