Engagement Ring Styles & Settings You Should Know

Engagement ring — the glittering symbol of love and commitment. It's the embodiment of eternal promises and the focal point of every bride-to-be's dream. And as you embark on the journey of finding the perfect ring, the center gemstone may be the first thing that captures your eye. But, as the saying goes, "it's not just the dress, it's the whole package." Whether you're buying a new ring or previously owned engagement ring, the style and gem settings of the ring should also be given equal attention, as they contribute to the ring's overall aesthetic appeal and longevity. The right combination of these elements will ensure that your ring is not only stunning, but also secure and long-lasting, making it a timeless treasure that you'll cherish forever.

Popular Engagement Ring Styles

In the world of engagement rings, style is the ultimate expression of individuality and personal taste. From the classic and timeless to the modern and bold, the possibilities are endless. Among the countless options, three core styles stand out as the epitome of elegance and versatility: the Solitaire, the Halo, and the Trilogy. 

Each of these ring styles offers a distinct aesthetic, but all share the ability to be customized and tailored to reflect your unique personality and style. As you explore the world of engagement rings, take a closer look at these three styles and discover how you can make them truly your own.

1) Solitaire

The solitaire ring style is a timeless classic, exuding elegance and sophistication. At the center of the band, a single brilliant gemstone takes center stage, capturing the light from all angles with its radiant sparkle. The prong setting, a timeless favorite, delicately holds the gemstone in place, showcasing its brilliance and radiance.

The simplicity of this setting lends a charming appeal, making it the perfect choice for those who appreciate understated elegance and timeless beauty. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring or a special occasion gift, the solitaire ring style is sure to make a lasting impression.

2) Halo

When it comes to engagement ring styles, the halo ring is a true showstopper. Imagine a breathtaking center gemstone, encircled by a dazzling halo of petite gemstones. This ring style adds an extra dose of sparkle and brilliance to any engagement ring, making it a popular choice for those looking for a little extra pizzazz. The beauty of the halo ring is in its versatility; it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your personal style.

The smaller stones that surround the center gemstone also have the added benefit of making the center stone appear larger when worn, making it a smart choice for those looking for a little more bang for their buck. The oval cut and pear cut diamonds are often used in halo ring styles, making them a perfect choice for those looking for a unique and elegant ring.

3) Trilogy

The trilogy ring style, also known as the three stone ring, is a symbol of love and commitment that tells a story. It features a central gemstone, accompanied by two other gemstones at the side, creating a stunning and meaningful piece of jewelry. This ring style is perfect for commemorating special moments and milestones in life, making it a cherished treasure that will be treasured for years to come.

The trilogy ring style is often known to depict a couple's past, present, and future, making it a perfect option for those looking to celebrate their love story in a unique and beautiful way. Whether it's an anniversary, a milestone birthday, or an engagement, the trilogy ring style is a timeless and elegant choice that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Engagement Ring Settings

When it comes to engagement rings, the setting is just as important as the gemstones themselves. Think of it as the stage on which your precious stones will shine. The ring setting is designed to enhance the natural beauty of the gemstones and make them the star of the show.

From classic to modern, there are countless options to choose from. Here's a glimpse at some of the most sought-after engagement ring settings, each with its own unique charm and appeal.

1) Prong Setting

When it comes to engagement ring settings, the prong setting is a true classic. Timeless and elegant, it securely holds the center gemstone while elevating it to new heights of beauty. The prong setting allows for maximum light to enter the gemstone from all angles, resulting in an unparalleled sparkle and brilliance. Its versatility makes it a popular choice, as it complements gemstones of all shapes and sizes.

Whether you're looking for a traditional or modern look, the prong setting is the perfect choice for those seeking a ring that will stand the test of time. Its clean and simple design allows the center gemstone to take center stage, making it a timeless treasure that will be cherished for years to come.

2) Pavé Setting 

Pavé — a French word that translates to "pavement," but in the world of engagement ring settings, it evokes images of sparkling gemstones. In the pavé setting, a row of precious stones leads the way to the center stone, creating a stunning effect that is both elegant and alluring.

The ring's surface is adorned with a continuous shower of gemstones, set closely together to create a seamless and dazzling display of light. The continuous sparkle emitted from each side of the gemstones amplifies the ring's overall brilliance, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a ring that exudes radiance and glamour. With a pavé setting, you'll be sure to make a statement wherever you go.

3) Cathedral Setting

The cathedral setting is the epitome of elegance and style in an engagement ring. Its intricate design, featuring two graceful arches, not only adds a touch of sophistication, but also holds the center stone securely in place. This ring setting, reminiscent of a grand cathedral, boasts a high-profile setting that elevates the gemstone to new heights, making it appear larger and more prominent on the finger.

A true masterpiece of craftsmanship, the cathedral setting adds a regal touch to any engagement ring — making it a timeless symbol of love and commitment.

4) Bezel Setting

The epitome of elegance and sophistication, the bezel setting is a highly sought-after choice for diamond engagement rings. Boasting a luxurious metal rim that encases the gemstone's edges, the bezel-set engagement ring is defined by its sleek and flat surface, showcasing only the crown of the gemstone. Perfect for those seeking a low-set engagement ring, the bezel setting is a timeless and refined option that exudes opulence.

5) Channel Setting

Transformative and opulent, the channel setting is the epitome of luxury and glamour. Its never-ending sparkle and illuminating light is a true testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each piece.

With two parallel rows of gemstones delicately nestled within the band, it exudes a sense of effortless elegance and refinement. These stylish and durable engagement rings are the ultimate symbol of love and commitment, prized for their seamless flow of light and unparalleled craftsmanship.

6) Bead Setting

The bead setting, a luxurious option for accent gemstones, delicately secures each precious gemstone with small, elegant round pieces of metal that gracefully protrude from the surface, known as prongs. This elegant setting has become a popular choice among discerning jewelry connoisseurs, particularly for engagement rings.

The radiant sparkle of bead-set diamonds is truly extraordinary, as the metal beads expertly reflect and refract light, creating a mesmerizing dance of brilliance on the finger.

7) Burnish Setting

The burnish setting, also known as the gypsy or flush setting, is a modern and highly secure method of nestling precious gemstones within the band. Using a technique of burnishing, or pressing, the metal to cover the girdle of each gem, these stones are elegantly secured in place and protected.

Perfect for smaller stones in engagement rings, this luxurious setting is a fashionable choice that positions each gemstone at or below the surface of the metal, creating a timeless and elegant look.

8) Tension Setting

With an expert touch, opposing directions of pressure are delicately applied in a tension setting, elegantly suspending the gemstone in a mesmerizing illusion of floating in midair. This "mastered" technique adds an extra layer of security, with a prong or bezel setting delicately crafted on the side or underneath the gemstone, firmly anchoring it in place.

The open sides of the tension setting allow light to gracefully enter and exit the gemstones, showcasing an exceptional sparkle that is nothing short of breathtaking.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the nuances of ring style and gem setting may appear insignificant at first glance when searching for the perfect engagement ring. However, upon closer examination, these elements unveil a striking beauty and secure the precious gems at the heart of the ring.

And let's not forget the alluring gemstones - whether it be a sparkling diamond, a fiery ruby, a lush emerald, or a stunning sapphire - that elevate the ring's allure to new heights. With this newfound understanding of the intricacies of engagement ring design, finding the ideal ring for your beloved will be a breeze. Need help choosing an engagement ring or considering a secondhand one? Twice Loved has a wide selection. Give us a call or visit our store today.