Top 10 Engagement Ring Styles to Inspire Your Proposal
By
Tiffany Moore , Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Engagement rings have come a long way since the ancient Egyptians slipped circles made of silver or gold wire onto the third finger of the left hand, chosen because it was thought to connect directly to the heart.
Even over the last century there have been significant changes in the styles favored by fiancés and their brides to be. Although diamonds undoubtedly remain a girl’s best friend, there’s now more choice than ever for couples looking for the perfect ring that not only symbolizes their relationship, but also incorporates their personal style preferences.
So if you’re looking for a little inspiration, read on to discover the enduring engagement ring styles and the
emerging trends that are making ripples when it comes to the most popular engagement ring designs and settings of the day.
1. Diamond Solitaire - The Favored Option
Ask anyone to draw an engagement ring from memory, and they’re likely to present you with a sketch of the
classic solitaire engagement ring - the most popular engagement ring style today. Its simplicity is enhanced by a single diamond raised from the band, which draws the eye effortlessly to the centerpiece.
The classic engagement ring never goes out of style. From traditional bands to elegant solitaires, these timeless designs are characterized by understated elegance. Simple and refined, they are perfect for anyone who prefers a more traditional look.
Many ring shoppers have pivoted towards finer detailing that enhances the romantic and regal appeal of a solitaire engagement ring. Those who value classic elegance and tradition should consider a
classic engagement ring style like the solitaire.
2. Pave Settings – For Continuous Sparkle
Have you ever seen a diamond engagement ring that has many small diamonds placed closely together on the surface? It is possible that this distinctive style has caught your attention when browsing.
This setting style is known as pavé, (pronounced pah-vay), which comes from the French word meaning ‘to pave’. (Think of a road paved with cobblestones set very close together) This is one of the most popular styles of engagement ring setting available today, as it creates an exquisite, gleaming diamond-encrusted ring that is literally paved with diamonds.
When melee diamonds are closely set, little metal is visible, creating a continuous sparkle effect. Due to its elegant and timeless appearance, this setting is
popular in engagement rings and wedding bands.
A pavé ring is designed to add extra sparkle, extra brilliance, to give the ring more scintillation and shine while it is worn. Adding pavé to the diamond enhances its overall light performance, enhancing the beauty of the central stone.
3. Halo Rings – Enhance the Center Stone
Engagement ring styles with
halo settings surround a central diamond with melee diamonds, usually with an exquisite collection of pavé or micro-pavé diamonds or even colored gemstones. The accent stones in the halo will draw all eyes to your centerpiece.
The beauty of halo diamond engagement rings lies in their ability to enhance the visual size of your diamond. In particular, halo rings are beneficial for
diamonds under a carat, as the halo can help the diamond appear larger as well as balance proportions on the ring finger better. Further, it can create a dramatic side profile view of the pavilion, highlighting its sharp angles that are rarely visible.
Halo engagement rings are characterized by a beautiful diamond at the center, so choosing the best diamond within your budget is key.
Our A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows diamonds are widely regarded as some of the finest cut diamonds, accentuating the very sparkle we’ve come to know and associate diamonds for.
4. Toi et Moi Engagement Rings - Double Delight
The toi et moi ring - also known as two-stone engagement rings - has become one of the most popular and beautiful diamond engagement ring styles.
This trendy engagement ring design has great meaning, symbolizing a close connection between two people. Countless pop stars, movie stars, and First Ladies have worn the now-iconic two-stone engagement ring. First popularized by Jackie Kennedy, this style continues to be popular today.
It is a perfect canvas for combining different gemstones, shapes, and colors, as well as incorporating graphic bands and settings.
5. Bezel Setting – Sleek and Modern
For those with a flair for modern aesthetics, there are a wide array of contemporary engagement ring styles.
Among brides-to-be, bezel settings are becoming increasingly popular. These are often the go-to design for those with
active lifestyles. Engagement rings in bezel settings create a contemporary aesthetic that lends a stylish, modern feel.
Rather than traditional prongs, bezel settings encircle a diamond in a smooth, protective metal rim, enhancing both durability and appeal.
Incorporating boldness, creativity, and unconventional elements, these rings cater to individuals who wish to stand out from the crowd. Settings crafted in white gold or platinum, featuring geometric shapes, tension settings, or open gallery designs that allow ample light to illuminate the diamond's brilliance are all attractive choices.
6. Vintage Charm – Old-World Elegance
Over the past decade, the impressive technological advancements in diamonds have fostered a love for vintage and antique-inspired engagement rings. There is a distinctive design element and influence that is unique to each era, ensuring you find a ring that reflects your personality and conveys your love story.
It is no secret that
yellow gold has been making a comeback in engagement rings and jewelry alike; this classic precious metal comes with a robust and rich aesthetic. Engagement rings will increasingly feature yellow gold settings, with their buttery warmth contrasted by diamonds' icy sparkle.
It is possible to lower the diamond color by one or two grades when you choose yellow gold, and instead focus on the cut and setting of the diamond. To appear white against the darker yellow metal, diamonds don't need to be colorless.
Featuring intricate scrollwork, filigree and rows of pavé diamonds flanking the sides and encircling the center stone, this vintage-look ring has a stunning profile. Among the designers who have fully embraced the romantic past of engagement rings is
Verragio.
Many couples today choose these styles because they want rings that have character and a story to tell as unique as they are. With the durability and craftsmanship of contemporary designs, these rings are reminiscent of their eras and are a symbol of enduring love.
7. Three Stone Rings – Timeless Triad
Uniquely beautiful, this Round and Pear 3 Stone Engagement Ring mixes classic styling with a twist. By adding depth, dimension, and a sense of modern style through a harmonious blend of shapes, this solitaire ring elevates the concept.
With each diamond representing an aspect of your love story - past, present, and future - this ring has a profound and romantic symbolism that makes it an exceptional choice for an engagement ring. Beautiful lines join together to form three perfect hearts to hold your three brilliant diamonds.
This ring combines a round center diamond of your choice with two stunning pear-cut diamonds for a captivating trio of beauty. The pear-cuts draw the eye to the round center stone, intensifying its brilliance.
Based on the center diamond, Whiteflash offers four different model options for you to choose from.
8. Tension Setting – Contemporary Floating Design
An attention-getting presentation for the center diamond is created with this sleek and minimalistic Danhov V119 Voltaggio tension ring. This innovative design choice replaces conventional prongs and bezels with a sense of drama and sophistication.
These tension engagement rings rely on pressure to keep the diamond in place. An optical illusion is created as a result -
truly a ring for those who wish to stand out. To have one of the world's most precious treasures suspended on your finger is truly beautiful.
A round-cut diamond, with its timeless elegance and exceptional symmetry, takes center stage when paired with a tension setting. As a result of its perfect circular shape, precision-cut facets, and symmetrical arrangement, it produces a mesmerizing display of light.
9. East-West Setting – A Unique Twist
In the engagement ring scene, east-west settings have emerged as a popular style, appealing to couples who would like their ring to be unique and contemporary. In contrast to traditional north-south orientations, east-west settings place the diamond or gemstone horizontally across the finger.
From designer A. Jaffe’s Pirouette Collection™, uniquely designed, this ring reveals a twisting mechanism that allows you to change the setting from a traditionally vertical setting to an horizontal setting. Orienting the center stone this way creates a striking visual impact. Adding a modern twist to traditional engagement ring designs, it allows for a sense of uniqueness and individuality.
It is important to consider the overall balance and proportion of the design when choosing an east-west setting engagement ring. It is important that the orientation of the center stone is harmonious with the band and any additional accent stones.
Working with a skilled jeweler who understands the intricacies of this setting ensures that the final result is a well-crafted and visually stunning ring.
10. Custom Design – Tailored to Your Love Story
Custom 6 Prong Hidden Halo Engagement Ring
It is often possible to make small but meaningful changes to an existing designer style in order to create your perfect ring. It is important to explore this first.
Creating a personalized engagement ring involves expressing your vision. Think about what your piece should represent. Before choosing a fully customized, personalized engagement ring, we recommend looking into the options offered by existing designers.
Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring Style With Whiteflash
To conclude, we hope this comprehensive buyer's guide on engagement ring styles has given you valuable insights and guidance.
The process of finding the perfect engagement ring can be thrilling and rewarding - and it should be! In terms of choice of diamonds, ring styles, sizing, and beyond, there really is something for every budget and taste in engagement rings.
We are internationally known for expertise in the field of diamond light performance and cut quality, and for precision cut natural diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds can also be an excellent way for some shoppers to avoid compromising diamond quality factors while still staying in an affordable budget range.
Lab-grown diamonds are accessible for just about any budget, and allow you to splurge on designer settings, bigger carat weight and top cut quality.
In many cases,
our customers opt for larger diamonds with the cost savings. However, if you wish to enhance your lab-grown diamond pieces with the savings, we recommend that you invest in an exquisite engagement ring style that you'll cherish.
The understandably high price of natural diamonds may have kept some people from investing in a beautiful designer setting, but lab-grown diamonds make it possible.
Read about our designers and access their catalogs at your convenience on our
designer engagement rings page. If you do not find a particular style on our site made by one of our fine designers, tell us what you are looking for and we will help you find it.
Whiteflash offers an assortment of exquisitely crafted engagement rings, for both natural and lab-grown diamonds , allowing you to choose from classic or exotic diamond shapes. From the same team that introduced
A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal Diamonds to the international market, our
Precision Lab diamonds are cut to exacting standards to produce optimal light performance.
Whiteflash is an industry-leading diamond jeweler dedicated to helping you find a ring that symbolizes your eternal love. To ensure you have a seamless and memorable engagement ring shopping experience, our expert team is dedicated to providing exceptional guidance and service. Symbolizing your eternal bond and capturing hearts for generations, we are delighted to help you find the perfect engagement ring.