Getting engaged is one of the most memorable and amazing moments in you and your future person’s life, so it’s important to make sure it’s perfect, from what knee you are going to kneel on to the pretty little diamond on your lover’s hand. Picking a ring might seem like an easy, no-brainer task, but choosing between a solitaire ring or an oval halo and then deciding if it should be in rose gold, silver, or yellow gold and trying to make sure it’s in your budget can be very overwhelming and frustrating. Let this be your guide to engagement ring styles to ensure your partner loves that ring on their finger forever.
Before we get too far let’s clarify what a style is and a setting is. The term “style” during engagement ring shopping refers to the overall appearance and feel of the ring while “setting” refers to the entire ring itself. So when someone is talking about how sleek and modern the engagement ring is they’re talking about the style and when someone talks about how the gemstones are mounted then they’re referring to the engagement ring setting.
Now that you know the difference between setting and style, let’s go over some of the most commonly seen engagement ring styles on the market right now.
Sleek, strikingly wearable, plucked from a museum of contemporary art, modern ring styles have a singular main diamond and often have harsh strong lines. Rings like this are typically a favorite for people who are more simple, minimalistic or have a more elegant vibe to them.
Rings with a more romantic feel often have stones with softer and warm coloring that have hues of pink or pearl. This kind of ring is meant for the princess in your life with its pear or heart-shaped stones encased paired with a gorgeous twisted, gold or rose gold wedding band.
Whether it’s your great-great-great-grandmothers or it’s vintage inspired it doesn’t matter. If your partner loves little details and makes comments about they think they should have been born before the 50s then looking at a vintage engagement ring is a great idea. Vintage engagement rings are usually larger, more square, and typically look as if they’d been handcrafted more than a couple of generations ago.
Now we’re not saying it’s made of sticks and grass, but these kinds of nature-inspired rings typically have a stick or leafy pattern with a unique stone. There are even some rings compressed of dirt or sand for a more unique approach. These kinds of engagement rings are perfect for an outdoorsy, more sentimental person.
Timeless, classic, traditional–however you want to describe them, these rings really are a time-honored style with their subtle emerald diamond and clean lines made for a single center diamond or a three-stone engagement ring. This kind of wedding ring is for a future spouse who favors simplicity and a reliable tried and tested look.
We won’t go super in-depth on ring settings, but at least being aware of the kinds available can help speed up engagement ring shopping.
Traditionally this solitaire engagement ring has one, sparkly, round center diamond with a narrower band, which has the effect of making the diamond look larger than it actually is.
Halo engagement rings are considered to be a “new classic” since the ring only has one large center stone that’s circled by an ethereal halo of smaller diamonds. The stone can change in size and cut, but an elegant halo setting will always be a marvelous choice for anyone wanting to increase the visual impact of the ring.
The three-stone setting is just that… three stones. In most cases, the ring will have one larger diamond that is round or square and cut snugly between two smaller diamonds on either side.
A split shank setting is an elaborate design in which the shank (the part of the ring that circles the finger) splits into two branches that frame the diamond or composition of stones. These types of ring band styles are usually seen under the nature-inspired styles.
Instead of prongs, the bezel setting has a ring of metal that wraps around the stone. This kind of setting is by far the most secure and protective option as it leads to fewer issues with the diamond being broken or lost.
Pavé is the french word for “paved” which fits since the pavé diamond setting is paved with a melee (1 to 2 mm) of tiny diamonds along the band, adding just a bit more sparkle to the larger diamond that’d front and center.
If you like the pavé setting then you might just appreciate the channel setting which is where the stones are set into a specifically cut groove (or channel) that has a small lip that extends over the stones to ensure they stay secure and where they belong. This kind of ring is often larger and more robust, but they’re typically as safe as the bezel setting.
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one asking. Here are a few commonly asked questions and their answers when it comes to engagement ring shopping:
Round solitaire style rings still dominate the market, with oval-shaped engagement rings in at a close second. However, don’t take our word for it! Type in “engagement rings” on Pinterest and you’ll see the top saved searches won’t disappoint.
The cathedral-style ring has a band that slopes around the same level of the edge of the center diamond as opposed to the floating look where the diamond appears to be floating or just resting on top of the band. Now, remember, the cathedral style only refers to the sloping of the band, not the cut, setting, or shape.
The marquise cut is by far the most elegant with its oval shape that meets in pointed ends that resemble the hull of a ship, which is actually where it got its name. This kind of ring is also known as the navette cut or “little boat” as it’s translated in French.
Anything long center stone is going to be best for chubby and shorter fingers, which include elongated shapes like oval marquise, emerald, or pear. Anything with sharper edges like pear cuts will add a lady-like touch and a more lengthy look to your hands.
Besides asking your partner’s friends and family if they know and guessing, there are a few ways from stealing one of the rings they frequently wear (and returning it of course) or asking them straight up. If you’re still not sure, read our article on “Finding The Best Engagement Ring In Secret.”
Choosing an engagement ring can be a daunting task, but knowing the difference between style and setting, as well as being aware of the different options available, can make the process easier. Whether you opt for a modern, romantic, vintage, nature-inspired, or classic style, there is a ring out there that will suit your future partner’s taste. The solitaire, halo, three-stone, split shank, bezel, pavé, and channel settings are just a few of the options available to you. Remember, this is a special moment that you and your future partner will cherish forever, so take your time and choose the perfect ring that will symbolize your love and commitment to each other. Also, here’s a handy article for you that can help you figure out if a diamond’s the real deal or not.
Looking for more tips and tricks related to popping the question? Be sure to check out our engagement page for all types of advice, whether it be Tips for a Successful Proposal or How to Announce Engagement on Social Media, we’ve got you covered.
