Your Style Guide to Engagement Ring Settings

One of the best things about creating custom engagement rings and wedding bands at AW Jewelry is the many engagement ring settings you have to choose from. There are so many engagement ring styles and settings to select from, it can be difficult to find the right one to resonate with your style. Here’s a rundown of our most popular engagement ring settings at AW Jewelry. 

Pavé Engagement Rings: Seamless Roads of Sparkle

The word “pavé” is French for paved, or pavement. This refers to the different stones set closely together on a road. Similarly, a pavé engagement ring features very small diamonds set close together, resembling the look of a paved road. 

Pave engagement rings were popular during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s. They were also made popular in the 20th century by Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. 

Rings with pavé set diamonds have been hot and are a big trend in today’s modern engagement ring as of this writing (2024.) Slender bands, often with pavé set stones and a large center stone have been the best selling look.

There are many styles of pavé ring settings, including micropavé, French pavé, scalloped pavé, and shared prong pavé. While all feature the same look of diamonds all set close together, the style of the settings vary slight.

Popular Celebrity Pave Engagement Rings: Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Blake Lively

Nature-Inspired Engagement Rings: Free-flowing Silhouettes

Throughout jewelry history, nature-inspired engagement rings have always been a favorite. Floral motifs, vine-like tendrils, and garden-inspired ring settings often have free-flowing natural forms and asymmetrical  designs. There are many ways to go with a nature-inspired engagement ring setting whether you lean toward vintage or modern engagement ring settings. 

Nature-inspired engagement rings reached the height of popularity during the Art Nouveau jewelry period during the early 19th and 20th century. During this time enameling, floral motifs, whiplash lines, and colored gemstones were often incorporated into nature-inspired engagement rings. 

Popular Celebrity Nature Inspired Engagement Rings: Zooey Deschanel, Katy Perry, Princess Eugenie

Bezel Engagement Rings: Modern Mystique 

Bezel engagement rings, also known as rubover settings, feature a ring of metal that surrounds the outer edge of your center stone. Bezel ring settings offer a sleek and bold look, providing more protection around your center stone than other engagement ring settings.  

Traditionally, the bezel setting is a low-profile setting, preferable to those with active lifestyles or working jobs where a high-profile setting could get damaged. However, many people opt to mix the bezel setting with other styles for a unique and distinct appearance. 

Bezel engagement rings are some of the world’s oldest engagement ring settings, but were exceptionally popular during the Art Deco jewelry era. This jewelry period saw rise to geometrical shapes and streamlined designs. 

Popular Celebrity Bezel Engagement Rings: Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, Zoe Kravitz

Three Stone Engagement Rings : Romantic Representations 

Simply proposing is a romantic gesture, but consider taking your romantic notions a step further with a three-stone engagement ring setting. In a three-stone setting, the stones represent the past, present, and future of your relationship. This lets the wearer know they are valued and appreciated through every stage of the relationship, even those that have not yet come to pass. 

Three stone rings may also be called trilogy engagement rings or trinity rings. Traditionally, they have a large central diamond with smaller or same-sized stones on either side. 

Three stone engagement rings have surged in popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, but were also popular during the Victorian jewelry era between 1837 and 1901. While wearers opt for diamonds, three stone engagement rings may feature colored diamonds or gemstones for a bold and unique appearance. 

Popular Celebrity Three-Stone Engagement Rings: Kat Dennings

Halo Engagement Rings: Surrounding Sparkle 

Halo engagement rings are some of the most popular engagement ring settings out there. Unmistakable for their surrounding ring of diamonds, a halo engagement ring adds extra sparkle to your center stone. 

Classic halo rings have round center stones, but you can select any shape for a halo engagement ring. Some halo rings may have smaller diamonds that allow your center stone to stand out, while others have larger stones for a bold and avant garde look. 

Halo settings can protect your center stone from damage as well as make a smaller center look larger. These engagement ring settings have been popular throughout history and in modern times. Consider combining this popular center stone setting with an intricate band for a unique combination. 

Popular Celebrity Halo Engagement Rings: Cardi B, Misty Copeland, Eva Longoria

Solitaire Engagement Rings: Classic Choice

Solitaire engagement rings are the most popular engagement ring setting today. They feature a single central stone atop a clean band without additional stones. This engagement ring setting allows your center stone to take center stage without having to compete with additional stones. 

Solitaire diamond rings have evolved throughout engagement ring trends by adding hidden diamonds in the band. Still, these additional diamonds are usually small enough that the center stone is still up front and center. 

Those with minimalist tastes or tastes for a larger center stone may opt for a solitaire engagement ring. Traditionally the band is high-polished, but you have the option to choose textured or ornamental designs in the metal for a one-of-a-kind solitaire engagement ring. 

Popular Celebrity Solitaire Engagement Rings: Jennifer Lawrence, Katherine Schwartzenegger, Mandy Moore

Side Stone Engagement Rings: Symmetry with Your Center Stone

Side-stone engagement rings are popular choices for engagement rings. Some side-stone ring settings stray into the realm of three stone engagement rings, but most side-stone engagement rings feature two of the same diamond shape and size on either side of your center stone. 

Adding side stones to your engagement ring allow for extra sparkle and symmetry to your chosen diamond shape. Trapezoids, pear cut diamonds, trilliant, and baguette diamonds are trendy options for side stone engagement rings. 

The great thing about choosing a side-stone engagement ring is that you can customize it however you want. Keep the three stones as they are on top of a high polished band or opt for a diamond band with pave diamond accents. Go as minimalist or maximalist as you want! 

Popular Celebrity Side-Stone Engagement Rings: Gwen Stefani, Amal Clooney, Jennifer Lopez

Vintage Engagement Rings: Transcending Time 

Vintage engagement rings are style rather than a specific type of setting. Vintage engagement rings feature details inspired by past jewelry eras. These elements are often incorporated into engagement ring setting styles today. 

The Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s is a favorite jewelry era for vintage engagement ring styles. Geometric shapes, bezel settings, and clean lines were top choices during this period. Contrasting colors and mixing gemstones with diamonds were among the trends of the Art Deco era. 

The Edwardian jewelry period during the early 1900s was known for delicate, curvy, and feminine designs. Intricate metalwork featuring filigree and lace designs were popular in settings. 

Early Victorian jewelry incorporated motifs like flowers, birds, and other nature-inspired work. Mid-century Victorian jewelry focused around Gothic and Renaissance inspired jewelry designs with various sentimental motifs. Art Nouveau jewelry during the late 1800s and early 1900s also featured designs with nature-inspired motifs and flowing curvy lines. 

Popular Celebrity Vintage Engagement Rings: Mary Kate Olsen, Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Consort Camilla

Choosing Your Engagement Ring Setting at AW Jewelry

These are but a few of the many engagement ring designs you can choose when creating a bespoke engagement ring at AW Jewelry. Our designers are happy to assist you in crafting a high-quality engagement ring with every detail customized to your personal tastes and lifestyle. 

We offer a variety of diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry metals to suit your style. Bring in your own inspiration or let us show you different designs that might be a good fit. Contact us today to start designing a stunning engagement ring, whether your tastes are traditional or unique.