Karl-Anthony Towns chose a moment worthy of a headline to propose, popping the question with a dazzling diamond following the New York Knicks’ Christmas Day victory at Madison Square Garden.

While Khloé Kardashian welcomed a new puppy for the holidays, her former close friend Jordyn Woods received a far more glittering gift. The model is now officially engaged to NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns, who proposed on December 25, turning an already celebratory day into a deeply personal milestone for the couple.

Woods and Towns announced the engagement through a joint Instagram post captioned “Marry Christmas,” sharing a series of photos taken at Overstory, a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. The romantic setting alone was enough to capture attention, but it was Woods’ engagement ring that truly became the star of the announcement—as statement rings so often do.

Elongated diamonds are the shape to watch in 2026

Woods’ ring appears to feature a striking emerald-cut diamond set vertically on a sleek, understated band. The elongated silhouette is already gaining momentum in the fine jewelry world, and this ring only reinforces the trend’s staying power. Similar cuts have been spotted on other high-profile hands, including Taylor Swift’s elongated cushion-cut ring, which leans more vintage in feel compared to Woods’ distinctly modern design.

Elongated stones are increasingly popular for good reason. Their proportions create a finger-lengthening effect, maximize surface area, and allow for exceptional brilliance without overwhelming the setting. As engagement ring preferences continue shifting away from traditional round cuts, designs like Woods’ feel both contemporary and timeless.

Even beyond celebrity influence, the appeal is resonating widely. Many couples are opting to upgrade or redesign rings in favor of elongated shapes such as oval, emerald, or cushion cuts. The result is jewelry that feels fresh, flattering, and aligned with current aesthetics—making Woods’ ring a clear indicator of what’s ahead in 2026.

How to steal the look

Love the style but not waiting for a proposal? You don’t need an engagement to embrace the elongated diamond trend. Affordable alternatives make it easy to incorporate the look into everyday wear.

Moissanite and cubic zirconia designs, in particular, offer impressive sparkle and similar proportions at a fraction of the cost. Bezel-set solitaires and emerald-cut stones on delicate pavé bands closely mirror the clean elegance of Woods’ ring, proving that standout style doesn’t have to come with a celebrity price tag.

Whether worn as a fashion piece or a meaningful upgrade, elongated rings are quickly becoming a modern classic—bold, intentional, and impossible to miss.