7 Types of Engagement Rings: Choosing an Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is a band you wear on your ring finger with a brilliant-cut center diamond or similar gemstone. It solidifies a couple’s commitment to enter a marriage in the near future. There are many different ways to customize these special bands—engagement ring setting and diamond shapes are just the beginning.

Finding the perfect ring for your engagement requires awareness of all the different types. Here are seven classic engagement ring styles to consider:

1. 1. Ballerina: This type of engagement ring got its name because it looks like a ballerina’s tutu. A wide array of baguette diamonds surrounds a central gem. You can opt for a pear-shaped diamond or a more emerald cut for your center stone. Include milgrain along the metal band for even more shiny luminescence.
2. 2. Cathedral: The tops of these rings look like church steeples, hence the name cathedral setting. Place a marquise, pear-shaped, or round-cut diamond in the prongs on top and leave the rest of the ring bare for a more minimalist approach. Consider including side stones for more flair.
3. 3. Halo setting: In this ring design, your round diamond in the center sits amid a circular array of smaller ones. For a diamond halo engagement ring with a double halo, there’s another circle of small diamonds surrounding the first group. A cushion-cut diamond can fit in the center with the right stone setting as well.
4. 4. Pavé setting: Nearly any engagement ring can have a pavé setting. Pavé engagement rings include multiple smaller diamonds along the length of the band itself. Channel settings utilize a similar approach. If you opt for this choice, you could have a round brilliant diamond on top and a multitude of small oval diamonds along the sides of your ring.
5. 5. Princess: Try out a princess-cut diamond on the top of your engagement ring if you’d like to go for a midcentury look. These square diamonds were in vogue throughout the 1950s and ’60s. Feel free to search for both authentic and lab-grown diamonds for this style.
6. 6. Solitaire: A diamond solitaire engagement ring is perhaps the most traditional of all the styles you can choose. The classic solitaire setting features a single stone along a simple silver or gold band. The stone itself is open for customization, whether you prefer an oval-, round-, or pear-shaped cut. You can also opt for a split shank band.
7. 7. Three-stone: Maybe you want to flank your center stone with just a few smaller diamonds or other gems. In that case, a three-stone engagement ring might be just the choice for you. As one option, you could have a large oval-cut diamond at the center and two smaller round-cut ones on either side.

In an ideal world, you’ll wear your engagement ring forever. Keep these tips in mind so you can make the perfect choice:

• Be honest with your partner. Even if your partner will be the one to purchase your engagement ring, they’ll want to know what you want so they can get it right. Have honest conversations about what you’re hoping for in terms of setting, style, carat weight, and more. If you want a vintage engagement ring or a more modern band, say so.
• Consider your wedding bands. Think about what you and your partner will wear for wedding rings when you’re trying to figure out which engagement ring to pick. For instance, a yellow-gold band might look like a mismatch if you wear it next to a white-gold setting. Some jewelers offer bridal sets that include both rings so you and your future spouse can sidestep these concerns.
• Do your research. There are numerous different classic styles to choose from when it comes to picking a diamond engagement ring. Sit down with your partner and try to determine the right fit for you. With the number of vendors out there, you’ll probably be able to mix and match different styles to achieve the right diamond cut, style, and setting.
• Stay true to yourself. An engagement ring trend might not reflect your own personal style. You’ll wear this ring for the rest of your life, so choose something you know you’ll love rather than what you think society expects. If you want something art deco or vintage-inspired, go for that. Opt for a more modern engagement ring if it strikes your fancy. Be open with your partner about your desires.

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