In-depth look at 15 popular engagement ring styles

Selecting an engagement ring style or a wedding ring style is one of the most important steps you should take before pulling the trigger on ordering a custom diamond ring.

Have you ever felt the worry that comes with choosing an engagement ring style or a wedding ring style? There are so many styles for you to take a look at and they are everywhere – online, in magazines even in real life. The options are so vast that you may feel hesitant to choose one, the clash of choices feels almost as if you are charging into a major clothing sale.

What is worse than this…

Is that you may have also heard strange terms being thrown around about diamond setting techniques for each engagement ring styles, the terms could be prong setting, pave setting, channel setting, and much more. The more you hear of it, the more you are confused.

I know this because I was once in the same position as you.

And so I have written this article to explain to you in easy-to-understand terms what each type of engagement ring styles are, what they look like and what are their advantages and disadvantages.

Each type of engagement ring style you have seen before can be categorized as one of the 15 types of engagement ring styles that I will talk about today. I have also organized both the diamond setting techniques and the most popular engagement ring styles in this article, you will not need to waste your time elsewhere on the topic of engagement ring styles because I have gathered everything you need to know right here in this article.

And once you have selected an engagement ring style or a wedding ring style that you like, you can contact us so that we may help you in choosing the right ideal cut diamond for your ring.

1. Solitaire & Prong Setting

A diamond ring style you will see most often and is considered as an eternal classic is the “Solitaire Style with Prong Setting”, this ring style is suited for lovers who are looking for an engagement ring style.

A “Prong Setting” is a type of ring setting that uses “prongs” to hold up a diamond or a gemstone, the ends of each prong are curved towards each other to hold the diamond up.

There are many types and shapes of prong settings: round, sharp, flat, or even “V” shaped (It is commonly used with the “Princess Cut Diamond”)

You will often see 4 or 6 prongs on most prong settings, the 4 prongs style being the more classic and popular option whilst the 6 is a more durable option.

This type of setting will make the diamond appear larger because the amount of metal holding it is minimal, you will be able to see the diamond from every angle – enabling the diamond to have a clear brilliant shine.

Most people who buy a 1 carat engagement ring will often use this engagement ring style.

Advantages of the Prong Setting

• The diamond is held up, making it easier to see.
• It increases the exposed surface of the diamond, making light easy to enter. This increases the diamond’s fire.
• Can be used with many diamond shapes – both the round brilliant cut shape and the fancy diamond cuts included.
• Is easy to clean because of its minimalistic details.
• Is a classic look that works on any occasion.

Disadvantages of the Prong Setting

• If the diamond is raised high, the ring can hook onto your various belongings and accessories, mainly clothing and hair (The diamond can be lowered if you have quite an active lifestyle).
• After a few years, the diamond may become loose and unfixed (A check-up should be performed at least once every 2 years to ensure that the diamond is still secure).

2. Bezel Setting

Bezel setting engagement ring style is the second most popular because of its modern look that can accommodate for those with an active lifestyle.

This type of setting is different from the prong setting because instead of just gripping the diamond, the bezel setting will hold the entirety of the diamond with its thin circular bezel – this makes the diamond much more secure, similar to a thick phone case.

A bezel setting could surround every side of the diamond, or it could also leave out some parts to open the diamond up for viewing pleasures.

The bezel setting engagement ring style is suited for those who work with their hands because while working they will not have to worry if their ring will hook on to something or not.

Advantages of the Bezel Setting

• Is much more protective than the prong setting, appropriate for those who want dexterity.
• Has an appealing modern look.
• Will not hook on to objects.
• Is great at preventing damage in the case that there is an impact on your diamond.
• Is easy to clean and care for as there is no need to worry about the diamond loosening up.

Disadvantages of the Bezel Setting

• The diamond may appear smaller than it is because there is less surface exposed.
• The diamond will not have as much fire as the prong setting diamond rings because less light is hitting the diamond.

3. Classic Tension Setting

The classic tension setting refers to when the ring is held up by the pressure being exerted by the metal on two sides of the diamond. This makes the diamond appear as if it is held up just by the ring itself.

This makes your valuable diamond appear to be floating in the air from the pressure exerted by both sides of the ring, forcing your diamond to be stationary.

Advantages of the Classic Tension Setting

• Has a tight grip on the diamond, there is no play to this setting.
• Is not often seen, making its wearer appear to have a unique taste – setting the wearer apart from the crowd.
• The diamond’s surface is exposed, giving more fire and brilliance.
• It has a stylish modern look.
• You will not be as careful as when wearing a prong setting diamond ring.

Disadvantages of the Classic Tension Setting

• Resizing the ring is difficult and costly.
• The diamond may appear smaller than it actually is, especially when using thicker metal parts.
• Although unlikely, there is a chance that the diamond could fall off if a heavy impact is made.

4. Tension-Style Bezel Setting

As for the tension-style bezel setting, it is designed to curve proportionally to the shape of the diamond. It is harder to create than the classic tension setting because it requires high expertise. This setting is also more protective than the classic tension setting and will have a more secure grip on the diamond.

This is a highly popular engagement ring style for those who like the classic tension setting because it lessens the flaws of the original by incorporating the use of bezels.

Advantages of the Tension-Style Bezel Setting

• The diamond is more secure.
• Is a more classic and eternal look than the classic tension setting.
• When wearing, you will not need to be as cautious as to when wearing a prong setting ring.
• The diamond still has enough fire because there is still enough light hitting the diamond.

Disadvantages of the Tension-Style Bezel Setting

• Resizing the ring is difficult and costly.
• Could make the diamond appear smaller than it is.
• Upon heavy impact, the diamond could become loose.

5. Channel Setting

The channel setting is a safe way in setting smaller diamonds, the diamonds are arranged in a line with no metals barricading them from each other.

This type of setting is popular for diamond-row engagement ring styles, because of how the diamonds are arranged to curve around your finger – this diamond is highly received for the younger generations because it is easy to wear and is suitable for a daily life full of rush.

Because this ring setting does not use any prongs, it is appropriate for those who want safety and ease of wear.

Advantages of the Channel Setting

• Can hold the diamonds securely whilst also protecting it from impact.
• The brilliance of the diamonds is increased when they are used to decorate a centerpiece diamond.
• Has a sharp and secure design.
• Will not hook on to objects.

Disadvantages of the Channel Setting

• An effort will need to be made when cleaning because dust may collect inside the ring.
• Resizing the ring is difficult because an adjustment will need to be made to the number of diamonds, this could make the ring appear disproportionate.
• Because of the metals on the sides, a lot more of the diamond is hidden compared to the prong setting.

6. Pavé Setting

The “Pavé” setting is a French word. In English, the word is “Pave” as in paving the way. In this case, it is paving the way for the diamonds.

This type of setting is fitting for grouping small diamonds together and then adhering them together with a small metallic sphere similar to caviar. This setting will make the diamonds appear incredibly full of sparkles and brilliance especially if placed onto a white gold engagement ring style.

Advantages of the Pavé Setting

• Can help the centerpiece appear more outstanding.
• Will add fire to the ring when used as ring-side decorations.
• If the centerpiece diamond has little fire or brilliance, the pave setting will help the diamond appear more reflective to light.
• Can be designed to be both vintage or modern engagement ring styles.

Disadvantages of the Pavé Setting

• Resizing is difficult, especially if the diamonds are set all around the ring.
• There is a very small chance that the smaller diamonds may fall off.

I recommend you to select the correct ring size before ordering a custom ring with the engagement ring style you had in mind to protect yourself from the hassle of resizing the ring at a later date.

7. Halo Setting

A halo setting ring refers to having a centerpiece diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds following the shape of the main diamond. This setting will make the centerpiece diamond appear larger,

This engagement ring style is a good option for showing your diamonds with the “all in” mentality. This setting also helps with the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond as well.

A halo setting diamond ring is fitting for those who want to save money because instead of buying a single large diamond, you can reduce the budget by buying smaller diamonds instead whilst also receiving an equally pleasing image.

More than this, if you choose to use fancy color diamonds or other gems as the centerpiece and then surround it with white diamonds as it gives the effect of complementary colors.

Halo settings are often used with the pave settings on the sides of the ring to increase its beauty, but even without the decorative pave setting – this setting still provides a minimalistic and tasteful engagement ring style.

Advantages of the Halo Setting

• This setting can help embellish the center diamond to appear larger and more grand.
• The ring will have more sparkle because of the diamonds surrounding it.
• The center diamond is well protected.
• Can be adapted to any shapes and colors of diamonds.
• Has a lot of design options regarding the colors and patterns.

Disadvantages of the Halo Setting

• If the technician is unskilled, the smaller diamonds may fall off.
• Is difficult to resize if there are diamonds on the sides.

8. Cathedral Setting

The Cathedral Setting is considered as one of the most elegant and classic of all the engagement ring styles because of its base that raises the diamond, similar to an ancient Christian cathedral’s arch.

As for the setting method, the prong setting, the halo setting, or the tension setting could be used because the cathedral setting’s uniqueness does not come from its setting technique but its decorative approach in raising the diamond.

The cathedral setting will raise its diamond, making the diamond appear larger and more grand. This is considered a good method for those who have a limited budget because the ring emphasizes the patterns of the ring, rather than the number of diamonds on show.

Advantages of the Cathedral Setting

• Will make the centerpiece diamond appear majestic.
• With its unique design, it is definitely a conversation starter.
• The ring has a secure grip on the centerpiece diamond.
• Helps raise the height of the diamond without having to increase the budget by much.
• The centerpiece diamond will appear larger than it is.

Disadvantages of the Cathedral Setting

• Could potentially hook on to objects or clothing, if the diamond is raised too high.
• The shape may not appear as slim and agile as the bezel setting.
• An effort will need to be made to clean the ring because of its many grooves.
• If badly designed, the ring could draw attention away from the diamond.

9. Bar Setting

Setting the diamond with metal bars protruding from the ring is considered one of the more eye-catching ways to set diamonds because of its unique look.

The bar setting has some similarity to the channel setting but its difference lies in the space between the diamonds: the channel setting will leave no space between each diamond whereas the bar setting will leave some space between the diamonds for the metal bars to be inserted to hold each diamond in place.

This engagement ring style is great at emphasizing each diamond, making them stand out. It is suitable for making a wedding band or a set of stackable rings.

Advantages of the Bar Setting

• More surface of the diamond is exposed when compared to the channel setting.
• Can be made as a stackable ring or a single minimalistic ring.
• The metal bars between each diamond will securely hold the diamonds in place.
• Will make the diamonds appear more brilliant because more surface area is exposed.

Disadvantages of the Bar Setting

• May not grip the diamonds as efficiently as the channel setting.
• Resizing could be a difficult and time-consuming task.
• The diamonds may get whittled down as this ring setting does not offer as much protection as the others.

10. Flush Setting

The Flush Setting, although it has a similar appearance to the bezel setting, has an appropriate name as the process of making this engagement ring style involves drilling a hole into a ring, placing a diamond inside it so that it is “flush” with the band of the ring, then the technicians will adjust the ring so that it grips onto the diamond securely.

This type of setting may not be suitable for gemstones that are more fragile than diamonds because they may break during the process of inserting the gemstone into the ring.

The flush setting is one of the firsts engagement ring styles that is mentioned when talking about men’s engagement rings styles because of the method the diamond is set, it is extremely unlikely that it will fall out.

Read more: 3 Tricks To Buying Men’s Wedding Rings To Surprise Your Special Someone!

Advantages of the Flush Setting

• Is the most durable ring setting style and so it is suitable for those who work with their hands a lot.
• Makes the wearer appear agile, polite, and easy-going.
• This setting style reduces the worry about the diamond falling out or loosening up because it is unlikely.
• Gives the diamond a lot more protection, it is almost as if the diamond is wearing a suit of armor.
• Considered as the most practical and most fit for daily life engagement ring style option.
• Reduces the chance of being targeted by a thief as its style is quite subtle.

Disadvantages of the Flush Setting

• The diamond is less exposed because it is flush with the ring’s surface.
• It will not have as much fire or brilliance as the other settings.

11. Three – Seven Stone Setting

Diamond-row engagement ring styles do not matter if it comes with 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 diamonds. This is a very versatile engagement ring style and so it is often used as engagement rings, wedding rings, anniversary rings, or other special occasions.

As for the number of diamonds, it is up to the beliefs and contentment of the wearer.

For example, some may believe that 3 stone setting rings represent the past, the present, and a future that is full of partnership and love.

A 5 stone setting ring is popular in China because it believed that it will bring success to its wearer, and so it is appropriate as a symbol of a successful milestone in the wearer’s career.

Some may prefer to have more diamonds on their ring, and so they may choose the 7 stone setting because the number “7” (Lucky Seven) represents luck in Western beliefs.

Advantages of the Diamond-Row Rings

• Significantly help the brilliance of the diamonds.
• Many large-sized diamonds can be set into the ring.
• The centerpiece diamond can appear exceptional if the secondary diamonds are chosen appropriately.
• Can be custom made in many styles.
• Is easier to resize than other engagement ring styles because of its flat ring band.
• The diamonds or gemstones are easily noticeable.

Disadvantages of the Diamond-Row Rings

• May need to be cleaned more often than solitaire rings.
• If the side diamonds are not chosen appropriately, they may steal the attention away from the centerpiece diamond.

12. Antique/Vintage Setting

Vintage engagement ring styles are vast. They are created to look like diamond rings from the past up to the renaissance period such as the Art Deco, Edwardian or Victorian styles. The focus is shifted towards the details and patterns of the ring instead.

If we were to talk about vintage diamond rings in Thailand, it could be said that they are just as outstanding as any other diamond rings from any country. Especially for the case of flower-shaped gold rings such as the Pikul Flower Rings (Bulletwood in English), or a ring style known for its sanctity of directly benefits its wearer – the “Noppakao Ring (Nine Gems Ring)”

Advantages of the Vintage Setting

• Will make its wearer appear to have a distinctive character.
• Most rings will have delicate flowing details.
• If well designed, the ring will help the centerpiece diamond appear magnificent.
• Evokes a nostalgic feeling of days past, a reminder of the good times had and the good times to be had.
• Can be adjusted to fit the wearer’s style.

Disadvantages of the Vintage Setting

• The ring will need extra care because of its many delicate details.
• If badly designed, the centerpiece may not stand out.
• If a diamond is set into a vintage ring, it must be cared for to ensure that the diamond will not fall out.

13. Cluster Setting

The Cluster Setting engagement ring style refers to “clustering” the diamonds to make it appear as one single diamond. It can be made up of a large centerpiece diamond or it can entirely be made out of smaller diamonds.

This engagement ring style is suitable for those who wish to wear a large diamond ring but have a limited budget because investing in a single large diamond may be many times more costly than buying many smaller diamonds and then grouping them when compared to diamonds of the same quality.

Advantages of the Cluster Setting

• When smaller diamonds are clustered together, at a glance they will look like an enormous diamond.
• Has a special look to them with their added dimensions and details.
• Is more budget-friendly than a single large diamond.
• The ring can be uniquely designed to fit the style you want.
• Is suitable for those who have slender fingers.

Disadvantages of the Cluster Setting

• Because there are many diamonds and grooves, it will need to be cleaned often.
• If the setting is not done properly, smaller diamonds will have a chance of falling out.

14. Eternity Band

An eternity band is a popular engagement ring style for women’s engagement rings, or other special occasions such as an anniversary, a birthday, or a Valentines Day.

It is called an “Eternity Band” because the diamonds are arranged in a circle, similar to the path of love in which the journey never ends – representing an immortal love that will last an eternity.

Advantages of the Eternity Band

• This engagement ring style will have sparkles enveloping your fingers, the diamonds will be visible from every angle.
• Gives a look that stands out, making its wearer more unique than when wearing a simple ring.
• Can be worn with other rings such as engagement rings or wedding rings.
• Different setting techniques such as bezel setting or channel setting can be incorporated into the ring.
• The smaller diamonds are held tight and secure.

Disadvantages of the Eternity Band

• Resizing is extremely difficult (Most will not choose to resize).
• Will need frequent cleaning because the gaps between the diamonds may collect dust.

15. Shank/Split Setting

Shank setting engagement ring styles is a design that plays with the shanks of a ring. The shanks are separated into two parts which will converge at a point, the shanks are often decorated with round brilliant diamonds but if fancy diamonds are used – the already distinctive look will have a more powerful effect.

This engagement ring style is suited for those with slender fingers because it will help the wearer’s finger appear more full and proportional.

Advantages of the Shank Setting

• Will instantly make the wearer’s finger stand out, as it is quite eye-catching.
• The space on the sides of the ring is increased, and so smaller diamonds can be used.
• The eye is drawn to the centerpiece diamond, when viewed it will appear striking.
• Can be designed to appear modern or classic.

Disadvantages of the Shank Setting

• Will need frequent cleaning because of the number of details on the ring.
• Some engagement ring styles may not be slender, and so it may not be appropriate for those with an active lifestyle.

Additionally, if you want to accurately measure your ring size safely – we recommend you to use this ring size measurer which is made from Anodized Zinc Silver Alloy as it is more accurate the plastic version and will not cause irritation on your fingers like the other common alloys. The rings are perfectly round and will not hurt or cut your fingers.

Conclusion: Select an Engagement Ring Style That Best Fits Your Lifestyle

Selecting the right engagement ring style is considered as one of the utmost importance, this decision should be made before all else because this is what will dictate the designs and the selection of the diamond.

As for the engagement ring style you choose, it is entirely up to your personal preferences or your personal lifestyle; for this part, only you will be able to decide.

One type of engagement ring style may be suitable for those who work with their hands often whilst another may be fit for those who have to attend social events frequently.

Another factor you should consider is taking care and cleaning your diamond ring to ensure that your ring always appears splendid and shining as it did on the first day. It does not matter which type of engagement ring style you choose, it will need to be cleaned one day. It is just that some styles are easier to clean than others.

Once you have settled on an engagement ring style you love or a wedding band you cannot keep off your mind, you should find a brilliant diamond that will best fit your ring. If you want us to help you hand-pick the sparkling diamond you always have had in mind, you can contact our expert to help you choose your perfect diamond ring.

Read more: 3 reliable ways to tell if a diamond is real