A Guide to Engagement Ring Styles

Whether it is a classic design like a solitaire or a more vintage inspired ring, your engagement ring should reflect your personal sense of style. There are other factors to consider when selecting the perfect engagement ring style, such as your lifestyle, setting, and metal color. Traditional engagement rings are typically made of yellow gold, white gold, or platinum, but rose gold has emerged in recent years as a contemporary alternative. How would one of these metals complement your personal jewelry collection?

At Kwiat, we offer a wide range of engagement ring styles to choose from, whether you prefer an antique look or a more modern aesthetic. Allow our concierge to help you find the perfect ring or create a custom design that is uniquely yours. The goal is to choose an engagement ring that you will love and cherish for a lifetime.

Which engagement ring style is right for you? Below we take a look at the pros and cons of some of the most popular styles to help you decide.

SOLITAIRE

One of the simplest settings is the solitaire. It displays a single diamond and can be any shape.

Pros: The pros of solitaire rings include their beauty, sparkle, and timeless design. There is no engagement ring style that is more popular than solitaire rings.

Cons: One of its greatest cons is also one of its greatest strengths. That central diamond is the highlight. Since the ring only has a single diamond, you may desire a larger carat weight.

THREE-STONE RING

An engagement ring with three diamonds is a three-stone setting. What do three diamonds on an engagement ring mean? The diamonds in a three-stone setting are seen as symbols of the past, present, and future of a relationship.

Pros: One of the pros is that this setting offers plenty of sparkle. Secondly, you can have both a diamond and another gemstone if you can’t decide!

Cons: In many three-stone rings, the stones high above the ring’s bend. As a result of the ring’s height, it may be susceptible to knocking against hard objects or snagging on clothing.

HALO RING SETTING

As the name implies, halo ring settings consist of small diamonds placed around a center stone to create a shimmering border. Haloes can take any shape to fit the center stone, and the cut of the smaller diamonds can vary too.

Pros: It’s a versatile setting that comes in many designs, including single or multiple halos, and different shapes such as round, square, cushion, or pear.

Cons: The size of the ring is a matter of taste — if you prefer subtlety, a halo ring may not be for you.

PAVÉ

Pavé, pronounced pa-vay, is derived from the French word meaning to pave — as in “paved with diamonds.” The gemstones are held together tightly using tiny beads of metal to create a dazzling surface. Pavé set diamonds are most often used as an enhancement in engagement rings.

Pros: In terms of aesthetics, pavé settings are exquisite and complement any setting for a center stone.

Cons: Over time, very small pavé-set diamonds may become loose if you have an active lifestyle or use your hands frequently. If you choose a pavé setting, you’ll want to be sure to bring your ring to an expert for regular servicing. Kwiat offers complimentary servicing for the lifetime of your jewelry, including inspection, cleaning, and tightening of prongs to secure diamonds.

BEZEL RING SETTING

In a bezel setting, the diamonds are held in place by a rim of precious metal. It is commonly used for a solitaire setting, but it may also be used in a halo style.

Pros: Bezel settings are known as the most secure due to their capacity to hold the stone firmly in place and protect it. These settings are perfect if you are an active person and frequently use your hands.

Cons: Compared to other settings, bezel settings expose less of the stone to light. Hence, the top of the diamond will emit brilliance, but the sides will likely be covered by metal.

VINTAGE STYLE

For the unique bride who seeks individuality and unparalleled beauty, a vintage style ring may be the perfect fit.

Pros: The designs of vintage and antique rings are more unique and cannot easily be copied. Vintage style rings often feature lace, filigree, basket settings, and other exceptional features that are hard to find.

Cons: Due to their exquisite detail, vintage style engagement rings can require more attentive and delicate maintenance.

While there are many things to consider, choosing the right metal for your engagement ring is one of the most vital. There are pros and cons to platinum and each tone of gold.

WHITE GOLD

Pure gold and durable metals like zinc, nickel, and copper are used to create white gold engagement rings, which are exceptionally strong, scratch resistant, and visually appealing. According to some, white gold complements white diamonds better than yellow gold and it’s slightly shinier than platinum. During its lifetime, its rhodium plating should be refreshed periodically to maintain the white color and luster. The nickel mixed within this metal may cause allergic reactions for some people.

YELLOW GOLD

This metal has traditionally been used for wedding and engagement rings throughout history and is particularly suitable for vintage settings like this 18k yellow gold engagement ring. It is also the most hypoallergenic when compared to rose or white gold, and the easiest type of gold to maintain. Yellow gold complements skin with olive and yellow undertones, as well as darker skin tones. A con to consider when buying a yellow gold ring: it may be more subject to dents and scratches.

ROSE GOLD

Many consider this lustrous pinkish metal, like in our Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring, to be the most romantic. Pure gold is mixed with copper and silver alloys to strengthen the gold and give the ring its rose-colored appearance. Rose gold is more durable due to its copper content, making it more resistant than white or yellow gold. Unfortunately, this metal is not hypoallergenic and can cause allergic reactions in some.

PLATINUM

One of the most highly prized metals in the world, it is also one of the most durable. A platinum setting, like in our engagement ring with a round diamond and pavé, will keep precious stones securely in place. Platinum is more expensive than gold, but it maintains its white color and is hypoallergenic. Interestingly, unlike gold, when platinum is scratched, metal isn’t actually removed from the piece — it’s just “displaced,” and can be smoothed back into place by polishing. Many people treasure the patina that platinum develops and consider it a symbol of how long they’ve been with their significant other.

Consider the stars for inspiration when picking your engagement ring style. For example, there are notable Hollywood rings like Meghan Markle’s three-stone ring featuring stones from Princess Diana’s private collection. For this look, consider our engagement ring with three round diamonds. Another popular style you may love is our solitaire oval ring that is similar to the one Hailey Bieber received from Justin. You could also look to Niki Reed’s engagement ring for inspiration, which adopts a vintage take on the halo ring style.