Engagement Ring Styles
Learn about the different styles — and settings — of engagement rings to pick the perfect piece.
In This Guide
Engagement Ring Styles vs. Settings
When picking the perfect engagement ring, it's essential to understand the terminology of and difference between style and setting. Though it can be difficult to distinguish between the two, style refers to the general look or feeling a ring evokes — be it vintage or nature-inspired, for example. The setting of a ring is more technical, referring to the actual manner in which a center stone is set (bezel or prong-set) and what kind of accents it features — or lack thereof (solitaires). To dive into the distinctive details between style vs. setting, read on.
Engagement Ring Styles
Straight Style
Designed to enhance, straight engagement rings draw the eye to the center stone while honoring the silhouette.
Double Halo Styles
Stealing glances, capturing hearts, promising forever with twice the spark. Discover our double halo engagement rings collection designed with glamour.
Popular Engagement Rings
Discover our most popular engagement ring settings, thoughtfully crafted to highlight the brilliance of your center stone and reflect your personal style.
Types of Engagement Ring Settings
Solitaire Settings
Solitaires are timeless classics. Derived from the Latin "solitarius," meaning alone or isolated, solitaires feature a single center stone with no additional diamond accents along the band. They can feature distinct design motifs, such as a split shank, textural element, or thick band width. In their most classic form (a simple, thin band with four to six prongs supporting the center stone), solitaires are the archetypal engagement ring and the most popular of all time.
Halo Settings
Halo engagement rings feature shimmering accents surrounding the center gemstone. These accents are traditionally diamonds but can be other gemstones such as sapphire, emerald. These "angelic" styles are beloved for their added sparkle — they also have the unique ability to enhance the appearance of the center stone. Halo designs come in many forms, such as a round, square, or even floral silhouette. They can feature further accents along the band or a plain band.
Three-Stone Settings
Three-stone engagement rings feature two large diamond accents along either side of the center stone. Together, they symbolize the past, present, and future. Historically, the accents are round but can come in various shapes, from baguette-cut to kite-shaped. While some three-stone engagement rings are traditional and sleek, others are more luxe: think of extra accents along the band or a hidden halo.
Hidden Halo Engagement Rings
Hidden Halo engagement rings are designed to dazzle in the most unexpected way. From a top-down view, they may appear to be classic solitaires—but look a little closer, and you’ll discover a secret halo of diamonds tucked just beneath the center stone. This subtle sparkle adds depth, brilliance, and a sense of surprise to your ring. Whether paired with a plain band or accented shank, hidden halos offer a beautiful twist on traditional elegance—perfect for those who love understated glamour with a touch of mystery.
Split Shank Settings
Split shank engagement rings feature a band that splits into two or more strands as it reaches the center stone. This creates an open, sculptural look that can accentuate the look of the center stone. Split shank designs can be solitaires or adorned with engravings or accents, but they all feature a single, double, or even triple split shank design.
Engagement Ring Setting Design Details
When selecting an engagement ring, it's important to understand what features to consider. From prong type to shank finish, learn all the details of engagement ring settings to pick the perfect piece.
Prong Type
Prongs refer to the metal that secures the center gemstone atop the setting. They are an essential feature in the overall look of a ring and a critical feature in ensuring your center stone stays put.
Bead
Prongs with rounded beads at the tips, providing security and decorative detail.
Claws
Prongs resembling claws, securely holding and showcasing the center stone.
Six Prong
Six individual prongs for enhanced stability and presentation.
Compass
Prongs positioned at cardinal points around the center stone, resembling a compass.
Bezel
Center stone encircled by a metal trim, offering protection and a modern look.
Semi Bezel
Variation of the bezel setting where the center stone is partially encircled by metal, combining protection with visibility.
Paddle Prong
Prongs shaped like paddles, securely holding the stone with a minimal, uniform design.
Multi Prong
Setting with more than six prongs, offering added security and sometimes intricate designs.
Center Gemstone Setting
The center gemstone setting, commonly referred to as the 'head' in ring anatomy, is the metal that connects the prongs to the shank of the design, keeping the center stone in place. Beyond security, the center gemstone setting determines how high or low your ring will sit on your finger.
Basket
These low settings feature prongs that secure the gemstone in a basket shape, optimizing the amount of light that passes through the gem.
Trellis
A trellis setting features an interwoven head that creates an elegant design and secures the gemstone low in a basket.
Integrated
Integrated heads are cast as one continuous piece of metal and typically sit lower and more flush with bands than peg heads.
Peg
Peg heads are soldered separately onto the shank, typically holding the diamond higher than integrated heads.
Cathedral
In a cathedral setting, elegant archways (often called shoulders) gently taper upward towards the center gem.
Accent Gemstone Setting
The accent gemstone setting refers to how other accents besides the center gemstone are set. These accents could be along the band of a ring, surprise elements that rest on the inner edge of the band, or a hidden halo underneath the head.
Pavé
In this intricate setting type, gemstones are set closely together for a dazzling, diamond-encrusted look. The gemstones are held securely in place by small beads of precious metal.
Scalloped Pavé
This technique features metal beads with small U-shaped cutouts, creating a scalloped effect, and are seen as split prongs from the top.
French pavé
In French pavé settings the metal beads securing the diamonds feature a small V-shaped cutout underneath each diamond, and are seen as split prongs from the top.
Shared prong
With a shared prong setting, adjacent gemstones share precious metal prongs which allows more light to pass through and increases their brilliance and fire.
Single Shared Prong
Adjacent gemstones are held in place by a single shared prong, minimizing metal shown and allowing maximum visibility of the stones.
Bezel
A bezel setting features a gemstone that is fully encircled by a thin border of precious metal, which holds the gem securely in place.
Channel
A channel setting features gemstones gracefully set between two parallel walls of precious metal for a smooth, elegant look.
Flush
Accent gems are set into the band so only the top of the gem is visible and the rings surface is smooth and even.
Bar
A bar setting is a variation on the channel setting in which gems are held securely in place between parallel vertical channels.
Types of Bands
The ring shank, commonly called the band, is the part of the ring that encircles the finger. It's an important design element that affects both the appearance of the ring and how it feels to the wearer.
Flat
Flat bands feature angular edges and sleek, flat outer surfaces.
Comfort Fit
Comfort fit bands feature a rounded inside edge for increased comfort and wearability.
Knife Edge
A knife edge features two gently slanted sides that meet at a point on the exterior of the band creating a sleek and elegant look.
Rounded
A rounded or half-round band features a subtly domed or softened outer surface.
Double Band
An engagement ring design featuring two parallel bands that may run alongside each other or intersect at points, providing a unique and often modern aesthetic.
Finishing Details
Precious metal details are a great way to add interest or embellishment to your ring. Finishing details can affect the ring's overall appearance, giving it either a more contemporary or vintage look.
High Polish
A finish on the metal of an engagement ring that results in a smooth and reflective surface, giving the ring a shiny and lustrous appearance.
Matte/Brushed/Satin
Featuring a soft, non-reflective quality with varying levels of texture, these finishes are popular with those going for a distinctive, vintage look.
Filigree
An exquisite vintage design element where small threads of precious metal create artistic, lacy designs.
Milgrain
This delicate beaded detailing is popular in vintage and antique style jewelry.
Hammered
Soft indentations are formed into the precious metal surface adding visual texture. This finishing detail is great for active lifestyles as it easily disguises wear and tear over time.
Engraving
Hand engraving is done by a jeweler who hand carves designs into the precious metal. Each hand engraving is unique as no two are exactly the same.
Types Of Engagement Rings FAQ
How do you choose an engagement ring style?
Choosing the right engagement ring style is all about personal preference. Consider what styles you're drawn to, whether classic or contemporary, and narrow down to the style you love the most. We suggest viewing and trying on engagement ring styles in person before making your final choice — seeing it in person can be quite different than viewing it online. If you aren’t near one of our showrooms, our cutting-edge virtual try on technology allows you to visualize any engagement ring on your finger from the comfort of home.
What style of engagement ring is most popular?
Solitaire engagement rings are widely considered the most traditional and most popular style.
How do you know which engagement ring fits your lifestyle?
If you're trying to determine what engagement ring will fit your lifestyle, consider how active it is. Those who are very active (often hiking, for example) may opt for a super secure bezel-set engagement ring or a low-profile ring to avoid snagging.
How can you find out what type of engagement ring your partner wants?
It's best to consider the overall style of your partner: are they sleeker and more sophisticated? Or do they opt for a more bold, eye-catching look? This will help inform them of the engagement ring style they'd love to wear forever.