Guide to Engagement Ring Styles

Guide to Engagement Ring Styles

Engagement ring stone settings run the gamut. They come in a variety of shapes and styles, from simple, solitaire engagement rings, which feature one diamond or other gemstone, to multi-stone halo setting rings with gemstone shanks. Speaking of stone options for engagement rings, those come in a variety of shapes, cuts, colors and more. It’s all enough to make your head spin, but we’ve compiled this easy-to-read blog to help improve your knowledge of your options, from traditional to alternative engagement ring styles.

Read on to get a better idea of what you want (and don't want) for your perfect engagement ring!

The timeless, tried and true favorite is the prong setting. Small metal prongs are used to hold the ring's gemstone(s) in place above the metal band. Prongs come in a variety of shapes and styles, from simple peg settings holding one stone to elaborate, multi-stone settings with accent stones!

What is a Solitaire Engagement Ring?

Simply put, when referring to jewelry, the word “solitaire” is used to describe an item featuring one diamond or other gemstone. The solitaire, diamond engagement ring with a prong setting is a highly recognized style that continues to be sought after.

4 PRONG SOLITAIRE SETTING

A four prong setting is a top choice as it results in minimal obstruction of the ring's featured stone. It's versatile and can be paired with popular stone shapes, including round cut, emerald cut and princess cut.

The standard 4 prong setting has the prongs positioned to create a 45 degree angle with the ring's shank.

The compass 4 prong setting has the prongs located in the same positions as N, S, E, W on a compass.

6 PRONG SOLITAIRE SETTING

The six prong setting, typically used with larger, round and marquise cut stones, provides more security for your stone. On the downside, it means more metal components covering up more of the gemstone's surface.

The 6 prong setting has the same orientation as the 4 prong setting plus a pair of prongs at the top and bottom of the stone.

The rotated 6 prong setting is rotated about 45 degrees resulting in two prongs positioned in line with the ring shank.

PRONG STYLES & TERMINOLOGY

After you've decided how many prongs you prefer, you can also choose from a variety of shapes and styles! Here are some key jewelry terms that will help you describe the prong shape and type of prong setting that you prefer.

In many cases. more than a few terms will be used to describe the style of setting shown.

The peg setting demands attention with its higher profile and sleek design that allows a lot of light to pass through the bottom of the stone.

The design shown here is a 4 prong, peg set solitaire engagement ring with an accented twist shank.

A basket prong setting has a lower profile and horizontal prongs. These add more security and also make the setting style look very similar to a tiny basket.

The item shown features a 4-prong basket set topaz with a criss- cross shank inlaid with meteorite.

A trellis prong has a swooping, criss-crossing design like a garden trellis. It can be used in single and multi-stone rings.

The three-stone ring above features a floral shaped trellis design and a tapered shank inlaid with meteorite.

A bridge accent is when one or more stones are added on the sides of the setting near its base, which is referred to as the bridge of the ring.

This blue sapphire engagement ring has a four prong setting with twist shank.

Also known as a round prong, when viewed head-on, the button prong is true to its name with its rounded, gentle curves and edges.

The square prong shape is also known as a tab prong. When viewed head-on, it's got squared off, more angled edges than a round prong.

The aptly named claw prong setting grasps the stone in a way that resembles the talons of an animal. This shape works well with both rough and faceted stones.

Also known as a corner prong and shaped like the letter "V" where it gets its name. It's used most commonly stone cuts with sharp corners, including princess and marquise, because it provides extra protection.

This unique 6-prong lotus setting is paired with any round cut stone to resemble a beautiful, blooming lotus flower. Opt for small accent stones of your choice to adorn the petals.

Another nature-inspired setting type, leaf prongs come in both both four or six count styles. It looks similar to a peg style from the front. But when viewed from the side, it resembles leaves and the center stone acts as the blooming flower.

When two smaller prongs are adjacent to each other, it is called a double prong. It conceals a bit more of the stone, but increases stability and adds a unique design element. This ring features a double prong, basket setting.

The split prong is a type of double prong. Rather than the two prongs crafted closely together, they are slightly angled apart. This prong style is commonly paired with a cushion cut stone because it can perfectly secure its rounded corners.

Antler prongs allow you to give a subtle nod to your bride who is also a nature lover. From the front, the stone appears to be set in a split prong setting, but its side profile reveals dainty, antler shaped prongs.

What is A Halo Engagement Ring?

One might consider halo engagement rings to be a style of prong setting (because they commonly are), but they're usually grouped into a unique setting style of their own for good reason. Specifically, they are distinguished by one large center stone symmetrically surrounded by smaller stones that resemble a halo. Halo engagement rings can be created with nearly every stone shape. Add extra sparkle by opting for a double halo.

What Is A Tension Set Engagement Ring?

In a tension setting, the stone appears to be floating and is safely secured using force, resulting from the ring's shape. This style of engagement ring setting showcases more of the stone than any other.

A testament of physics, the tension setting is a design unlike any other. Any stone that ranks 8 or higher on the Mohs Scale of Hardness can typically be tension set, including diamond, moissanite, sapphire and ruby.

The bypass tension setting gets its name by the way the ring shank bypasses the stone on the top and bottom. Bypass style rings are commonly paired with a tension setting.

With softer stones (e.g. the moonstone shown here), you can opt for a faux tension setting. Rather than being set with force that will likely break the soft stone, there is metal under the ring that helps secure it in place.

The cathedral setting gets its name from the shank shape that resembles arches found on cathedral buildings. On this example, the stone is set with tension at the top of the arch.

Similar to the faux bypass tension setting, the faux cathedral tension features an extra section of metal that supports the stone rather than relying on the force of the shank.

What Is A Bezel Set Engagement Ring?

In a bezel setting, a thin metal rim surrounds the gemstone and holds it tightly in place. Bezels can be set flush with the ring’s surface or raised. This engagement ring style is a popular choice for its contemporary, clean look and because it doesn’t snag on clothing like a prong setting is much more prone to do. Bezels can be full (completely around the stone) or partial.

The bezel setting works with a solitaire engagement ring AND a multi-stone setting like the example shown here.

Bezels can be crafted in many shapes and sizes, including triangles as shown in this meteorite ring.

Bezels are used to secure faceted stones, but also look beautiful with smooth, symmetrical cabochons like this colorful opal.

What's Your Favorite Engagement Ring Setting Style?

Now that you have a general idea of your options, you should be able to better communicate what you're looking for to any jeweler. Next, comes the fun part! After you've determined your design preferences, you'll need to determine your choice for stone(s) and metal. We have more information on ring metal options and all of your amazing gemstone options in our education center.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Free design consultations are also available; use our online scheduler to book an appointment.

We are here to help you create the ring of your dreams.

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