Popular Engagement Ring Styles

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments in life. However, with so many ring styles to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you are ring shopping together or trying to surprise your partner it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Keep reading to learn about popular engagement ring styles and which one best suits you or your partner. 

What do engagement ring styles mean?

When people talk about engagement ring styles, they’re referring to the shape of the centre stone, the design of the ring and then how the diamond is set into the ring.

A ring’s style is what gives it personality. The style defines how your ring looks on the hand, its setting, shape, and overall feel rather than just the size or quality of the diamond. It’s what makes your engagement ring uniquely yours.

What are the different engagement ring Diamond shapes?

See the most common types of ring diamond shapes here: 

• Round Brilliant – The most popular shape, known for its unmatched sparkle and timeless appeal.
  
  

• Oval – Elongated shape and elegant, creating the illusion of longer, slender fingers.
  
  

• Cushion – Square or rectangle oblong shape with rounded corners, like a pillow, offering a soft, romantic, vintage feel.
  
  

• Princess – Modern square with sharp corners and brilliant sparkle.
  
  

• Emerald – Rectangular with long step cuts, giving a sleek, sophisticated “hall of mirrors” effect, with a nod to the 1920’s Art Deco era.
  
  

• Asscher – A square version of the emerald cut with Art Deco charm and deep flashes of light.
  
  

• Pear – An elongated pear shape or teardrop shape that blends classic and contemporary style while elongating the finger.
  
  

• Marquise – An elongated shape that is Pointed at both ends to maximise the surface area and create a striking, impressive carat weight with a vintage feel.
  
  

• Radiant – Combines the brilliance of a round cut with the clean lines of an emerald in an impressive elongated rectangle shape.
  
  

• Heart – The ultimate symbol of romance, bold and distinctive for sentimental buyers.
  
  

What are the most popular engagement ring styles right now?

 

The Classic Solitaire

The solitaire is a timeless choice and the most recognisable engagement ring style of all. Featuring a single diamond or gemstone on a ring. This design pairs effortlessly with a wide range of wedding bands, from plain bands to diamond set options. Solitaires are perfect for those who love understated elegance and want a ring that never goes out of fashion.

The key feature of a solitaire is its setting. A four or six-claw design allows maximum light to pass through the diamond, enhancing its brilliance. For extra security and a slightly vintage look, a bezel set piece is a great choice if not a six claw setting is often preferred, while four claws show more of the diamond's side profile and offer a modern touch.

Why are Solitaire Engagement Rings so popular?

The appeal of a solitaire ring is its simplicity. Your eye goes straight to the diamond. Solitaires photograph beautifully and pair easily with wedding bands. They also offer the most flexibility for later upgrades, since the setting is straightforward to resize or reset.

 

The Halo Ring

If sparkle is your priority, the halo ring might be your perfect match. This style encircles the centre stone with a halo of smaller diamonds, creating the illusion of a larger stone and amplifying overall brilliance. It’s a popular choice for those who love glamour and statement jewellery without stretching their budget on a bigger centre diamond.

Halos can be tucked underneath the centre stone setting too, these are called The hidden halo settings, where the smaller diamonds that make the halo are tucked beneath the main stone and are only visible to the side of the setting. This has become particularly popular in recent years, offering subtle sparkle when viewed from the side while keeping the ring’s top view clean and classic.

How does a halo ring differ from a solitaire?

A halo ring surrounds the centre stone with a ring of small diamonds. This creates a larger circumference and boosts the appearance of a large centre stone. However, they are slightly higher maintenance than plain solitaires because there are more small stones to check during routine cleaning and removal of the ring is highly recommended for manual activities.

The Trilogy Ring

The trilogy ring is also known as a three-stone ring. The design represents the past, present and future of your relationship. The centre stone is usually the largest, flanked by two slightly smaller side stones that enhance its brilliance and meaning. Traditionally, all three stones are diamonds, but coloured gemstones like sapphires, rubies or emeralds can add a personal touch and make the ring unique.

Trilogy rings are ideal for anyone who values symbolism and balance. They suit a range of diamond shapes, but the most flattering combinations often feature a round or oval centre stone with tapered baguette or pear-shaped diamond side stones.

What do the trilogy ring stones represent?

The romantic meaning of the trilogy ring is past, present and future, though some couples choose birthstones or coloured side stones for personal significance. Each stone has its own story to tell. One representing the memories you’ve shared together, another reflecting your love today, and the final stone celebrating your future as a couple. 

The Oval and elongated cuts

Oval-cut diamonds have become one of the most sought-after shapes in recent years and for good reason. Their elongated shape flatters the finger and appears larger than round cut diamonds of the same carat weight. Other elongated cuts like emerald, radiant, marquise and pear are also trending, each offering its own distinctive look and personality.

An oval solitaire feels romantic and elegant, while a marquise or pear shape adds vintage glamour. These cuts often look striking in simple solitaire or halo settings, letting the diamond’s shape take centre stage.

The Shoulderset Pavé Band

A pavé ring means diamonds have been added into the shoulders of the band, this is therefore called a diamond shoulderset. This is a popular choice as it creates a sparkle that complements the centre stone beautifully. It’s perfect if you want a ring that shimmers from every angle. Micro-pavé designs use very small diamonds set into a delicate band for a refined finish.

 

The Bezel-Set Ring

For those with an active lifestyle or a love for sleek, modern design, bezel settings are a practical and stylish option. The metal rim surrounds the diamond’s edge, keeping it securely in place and protecting it from chips or snags. While it slightly reduces the amount of light entering the stone compared to prong settings, it gives a smooth, minimalist finish that’s perfect for everyday wear.

 

The Toi et Moi Ring

Toi et Moi, meaning “you and me,” feature two gemstones set side by side, often in contrasting shapes or colours. This romantic design celebrates the union of two individuals and has seen a major resurgence thanks to celebrity influences and vintage-inspired jewellery trends.

What’s special about Toi et Moi rings?

The beauty of the Toi et Moi style lies in its creativity. You might choose two diamonds for symmetry, or pair a diamond with a coloured gemstone for contrast. Whether set vertically or at a slight angle, this design feels both modern and deeply sentimental. 

The Vintage-Inspired Ring

Vintage-inspired engagement rings borrow details from antique eras, featuring milgrain edges, filigree metalwork and hand engraving. These rings often highlight old mine-cut diamonds or geometric shapes reminiscent of Art Deco design. They’re perfect for those who want something full of character and craftsmanship rather than a mass-produced style.

Buying Online vs In-Store: Which Is Better?

Once you’ve narrowed down your favourite engagement ring style, the next decision is where to buy it. 

Let’s take a closer look:

Buying Online

Shopping online offers convenience, transparency, and often better value for money. Reputable jewellers provide detailed product descriptions, certification information, and 360-degree imagery so you can examine every aspect of the ring before you buy. You can easily compare different carat weights, settings, and prices without pressure, ideal if you want time to research and find the best deal within your budget.

However, there are some considerations. You won’t be able to try the ring on before purchasing, so it’s vital to check the brand’s resizing policy, returns process, and warranty details. Also, make sure the diamond comes with an independent certification (such as GIA or IGI) to verify its authenticity and quality.

Buying In-Store

Visiting your local showroom gives you the chance to try before you buy and see how your chosen ring catches the light, feels comfortable on your hand, and pairs with different wedding bands. It’s also easier to understand the proportions to choose the right carat weight for your hand and diamond specifications, especially for those who are unsure about the four c’s diamond grading by GIA .

Another advantage of in-store shopping is the personal guidance you receive. A trained diamond consultant can explain the differences between settings, diamond grades, and metals, helping you make an informed decision. You can also view multiple styles side by side, which often makes preferences clearer. Book your appointment today to see the sparkle for yourself.