Types of Engagement Rings | Engagement Ring Styles
Getting engaged is a special time in anyone’s life, but there can be a lot of pressure when choosing the perfect engagement ring. With so many different styles and designs out there, it can be difficult knowing which one will suit your partner best - especially if it’s a surprise proposal.
The most important rule when choosing an engagement ring these days is to think about your partner’s personal style and taste - whether they’d prefer something simple and classic or unique and eye-catching. Here, we’ve listed 12 of the most popular engagement ring styles to help inspire your decision.
1. Solitaire
Timeless and traditional, the classic solitaire engagement ring style will never go out of fashion. If you’re really struggling with choosing a design, we guarantee you can’t go wrong with a solitaire. This style of ring showcases the beautiful diamond, no matter what shape it is, as a centrepiece mounted on a simple band with a prong or claw setting.
2. Halo
The halo setting is one of the most popular engagement ring styles as it creates a dazzling shimmer with smaller diamonds which reflects light onto the centre stone for ultra-sparkle. This style of ring is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of glitz and glamour in their lives but still like a classic look too. It's also a great setting if you have a coloured centre stone as it provides a stunning contrast.
3. Pavé
Pavé is a type of bead setting where tiny diamonds, or other gems, are embedded into the band of the ring. This allows the ring to catch more of the light so it seemingly glows on your finger. Ideal for those who love all things shiny and sparkly. Some people will choose to have the stones in the band as their partner’s or children’s birthstone for an even more meaningful and individual engagement ring.
4. Cluster
Rings with a cluster design are a great way to maximise sparkle and brilliance without going over budget. This style groups together several small stones to create the same effect as one larger stone. With a cluster style ring, you’ll then also have the option to go for a classic looking style or something more modern and asymmetrical that will stand out from the crowd.
5. Split Shank
A split shank style engagement ring is very popular amongst celebrities, with both Beyonce and Blake Lively as proud owners. This style alters the band of the ring, splitting it in two on either side of the centre stone to give the ring a more antique look and feel. This type of styling can also make the centre stone look larger.
6. Cathedral
The cathedral setting has been a popular engagement ring style for decades and is not likely to go out of fashion either, as it adds height to elevate the centre stone. Traditional and elegant, the curves of the band and the shank are made to resemble the tall arches of a cathedral making it a very sophisticated choice.
7. Three-Stone
Three-stone rings, or trilogy rings as they’re also known, are one of the most romantic choices of engagement rings as the stones are symbolic of the past, present and future. This style of ring is also very versatile as you can have a choice of one large stone as the centre with two smaller stones or even a coloured centre stone accented with diamonds on the side for a dazzling effect.
8. Channel
The channel setting is a classic look that’s similar to the pavé setting where diamonds decorate the band. However, instead of having the stones set into the metal, a groove is created where the diamonds sit neatly in a row. This makes the ring more durable as the stones are more securely in place and offer a seamless flow of diamonds leading to the centre stone.
9. Vintage
Vintage jewellery is making a big comeback, especially in terms of engagement rings. The art deco style of the 1920s and 30s era have become very popular as these rings are beautifully crafted with a dramatic appearance that offers a unique vintage feel. Bold and daring, this type of ring style is ideal for those who love old school glamour.
10. Tension Setting
Unique and modern, the tension setting ring style uses pressure to hold the main stone between two halves of the shank. This tension then gives the illusion of the diamond floating in midair where the light can enter to display an unrivalled sparkle. For those who prefer things to be non-traditional, this type of ring is sure to be loved.
11. Bezel
If you or your partner has a very hands-on job or hobbies such as gardening, cleaning or construction, then a bezel setting ring will be best. This is one of the most secure ring settings as the diamond is anchored in place with a metal border rather than being raised on prongs or claws, meaning there is less risk of the stone being scratched or damaged. However, this does mean that less light will be able to hit the diamond so it won’t sparkle as brightly.
Looking for more information? Read our complete guide on how to select the perfect engagement ring.
Also, browse our entire range of lab grown engagement rings which are entirely conflict-free and are created using innovative, environmentally friendly techniques.
