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Top Types of Engagement Rings to Know Before You Shop

When embarking on the journey of choosing an engagement ring, the first step is understanding two key elements: style and setting. Whether you're drawn to timeless solitaires or a bold halo design, each ring offers a distinct reflection of personal taste and everyday wearability. Solitaire rings exude understated elegance, while styles like pavé and halo rings enhance the sparkle and visual impact.

Three-stone and side-stone designs symbolize lasting commitment, while vintage-inspired rings offer a sense of history and charm. The setting—whether prong, bezel, tension, or cathedral—determines how the ring holds the center stone and affects its overall look and feel. With so many styles to choose from, the right engagement ring is one that speaks to your unique personality and connection.

Choosing the Right Engagement Ring: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding the perfect engagement ring is an exciting and meaningful experience. Once you've found ‘the one,’ choosing the ideal ring to celebrate this moment can feel overwhelming with the wide variety of styles available. From delicate solitaires to extravagant halos, how do you pick one that will truly captivate your loved one?

To begin, it helps to focus on the two main elements that make up every design: the style and the setting. These factors combine to create a piece that reflects your partner’s personality, preferences, and lifestyle. Whether you're leaning toward something classic or a bit more daring, this guide will highlight the most popular engagement ring styles to help you find one that feels perfectly “you.”

What Makes Each Engagement Ring Unique?

Every engagement ring is a story, and the way that story is told comes down to its style and setting. Some rings are delicate and subtle, while others make a bold statement. These differences are influenced by two main components: the style and the setting.

The style defines the ring’s overall aesthetic—whether modern, vintage, or timeless—while the setting dictates how the center stone is presented and how it interacts with your daily routine. Together, these elements form a piece that resonates deeply and feels unmistakably personal. It’s the kind of ring you look at and instantly know it was meant for you.

Popular Engagement Ring Styles You Should Know

The world of engagement rings is diverse, with some styles enduring through time, while others offer a fresh take on tradition. Below are some of the most sought-after styles, along with guidance on who they’re ideal for.

Shop the look desktop imageSolitaire Engagement Rings

A solitaire engagement ring embodies simplicity and grace. Featuring a single center stone and a sleek, unembellished band, this classic design is a go-to for those who appreciate elegance and understated beauty.

Take the Kamellie, for instance—a refined solitaire design with a hidden halo beneath the center stone. The hidden layer of sparkle is revealed only when the light hits it, adding a subtle yet striking effect to the classic design.

 

 

 

Shop the ring desktop imageHalo Engagement Rings

Halo engagement rings are all about radiance. Small diamonds encircle the center stone, creating a brilliant, luminous effect that enhances the overall size and brilliance. This style is perfect for those seeking eye-catching sparkle without sacrificing elegance.

The Miley design features a stunning split shank and a radiant halo that shines from every angle. The diamonds along the band elevate the centerpiece, making this ring ideal for someone who loves glamorous details with sophistication.

 

 

 

Shop the ring desktop imageThree-Stone Engagement Rings

The three-stone ring design is symbolic: one stone for the past, one for the present, and one for the future. This timeless style is ideal for someone who values tradition and storytelling in their engagement.

An example is the Liv, where the center stone is framed by tapered baguettes on either side. This sleek design brings a sense of balance and movement, with light catching the stones from different angles.

 

 

Shop the ring desktop imageSide Stone Engagement Rings

Side stone rings add a layer of brilliance to the main stone without overshadowing it. With accent diamonds in various cuts—like marquise, round, or baguette—this style offers a delicate shimmer that complements the center stone.

The Lindsey design features round and marquise diamonds along the band, creating a soft, sparkling effect. Paired with a hidden halo, the overall look is polished and refined, making it perfect for someone who enjoys timeless beauty with modern flair.

 

 

 

Shop the ring desktop imageVintage-Inspired Engagement Rings

Vintage-inspired rings evoke a sense of history and romance. With intricate details like milgrain edges, filigree designs, and ornate craftsmanship, these rings carry a nostalgic charm that’s ideal for those who appreciate heirloom beauty.

The Jasmine design, inspired by the Art Deco period, showcases repeating patterns and diamond accents along the band. The milgrain detailing adds texture and depth, creating a ring that feels both romantic and timeless.

 

 

 

Shop the look desktop imagePavé Engagement Rings

Pavé engagement rings are designed for those who adore sparkle. Tiny diamonds are set closely together along the band, allowing light to reflect off every surface for a radiant effect. This style is glamorous yet refined, perfect for someone who loves shine without the drama.

The Pave Sarah is a stunning example, with pavé diamonds covering the band and a high-profile setting that elevates the center stone. This design is perfect for someone who loves layering and adding a little extra sparkle to their everyday look.

 

 

 

Key Engagement Ring Settings Explained

While style dictates the personality of the ring, the setting shapes its silhouette and functionality. From delicate prongs to bold bezels, the setting determines how the center stone is secured and showcased.

Shop the ring desktop imageProng Setting

The prong setting is a timeless classic. Small metal prongs gently hold the center stone, allowing light to shine through from every angle. This creates an open, elegant look with maximum brilliance.

An example is the Ashley, which features four delicate prongs holding a center stone. The low-profile setting ensures comfort while allowing the stone to shine effortlessly.

 

 

 

Shop the look desktop imageBezel Setting

The bezel setting wraps the center stone in a smooth, modern frame. This type of setting offers extra security, making it ideal for those with an active lifestyle or anyone seeking a sleek, low-maintenance ring.

The Pave Charlotte design combines a bezel setting with pavé diamonds along the band, resulting in a sophisticated and secure ring that feels timeless yet contemporary.

 

 

 

Shop the ring desktop imageTension Setting

A tension setting creates a striking visual effect by suspending the center stone between the two ends of the band. This innovative setting makes the stone appear to float, offering a modern, bold look that’s perfect for someone who enjoys contemporary design.

The Rebecca combines a tension setting with milgrain detailing and pavé diamonds, offering a design that is both strong and soft, perfect for someone who values style and comfort.

 

 

 

Shop the ring desktop imageCathedral Setting

Inspired by the elegance of cathedral architecture, the cathedral setting elevates the center stone with arches that rise gracefully from the band. This setting adds height, drama, and majesty, perfect for someone who wants a statement ring without overwhelming boldness.

The Natalie design showcases a cathedral setting, with diamond-accented arches framing the center stone and a hidden halo beneath for added brilliance. The result is a ring that feels majestic and refined.

 

 

 

Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring

Whether you prefer minimalistic designs or ornate, dramatic styles, understanding the elements of style and setting is the first step toward finding the engagement ring that feels perfect for you. From vintage-inspired rings to dazzling halos, every ring offers a different expression of love and commitment.

Ready to find a ring that speaks to your heart? Explore our complete engagement ring collection and discover the piece that feels just right for you. Shop now to begin your journey.

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