Engagement rings aren’t just an everyday or occasional treat when it comes to jewelry. They’re perhaps one of the most important or the most important purchases you or a loved one will make. It signifies the start of the journey to getting married, and so a lot of people often go all out when it comes to choosing said ring.
However, nowadays, there are a lot of different options to choose from and beautiful rings to suit every budget, style, and lifestyle need.
With that being said, when you’re new to engagement ring types and styles, there’s a lot that’s useful to know.
Core Engagement Ring Settings
The setting is how the gemstones are secured to the metal band. There are a number of core engagement ring settings worth knowing about. These include the following:
Solitaire
It’s considered one of the most iconic and timeless choices featuring a single stone on a plain band. Without anything else on the band, it maximizes the brilliance of the stone itself.
Halo
A circle of smaller stones surrounds the centre gemstone, referring to the Halo effect it creates. This adds extra sparkle and can make the centre diamond look larger than its actual carat weight.
Bezel
A metal rim that completely or partially encircles the stone. It’s one of the more sleek and modern looks, providing maximum protection for those who have an active lifestyle.
Triology
Symbolic of the couple’s past, present, and future. It’s a centre stone flanked by two side stones.
Channel
Smaller diamonds that are set flush in a setting within two parallel metal walls create a seamless line without any prongs required.
Cathedral
Elegant arches that rise from the band to elevate the center stone. It gives quite the statuesque profile as a result.
Pavé
Derived from the French word ‘paved’. This setting features tiny diamonds close together along the band for continuous shimmer.
Popular Diamond Shapes
Once you’ve decided on the setting, now comes the important choice of diamond shapes, again of which there are many.
Round Brilliant
The most popular shape of choice for engagement rings is a round brilliant, cut for maximum sparkle.
Oval
This elongated version of the round cut is a flattering one that helps the finger appear larger as a result.
Emerald
A rectangular shape with step facets to create a hall of mirrors effect, providing clarity over sparkle. This Ada Diamonds lab-grown emerald ring is a perfect example of the beauty that this type of diamond shape provides.
Princess
A modern, square-shaped cut that provides both a contemporary and geometric appeal for the wearer.
Cushion
A square shape with rounded corners that is often referred to as a pillow cut, known for its soft and romantic glow.
Current Styles in 2026 To Know About
Shifting towards character-driven and vintage-inspired designs, here are some current styles in 2026 to know about.
- Vintage & Antique – The old-fashioned styles are coming back, thanks to interest in Art Deco and Georgian styles on the rise.
- Yellow Gold resurgence – This metal has overtaken platinum for the first time as the top metal choice.
- Toi et Moi – A you and me style featuring side-by-side centre stones, often in contrasting shapes and colors.
- Substantial settings – Moving away from thin bands, thicker and chunkier settings are preferred.
- East-West orientation – Turning elongated stones horizontally across the finger for a modern twist.
There are so many different styles and shapes out there to choose from, so ultimately, choosing an engagement ring is a personal preference.
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