Types of Engagement Rings
By Jared James · Last updated 28 October 2026
Quick answer
Eight styles cover almost every engagement ring: solitaire, hidden halo, halo, three stone, bezel, east-west, pavé band and toi et moi. The style is the overall look; the setting is how the stone is held, with claws or a bezel, high or low. We make them in 14k or 18k gold or platinum, settings start at $1,260, and we make other styles, such as cluster, split shank and vintage designs, to order.
What are the main types of engagement rings?
Eight styles: solitaire, hidden halo, halo, three stone, bezel, east-west, pavé band and toi et moi. Each one below shows one of our designs, what the style looks like, who it suits and what it costs with us. Choose a style to see every design in it.
Solitaire
One centre stone on a plain band.
Suits: Anyone who wants the stone to lead, and an easy fit with any wedding band.
9 designs, one in every shape we make. Settings from $1,260; complete 1 carat rings from $2,950.
Hidden halo
A solitaire from above, with a row of small stones under the centre stone.
Suits: A solitaire look with sparkle that shows from the side.
10 designs, including 3 wrap-around. Settings from $1,560; complete 1 carat rings from $3,250.
Halo
A ring of small stones framing the centre stone from above.
Suits: The biggest look face up for the carat weight.
9 designs, 4 with a pavé band. Settings from $1,700; complete 1 carat rings from $3,600.
Three stone
A centre stone with a smaller stone on each side.
Suits: A wider, fuller look across the finger.
11 designs, with pear, round or baguette side stones. Settings from $1,650; complete 1 carat rings from $3,750.
Bezel
A rim of metal around the stone instead of claws.
Suits: Active hands: there is nothing to catch.
6 designs. Settings from $1,610; complete 1 carat rings from $3,300.
East-west
An oval, emerald or radiant set sideways across the finger.
Suits: A modern solitaire that sits low and wide.
3 designs. Settings from $1,260; complete 1 carat rings from $2,950.
Pavé band
A solitaire with small stones set along three quarters of the band.
Suits: More sparkle on the band without a halo.
7 designs. Settings from $1,740; complete 1 carat rings from $3,350.
Toi et moi
Two stones side by side, on our design a pear and an emerald.
Suits: Two stones for two people, and a look that stands apart.
1 design. Settings from $1,260; not in our complete ring range, as it has two centre stones.
Prices checked 28 October 2026. Settings are in 14k gold, without a centre stone; three stone settings include the side stones. Complete rings are in 18k gold with a 1 carat IGI-graded lab-grown diamond, D to F colour and VS1 clarity or better, and are on our 1 carat engagement rings page.
Which other engagement ring styles can we make?
Any of them, as a custom engagement ring. These five come from designs we have already drawn but don’t list yet, and a custom ring often costs about the same as one of our designs.
Cluster
Small stones gathered on the shoulders beside the centre stone; on this design, marquise and round stones.
Suits: Sparkle that spreads across the finger, with a vintage feel.
Half moon three stone
A centre stone between two half-moon side stones, their straight edges facing it.
Suits: A three stone with clean, modern lines.
Vintage knot
Knotwork in the metal where the shoulders meet the centre stone.
Suits: A vintage look without extra stones.
Split shank
A band that divides in two as it reaches the centre stone; on this design one branch is pavé.
Suits: A fuller look under a larger stone or a halo.
Semi-bezel
Two walls of metal hold the stone at its sides, open at the ends.
Suits: Much of a bezel’s protection, with more of the stone on show.
Which engagement ring style is most popular?
A round or oval solitaire. Those are the rings our customers order most: a single stone lets the diamond lead and sits easily with a wedding band. The solitaire is also the one style we make in every one of our nine shapes. By number of designs, three stone (11), hidden halo (10), solitaire and halo (9 each) lead our range.
Which settings hold the stone?
Claws or a bezel. The style is the overall look, and the setting is how the centre stone is held, so most styles come with a choice of settings.
- Claws. 3, 4, 5 or 6, with eagle, round, compass or double eagle tips. Four show the most of the stone; six keep it held if one wears. Our four vs six claws guide compares them.
- Bezel. A rim of metal around the whole stone. Read our bezel setting guide.
- Basket or cathedral. A basket sits the stone in an open frame; a cathedral setting lifts it on arches that rise from the band.
- Low or high. A low setting sits closer to the finger and catches less; see our low profile engagement rings.
You can choose the claws, band width, setting and height for any design in our ring builder.
Which shapes can each style take?
Most styles come in most of the nine shapes we make. Solitaires come in all nine; east-west settings take an oval, emerald or radiant, because they need a long stone to lie across the finger. See every design in a shape:
Which style suits an active lifestyle or long fingers?
For active hands, a bezel or a low setting, because nothing stands proud to catch or take a knock. Our engagement ring care guide covers when to take any ring off.
For long, slim fingers, elongated shapes such as oval, pear, marquise and emerald, because they follow the line of the finger. Our guide to engagement rings for long, slim fingers goes through each shape and setting.
What is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring?
The engagement ring carries the centre stone and is given at the proposal. The wedding ring is a plainer band given at the ceremony and worn with it, usually closest to the hand; our guide to which hand and finger the rings go on covers the order. We make custom wedding bands shaped to sit against your engagement ring. A promise ring is different again: a sign of commitment, often given before an engagement.
Can you combine engagement ring styles?
Yes. Some of our designs already do, such as our four halos with a pavé band. Anything else, such as a three stone with bezel-set stones or a hidden halo on an east-west ring, is a custom engagement ring, and it often costs about the same as one of our designs.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most popular engagement ring styles?
- A round or oval solitaire: they are the rings our customers order most. Across our range, three stone, hidden halo, solitaire and halo have the most designs.
- What is the difference between a halo and a hidden halo?
- A halo frames the centre stone with small stones you see from above. A hidden halo sets them underneath the centre stone, so the ring looks like a solitaire from above and sparkles from the side.
- Which engagement ring style is most secure?
- A bezel, because a rim of metal holds the whole edge of the stone and there are no claws to catch or wear. After that, six claws and a low setting.
- Which style makes the diamond look biggest?
- A halo, because the frame of small stones adds to the size you see from above. An elongated shape such as an oval, pear or marquise also looks larger face up than a round of the same carat weight.
- What is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring?
- The engagement ring carries the centre stone and is given at the proposal. The wedding ring is a plainer band given at the ceremony and worn with it. We make engagement rings and custom wedding bands to sit with them.
- Can I combine two styles?
- Yes. Some of our designs already do, such as a halo with a pavé band. Anything else, such as a three stone with bezel-set stones, is a custom design, and it often costs about the same as one of our designs.
- Which finger does an engagement ring go on?
- In Australia, the fourth finger of the left hand, with the wedding band worn closest to the hand. Our ring finger guide covers the traditions and the order.
