When you’re looking for an engagement ring, it can be difficult to know where to start. But by honing in on the different engagement ring styles, you can begin to narrow down your search significantly.
In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at the main styles of engagement rings: their defining characteristics, their unique benefits, and the meanings behind them. Read on to learn the difference between a solitaire and a side stone, how to tell a halo ring from a trilogy style, and the significance of a hidden halo ring.
Solitaire engagement rings
A solitaire is considered the most classic of all the engagement ring styles. This style of ring puts a single gemstone – usually a diamond – in the spotlight. Solitaire engagement rings are a timeless choice thanks to the simplicity of their design, with a solo diamond shining out from the top of the metal band.
Within this style, however, there’s plenty of variety. You can choose a different gemstone (sapphire or ruby, for example), or opt for your favourite diamond shape, such as pear, marquise or round. Then there are the different settings. A prong setting is great for showing more of the surface of the diamond to maximise its sparkle, while a bezel is sleek and secure. Or why not try a tension setting for a solitaire engagement ring with a modern twist?
Side stone engagement rings
Side stone engagement rings have small diamonds set around the band to enhance the radiance of your centre stone – making them the ideal choice if you like to dial up the sparkle. Just like the hero stone, side stones come in a variety of shapes and settings. Pavé stones are set close together to create a continuous “paved” effect, while channel-set stones are set within two bands of metal. Baguettes, meanwhile, are distinguished by their rectangular silhouette.
Side stones will complement any style of engagement ring, from solitaire to halo. Popular combinations include pairing an emerald cut diamond with baguette side stones, or a simple round pavé band with a classic solitaire.
Trilogy engagement rings
Highlighting three hero gemstones, trilogy engagement rings are a symbolic choice. The three stones represent your past, present and future as a couple to make them a meaningful option for your engagement ring. Some trilogy rings feature a large centre stone framed by two slightly smaller stones on either side, but you’ll also find plenty of designs with three diamonds of equal size.
Similarly, many trilogy rings feature three different diamonds, but you can also choose a design that combines diamonds with other gemstones. An emerald-cut sapphire, for example, can look stunning set between two rectangular diamonds in a trilogy engagement ring.
Halo engagement rings
In halo engagement rings, the centre stone is surrounded by a circle of diamonds to create a halo effect. This not only enhances the sparkle of the hero stone, but also makes it appear larger. As a result, halo engagement rings are one of the most sought-after engagement ring styles on the market.
Popular choices for the centre stone include classic round and vintage-style oval shapes, and there’s plenty of choice when it comes to the style of halo too. Some designs feature a central stone surrounded by a single row of diamonds, but why not try a double halo for even more sparkle?
Hidden halo engagement rings
If you’re looking for something a little different, a hidden halo engagement ring delivers understated sparkle from a different angle. Unlike traditional halo designs where everything is on show, hidden halo engagement rings feature a circle of small diamonds underneath, at the base of the centre stone. This makes the hero gemstone look like it’s floating, as well as serving up an intriguing flash of light when seen from the side.
It’s this subtlety that gives hidden halo rings their appeal. By hiding their sparkle under the centre stone, they create a secret that only the two of you share.
Vintage engagement rings
Vintage engagement rings look back to the romance of days gone by, with details that reflect different eras such as the Victorian or Edwardian periods.
The design elements seen in vintage-style rings can be very ornate. Milgrain, for example, is all about tiny beads of metal applied to the edges of a piece of jewellery to create a beautiful textured border. Vintage rings might also feature filigree, where fine threads or strips of metal are used to create intricate designs. However, the clean lines of Art Deco design (think rectangular silhouettes and emerald or baguette diamonds) also have a vintage flair.
Cluster engagement rings
Can’t decide on a single hero gemstone? Cluster engagement rings offer an alternative. Instead of putting a solo diamond in the spotlight, cluster rings feature a collection of small diamonds arranged to create the illusion of a larger gemstone at the centre.
Cluster rings open up a world of possibilities, since the stones can be arranged into shapes such as hearts and flowers, as well as more traditional silhouettes. This is an engagement ring style to consider if you love to make a statement.
Conclusion
When you’re looking at engagement rings, it can be helpful to start with the ring style. After considering the benefits of solitaire, halo, trilogy, hidden halo, vintage, cluster and side stone rings described above, you might now have a better idea of your preferences.
Of course, it’s important to choose the right engagement ring style to suit your lifestyle. A bezel-set solitaire ring, for example, might be a better choice than a halo engagement ring if you work with your hands or spend a lot of time at the gym. You’ll also need to think about your personal style. A streamlined trilogy ring is perfect for modern minimalists, while a vintage ring will complement a more eclectic aesthetic.
Finally, don’t be tempted to rush your decision. Take as much time as you need to do your research and explore all the different styles of engagement ring to find the one for you.
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When you’re looking for an engagement ring, it can be difficult to know where to start. But by honing in on the different engagement ring styles, you can begin to narrow down your search significantly.
In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at the main styles of engagement rings: their defining characteristics, their unique benefits, and the meanings behind them. Read on to learn the difference between a solitaire and a side stone, how to tell a halo ring from a trilogy style, and the significance of a hidden halo ring.
Solitaire engagement rings
A solitaire is considered the most classic of all the engagement ring styles. This style of ring puts a single gemstone – usually a diamond – in the spotlight. Solitaire engagement rings are a timeless choice thanks to the simplicity of their design, with a solo diamond shining out from the top of the metal band.
Within this style, however, there’s plenty of variety. You can choose a different gemstone (sapphire or ruby, for example), or opt for your favourite diamond shape, such as pear, marquise or round. Then there are the different settings. A prong setting is great for showing more of the surface of the diamond to maximise its sparkle, while a bezel is sleek and secure. Or why not try a tension setting for a solitaire engagement ring with a modern twist?
Side stone engagement rings
Side stone engagement rings have small diamonds set around the band to enhance the radiance of your centre stone – making them the ideal choice if you like to dial up the sparkle. Just like the hero stone, side stones come in a variety of shapes and settings. Pavé stones are set close together to create a continuous “paved” effect, while channel-set stones are set within two bands of metal. Baguettes, meanwhile, are distinguished by their rectangular silhouette.
Side stones will complement any style of engagement ring, from solitaire to halo. Popular combinations include pairing an emerald cut diamond with baguette side stones, or a simple round pavé band with a classic solitaire.
Trilogy engagement rings
Highlighting three hero gemstones, trilogy engagement rings are a symbolic choice. The three stones represent your past, present and future as a couple to make them a meaningful option for your engagement ring. Some trilogy rings feature a large centre stone framed by two slightly smaller stones on either side, but you’ll also find plenty of designs with three diamonds of equal size.
Similarly, many trilogy rings feature three different diamonds, but you can also choose a design that combines diamonds with other gemstones. An emerald-cut sapphire, for example, can look stunning set between two rectangular diamonds in a trilogy engagement ring.
Halo engagement rings
In halo engagement rings, the centre stone is surrounded by a circle of diamonds to create a halo effect. This not only enhances the sparkle of the hero stone, but also makes it appear larger. As a result, halo engagement rings are one of the most sought-after engagement ring styles on the market.
Popular choices for the centre stone include classic round and vintage-style oval shapes, and there’s plenty of choice when it comes to the style of halo too. Some designs feature a central stone surrounded by a single row of diamonds, but why not try a double halo for even more sparkle?
Hidden halo engagement rings
If you’re looking for something a little different, a hidden halo engagement ring delivers understated sparkle from a different angle. Unlike traditional halo designs where everything is on show, hidden halo engagement rings feature a circle of small diamonds underneath, at the base of the centre stone. This makes the hero gemstone look like it’s floating, as well as serving up an intriguing flash of light when seen from the side.
It’s this subtlety that gives hidden halo rings their appeal. By hiding their sparkle under the centre stone, they create a secret that only the two of you share.
Vintage engagement rings
Vintage engagement rings look back to the romance of days gone by, with details that reflect different eras such as the Victorian or Edwardian periods.
The design elements seen in vintage-style rings can be very ornate. Milgrain, for example, is all about tiny beads of metal applied to the edges of a piece of jewellery to create a beautiful textured border. Vintage rings might also feature filigree, where fine threads or strips of metal are used to create intricate designs. However, the clean lines of Art Deco design (think rectangular silhouettes and emerald or baguette diamonds) also have a vintage flair.
Cluster engagement rings
Can’t decide on a single hero gemstone? Cluster engagement rings offer an alternative. Instead of putting a solo diamond in the spotlight, cluster rings feature a collection of small diamonds arranged to create the illusion of a larger gemstone at the centre.
Cluster rings open up a world of possibilities, since the stones can be arranged into shapes such as hearts and flowers, as well as more traditional silhouettes. This is an engagement ring style to consider if you love to make a statement.
Conclusion
When you’re looking at engagement rings, it can be helpful to start with the ring style. After considering the benefits of solitaire, halo, trilogy, hidden halo, vintage, cluster and side stone rings described above, you might now have a better idea of your preferences.
Of course, it’s important to choose the right engagement ring style to suit your lifestyle. A bezel-set solitaire ring, for example, might be a better choice than a halo engagement ring if you work with your hands or spend a lot of time at the gym. You’ll also need to think about your personal style. A streamlined trilogy ring is perfect for modern minimalists, while a vintage ring will complement a more eclectic aesthetic.
Finally, don’t be tempted to rush your decision. Take as much time as you need to do your research and explore all the different styles of engagement ring to find the one for you.