Exploring Engagement Ring Styles

Selecting an engagement ring is both exciting and deeply personal. With so many engagement ring styles available, the design you choose should reflect not only your aesthetic, but also how the ring will be worn and enjoyed for years to come. I have found that while trends come and go, certain styles remain enduring because of their balance, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.

Let's explore some of the most classic engagement ring styles and the design details that make each one unique.

Solitaire Engagement Rings

This ring highlights the diamond without distraction, placing full emphasis on its cut, brilliance, and proportions. Among all engagement ring styles, the solitaire remains one of the most recognizable and enduring designs.

The solitaire rose to prominence in the late 19th century as diamond cutting improved and jewellers began showcasing a single center stone. From a jeweller’s perspective, this style leaves nowhere to hide. The diamond itself must be exceptional because it carries the entire design. When clients choose a solitaire, I often remind them that cut quality becomes especially important since the stone is the clear focal point.

Solitaire rings are also extremely versatile. They pair beautifully with many wedding band styles, which gives couples flexibility when designing their bridal set. I have noticed that many clients who begin by exploring elaborate rings often return to the simplicity of a solitaire.

Pear cut Lab diamond engagement ring, featuring a 5-prong tiger claw setting

Halo Engagement Rings

Halo engagement rings feature a center diamond surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds that amplify brilliance and make the center stone appear larger.

Halo designs first appeared in Georgian and Victorian jewellery and became especially popular during the Art Deco period of the 1920s.

The surrounding diamonds reflect light back toward the center stone, increasing the overall sparkle of the ring. This design is often chosen by clients who want strong visual presence without dramatically increasing the carat weight of the center diamond.

When designed properly, the halo should frame the diamond rather than overpower it.

The proportions of the halo matter greatly. A delicate halo enhances a diamond beautifully, while a heavy one can overwhelm it.

Marquise cut Lab diamond engagement ring, featuring a halo and 6-prong setting to create an old world aesthetic

Hidden Halo Engagement Rings

Hidden halo rings place a circle of small diamonds beneath the center stone, visible mainly from the side rather than from the top. This allows the ring to maintain a classic solitaire appearance while adding subtle brilliance. Unlike many traditional styles, the hidden halo is a relatively modern design that gained popularity in the last decade.

I often describe hidden halos as a small detail that feels like a secret between the ring and the person wearing it.

3ct Elongated cushion Lab diamond engagement ring, featuring a hidden halo and a 4-prong tiger claw setting

Pavé Engagement Rings

Pavé engagement rings feature small diamonds set closely together along the band, creating the appearance of a surface paved with diamonds. The term pavé comes from the French word for “paved,” reflecting the way small diamonds form a continuous field of sparkle.

This technique allows the band to shimmer while still supporting the center stone.

Pavé settings are often used in custom engagement rings when clients want additional brilliance without changing the overall structure of the ring.

Well executed pavé work is one of the details that separates fine jewellery from mass produced pieces.

1.2ct Natural round Sri Lanka Sapphire set in a 4-prong yellow gold pave engagement ring

Three Stone Engagement Rings

Three stone engagement rings feature a center diamond flanked by two side stones.

Traditionally, the three stones represent the past, present, and future of a relationship.

The style gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century, and remains appreciated for its symbolism and balanced design.

Three stone rings also allow for interesting combinations of diamond shapes. I often recommend pairing a round center diamond with tapered baguettes or pear shaped side stones, but the possibilities truly are endless!

3-stone oval Natural diamond engagement rings shown in yellow and white gold

Side Stone Engagement Rings

Side stone engagement rings incorporate additional diamonds or gemstones along the band that complement the center stone. Side stones have appeared in engagement rings for centuries, particularly in Victorian jewellery where smaller stones were used to enhance the center gem.

These stones add brilliance while still allowing the center diamond to remain the focal point.

I often suggest this style to clients who want more sparkle while maintaining a timeless structure.

5-stone Natural diamond engagement ring, featuring a custom side-stone setting

Vintage Inspired Engagement Rings

Vintage inspired engagement rings draw influence from historical design periods such as Art Deco, Edwardian, and Victorian jewellery.These rings often feature details like milgrain edges, engraving, and delicate filigree work. Art Deco designs favoured bold geometry, while Edwardian jewellery emphasized light, lace-like metalwork.

Many modern custom rings borrow elements from these historic styles while incorporating contemporary craftsmanship.

Matching engagement and wedding ring set, featuring a vintage Victorian inspired design

Bezel Engagement Rings

A bezel setting surrounds the diamond with a smooth rim of metal that holds the stone securely in place.This is one of the oldest gemstone setting techniques, used in jewellery for thousands of years.

The design offers excellent durability and protects the edges of the stone.

I find bezel rings often appeal to people who appreciate clean design and understated elegance.

2.12ct round Lab diamond engagement ring, featuring a classic bezel solitaire style setting

Cathedral Engagement Rings

Cathedral settings feature arches of metal that rise from the band to support the center stone, inspired by the architecture of cathedral ceilings.

This style became particularly popular in the mid to late 20th century as engagement rings began emphasizing elevated center stones.

The structure naturally lifts the diamond and adds presence to the ring.

It adds quiet drama without relying on additional diamonds or ornamentation.

Custom floral cathedral setting engagement ring

Split Shank Engagement Rings

Split shank engagement rings feature a band that divides into two strands as it approaches the center stone. Variations of this design have appeared in jewellery for more than a century as a way to add openness and architectural interest.

The split naturally draws the eye toward the center diamond.

When the proportions are right, the design guides your eye directly to the stone.

White gold diamond engagement ring, featuring a custom split shank design

Making Your Choice

Ultimately, the best engagement ring style is the one that feels personal to the person wearing it. While each of these designs has its own history and character, the most meaningful rings are often those that reflect an individual story.

Many of the custom engagement rings I create begin with one of these classic foundations before being refined through small details, proportions, and personal preferences. When those elements come together thoughtfully, the result is not just a beautiful ring, but a piece that feels truly considered.

An engagement ring is something that will be worn every day for a lifetime. Taking the time to understand the different styles is often the first step toward creating something that feels timeless. Let's work together to craft a ring that reflects your story. Get started HERE.