Expert's Guide to Engagement Ring Styles

Choosing an engagement ring is not just about picking a shiny piece of jewelry. It’s about expressing your love, commitment, and understanding of your partner’s taste and style. This is what makes this task both exciting and nerve-wracking. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide on engagement ring styles to ease your worries. Here, you’ll find valuable insights to help you select the perfect symbol of your everlasting love.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is a significant investment, both emotionally and financially. It represents the promise of a shared future, making it one of the most meaningful purchases you’ll ever make. That’s why choosing a ring that matches your partner’s style and preferences is essential. A well-chosen engagement ring demonstrates how well you know your partner and how much you care.

The tradition of engagement rings dates back to ancient times, but their styles and designs have evolved significantly. During the Roman Empire, simple iron rings were used to symbolize marriage. The Middle Ages introduced the use of precious metals and gemstones, while the Renaissance period saw the introduction of detailed carvings and intricate designs.

The diamond engagement ring as we know it today started to gain popularity in the 1940s, thanks to De Beers’ marketing campaign, “A Diamond is Forever.” Today, engagement ring styles are as diverse as the couples who wear them, ranging from timeless classics to contemporary designs, allowing for personal expression and individuality.

Understanding Different Diamond Cuts

One of the first things you must understand when choosing an engagement ring is diamond cuts. The cut refers to how a diamond is shaped and faceted, significantly affecting its brilliance and sparkle. Let’s explore the most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings.

Round Cut. When it comes to popularity, the round-cut diamond takes the cake. Accounting for more than half of all diamonds sold today, this cut is loved for its timeless appeal and spectacular sparkle. The round cut brilliantly reflects light and suits almost any ring style, making it a versatile choice for a bride-to-be.
Princess Cut. Princess-cut diamonds are second only to round cuts in popularity. Characterized by a square shape with pointed corners, this cut offers a contemporary, chic aesthetic. With its clean lines and geometric symmetry, a princess-cut diamond gives a distinct modern sparkle that appeals to the fashionable bride.
Emerald Cut. An emerald cut diamond is rectangular with cut corners, known for its elegant, vintage appeal. It has a distinctive ‘step cut,’ with concentric rectangular facets that resemble a staircase. While it doesn’t sparkle as much as a round cut, it presents a sophisticated, mirror-like sheen, perfect for those who appreciate understated glamor.
Oval Cut. The oval cut is similar to the round cut, offering comparable brilliance and sparkle but with a unique elongated shape. This cut can give the illusion of larger size and longer fingers, making it an appealing choice for many women. It’s an excellent choice for someone who likes the sparkle of a round diamond but wants something more unique.
Marquise Cut. The marquise-cut diamond, with its elongated shape and pointed ends, is a choice that screams individuality. This cut’s boat-like shape can make the diamond appear larger than it is and elongate the finger. It’s ideal for those seeking a ring that’s as unique and special as their love story.
Cushion Cut. A cushion-cut diamond combines the best of the round and princess cuts. It’s square or rectangular with rounded corners, resembling a cushion or pillow, hence the name. Known for its romantic, vintage appeal and soft, rounded edges, the cushion cut offers a classic, timeless look perfect for any engagement ring style.

Each of these diamond cuts provides its unique character and beauty. As you explore different cuts, remember to remember your partner’s style and preferences. Whether they prefer something traditional or more modern, there’s a diamond cut perfect for them. We’ll continue our exploration with the remaining diamond cuts and move into the different engagement ring styles in the next section.

Pear Cut. With a mix of round and marquise cuts, the pear-cut diamond, known as a teardrop, offers a distinctive look. Its unique shape—rounded on one end and pointed at the other—creates a flattering elongated effect on the finger. A pear cut is perfect for someone who values individuality and wants their ring to stand out.
Radiant Cut. The radiant cut offers the emerald cut’s elegance and the round cut’s brilliance—a winning combination for those seeking both sparkle and distinctive shape. With its trimmed corners and vibrant shine, the radiant cut is a perfect choice for someone who wants a flashy, attention-grabbing ring.
Asscher Cut. The Asscher cut, like the emerald cut, is known for its ‘step cut’ faceting and square shape. However, the Asscher cut is more square, and its facets meet in the center, creating a mesmerizing ‘hall of mirrors’ effect. This cut is ideal for those who are drawn to vintage-inspired designs.
Heart Cut. The heart cut is a no-brainer if you’re looking for an undeniable symbol of love. Although less common in engagement rings, this unique cut can be a beautiful expression of love. Make sure the diamond is high quality, as the heart shape can highlight flaws more readily.
Baguette Cut. Baguette-cut diamonds, usually rectangular and occasionally tapered at one end, are commonly used as accent stones in engagement ring designs. They feature step-cut faceting similar to emerald cuts, which creates a beautiful light-reflecting effect. Baguettes can add a touch of Art Deco elegance to any engagement ring.

These are just a few diamond cuts available for engagement rings. Each cut has unique characteristics, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Now that you understand different diamond cuts, we’ll move on to the different styles of engagement rings in the next section. The world of engagement rings is vast and diverse—there is a ring for every style, every personality, and every love story.

Setting Styles and Their Appeal

After you’ve decided on the type of diamond cut, the next important decision is the setting style. The correct setting can enhance the beauty of your diamond and add a unique touch to your engagement ring. Here, we’ll discuss a few popular setting styles and their distinct characteristics.

Prong Setting – The Classic Choice. Perhaps the most traditional of all engagement ring settings, the prong setting consists of a diamond held in place by four to six metal prongs. This design allows maximum exposure of the diamond, enhancing its sparkle by allowing more light to pass through. The prong setting suits virtually any diamond cut and is ideal for those who prefer a classic, timeless look.
Halo Setting – For Extra Sparkle. The halo setting features a center diamond encircled by a ring (or multiple rings) of smaller diamonds, giving the illusion of a larger center stone. It’s perfect for those who love the sparkle and want a glamorous, vintage-inspired look. Halo settings can be paired with any diamond shape, adding versatility to their appeal.
Bezel Setting – Modern and Secure. Consider a bezel setting for a sleek, modern look, where a metal rim fully or partially encircles the diamond. Besides its contemporary aesthetic, the bezel setting offers excellent protection for the diamond, making it a good choice for those with active lifestyles or hands-on jobs.
Pavé Setting – Dazzling Rows of Diamonds. Derived from the French word ‘paved,’ the pavé setting features tiny diamonds set closely together, creating the effect of a continuous surface of sparkle. This setting can make a band look like it’s entirely made of diamonds and is perfect for those who desire a dazzling engagement ring.

The engagement ring setting is not just a matter of aesthetics—it can also affect the durability and everyday wearability of the ring. Therefore, it’s essential to consider both the look and the practicality when choosing a setting style. Next, we’ll explore different metal options for your engagement ring, so stay tuned!

Choosing the Right Metal – A Crucial Aspect of Ring Design

Choosing the suitable metal for your engagement ring is another crucial aspect of the ring design. The type of metal you choose can significantly influence your ring’s overall appearance and style. Below, we’ll go over some popular choices.

Yellow Gold – Timeless and Traditional. Yellow gold is a classic choice for engagement rings. Its warm, rich color complements diamonds beautifully and is particularly flattering against darker skin tones. Yellow gold is also relatively easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for everyday wear.
White Gold – Sleek and Modern. For those who prefer a sleek, modern look, white gold is an excellent choice. It has a cool, silvery-white color that enhances the sparkle of diamonds and suits all skin tones. While it requires occasional re-plating to maintain its color, white gold is famous for its stylish appeal and durability.
Rose Gold – Romantic and Unique. Rose gold, with its romantic pinkish hue, is a unique and trendy choice for engagement rings. It contrasts beautifully with the sparkle of diamonds and complements fair and rosy skin tones. Despite being softer than white and yellow gold, rose gold is durable enough for everyday wear.
Platinum – Luxurious and Durable. If you prefer a luxurious option, consider platinum. Platinum is a naturally white metal that doesn’t fade or change color over time. It’s also the most durable option, making it ideal for those with active lifestyles. However, it’s also the most expensive option due to its rarity.

Choosing the right engagement ring involves many considerations, from the diamond cut and setting style to the type of metal. It’s essential to take your time and explore all the options available. Ultimately, the best engagement ring is the one that resonates with your style and everyday needs. So, start your journey today and find the perfect symbol of your everlasting love!

Diamonds Aren’t Always a Girl’s Best Friend

Traditionally, diamonds are the gem of choice for engagement rings, but modern brides are increasingly open to other options. Semi-precious gems such as aquamarine, morganite, and tourmaline have gained popularity due to their uniqueness and affordability. Sapphires and rubies, considered precious gems, offer a vibrant, colorful alternative to the traditional diamond.

Personalizing Your Love Story

When choosing your engagement ring, consider whether a ready-made design or a custom-made ring suits you better. Off-the-rack rings offer convenience and a wide variety of designs to choose from. On the other hand, bespoke rings offer the chance to personalize every aspect of your ring, from the design to the choice of gemstones. If you have a specific design in mind or want a truly unique ring, bespoke could be the way to go.

Ethical Considerations – Diamonds with a Clear Conscience

Today’s couples are more conscious than ever about the origins of their engagement rings. Choosing a ring from a jeweler who guarantees conflict-free diamonds and uses ethically sourced gold and other materials is an essential consideration for many.

Picking the Right Jeweler – Trust, Reputation, and Service

Choosing the right jeweler is just as important as selecting the perfect ring. Please look for jewelers with a solid reputation, outstanding customer service, and comprehensive after-sales service, including maintenance and repair. A good jeweler will guide you through the ring selection process and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Finding the perfect engagement ring can be as unique as the love story it represents. By considering various styles, metals, gemstones, and ethical factors and choosing the right jeweler, you can ensure that the ring you select perfectly reflects your taste, values, and, most importantly, your unique love story. Happy ring hunting!

Carol Freedman

For 10 years, I’ve been in the luxury publishing industry, editing magazines with a special emphasis on watches and jewellery. I bring passion and authority to my work, featuring fresh jewelry collections, interviewing renowned designers and historians, reviewing globally-acclaimed jewelry books, and keeping my audience updated on trade show happenings. I take pride in highlighting jewelers who specialize in vintage or antique pieces.