Engagement Ring Styles
Engagement rings can be had in many different styles, and if you're shopping for one, you must be so excited! But being surrounded by so many beautiful engagement ring designs might feel a little bit overwhelming too! To ease the confusion and ensure you have a pleasurable shopping experience, we have categorised our collection of beautifully styled and crafted designer engagement rings according to styles, materials, gemstone shapes and cuts.
• Engagement ring types demystified
• What are the different types of settings used for engagement rings?
• What are the most popular engagement ring styles?
Finding the One Ring that says it best
Engagement ring styles can be varied simply by altering the ring material, stone settings and arrangements. The possible combinations are endless and intriguing, to say the least. Read on to get to know about the different types of engagement rings so you can easily navigate this stage of your relationship and find the one ring to rule 'em all!
Engagement ring settings and how they look
Since an engagement ring is intended to be worn all the time, a secure setting style for the gemstone(s) is essential. The following are the most popular setting styles for engagement rings:
The prong setting allows maximum light to pass through a gemstone. Small metal tines or “claws” rise up from the ring shank to hold the gemstone in place. Engagement rings with solitaire diamonds and coloured gemstones mostly use the prong setting. You must check the prongs regularly to ensure they are secure and will not get snagged on your clothing.
The bezel setting, has the gemstone(s) securely held in a bowl-shaped bezel. This setting covers and protects the stone’s edges and ensures that it will not fall out. However, the bezel setting does not allow much light to pass through the stone since it is closed on the sides and back. This style is very retro-classic with a modern look and favoured by those who admire vintage styles.
The flush or gipsy setting is another secure setting where the diamond/gemstone is set in holes drilled into the metal to rest “flush” with the ring band. Flush-set rings have a contemporary, minimalistic aesthetic that resonates with those who want a non-traditional engagement ring style.
The channel setting has no prongs or bezels. Here the ring shank is designed like a track in which the diamonds/gemstones are set in. This type of setting is seen in eternity rings.
The pavé setting is immensely popular in engagement rings because it is charmingly feminine. In this type of setting, the ring's band is covered or paved with smaller diamonds, adding to the sparkle and beauty of the overall look.
Tension setting uses no prongs, bezels, or channels. The band/shank of the ring has a gap into which the diamond or gemstone is set using pressure from a hidden spring mechanism in the metal. The gem appears free and floating, creating a stunning visual effect. Since tension set engagement rings are customised according to the gemstone and the size of the ring, they cannot be resized easily. Also, this engagement ring style is possible only with hard gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires; softer gems like the emerald would crack/break under the pressure/tension of the setting.
Popular engagement ring designs that use size, numbers and arrangement to create magical engagement ring styles
Solitaire engagement rings are simple and elegant and will never go out of fashion. The solitaire style is the most classic and traditional engagement ring design. It features a single prominent diamond or gemstone with 4 to 6 prongs that hold the diamond/gemstone in place. Some modern solitaire engagement rings with fancy cut diamonds are bezel set.
Cluster engagement rings (also called illusion rings)have several diamonds/precious gems set together to look like a large diamond/gemstone. The cluster setting maximises the sparkle of the gems, gives the illusion of a larger stone, and is an affordable option for those shopping on a budget.
Cathedral-style engagement rings have a sophisticated vibe and have been a preferred style for solitaire diamonds. Here the ring shank arches or curves upwards to hold the diamond up in a high setting. The raised arch/curve may be pave-set with tiny diamonds for added sparkle.
Halo-style engagement rings have a ring of smaller diamonds around a round, cushion cut or oval solitaire, adding to its sparkle with a brilliant reflection of light or an accent of colour. The halo engagement ring style makes the central stone look larger. It is an excellent style when combining a coloured gemstone with a circle of diamond accents and vice versa.
Split-shank style engagement rings focus on the band or shank of the ring. The shank is split into two stems, each curving around on both sides of the central stone, creating four ends which hold the stone in prongs. Split shank engagement rings can be made unique with small diamonds in a pave setting on both sides where the band splits into two.
Three stone-style engagement rings, also called trilogy rings, are rich in symbolism. It could have three equal-sized stones or one larger central stone flanked by a smaller stone on either side. The three stones represent the dimensions of the ""past, present, and future"". Or it could stand for ""You, Me, and Us"". A popular choice is to have a coloured gemstone (such as a ruby, sapphire, or emerald) in the centre with a diamond on either side.
The Double Diamond ring is a spin-off of the three-stone engagement ring, with the two diamonds representing the couple. Both diamonds may be of the same or different shapes.
Eternity engagement rings have a continuous line of diamonds/gemstones in a channel or pavé setting. This circle of precious stones paving the ring band represents the connection and eternal love the couple hold for each other.
We hope you found the above discussion about the different engagement ring styles can help you decide what you like best so you can confidently buy your dream engagement ring.