17 Engagement Ring Styles and Settings You Should Be Considering

Your choice of engagement ring setting and style is extremely important. It’s the first decision you should make in the process as it will determine to some extent what kind of diamond you’ll need to buy.

Setting refers to how gemstones are set, or mounted, into a band, playing an important role in highlighting the beauty of the diamond. For instance, a prong setting uses metal claws to hold the diamond, while a bezel setting encircles the diamond with metal. On the other hand, style denotes the overall design theme enhanced by the ring’s setting. Whether it’s the singular focus of a solitaire, the radiant circle of a halo, or the symbolic trio of a three-stone design, style gives the ring its unique character and narrative.

Some examples of popular styles and settings are:

Settings:

• Prong Setting: This involves metal claws (prongs) that hold the diamond in place. The number of prongs can vary, but four and six are most common.
• Bezel Setting: The diamond is completely encircled by metal, offering a modern look and added protection for the stone.
• Channel Setting: Small diamonds are set between two horizontal channels of metal without any prongs, often seen in wedding bands.
• Tension Setting: The diamond appears to be suspended in air, held in place by the tension of the metal band.

Styles:

• Solitaire: This style features a single diamond or gemstone. The focus is solely on the stone, and it can be paired with any setting, like prong or bezel.
• Halo: Surrounds the center stone with a circle of smaller diamonds, enhancing its size and sparkle.
• Three-Stone: Features a center stone flanked by two smaller stones, often symbolizing the past, present, and future.
• Vintage: Rings inspired by designs from specific historical eras, like Art Deco or Victorian, often featuring intricate details and craftsmanship.

When selecting your setting and style keep in mind the metal you prefer, the color of the gold, and your lifestyle. For example an active lifestyle that requires a lot of work with the hands may benefit from setting with more prongs or a halo style.

Here’s what we’ll cover on this page:

Current Engagement ring trends
Details about the most popular settings and styles

Current Engagement Ring Trends

Engagement ring styles can vary hugely in appearance and personality. For example, look at this solitaire ring from Blue Nile, then compare it to this double halo engagement ring from Blue Nile. Despite being made from the same metal, the style of these two rings couldn’t be more different — with different price tags to match. 

Luckily, working out the best engagement ring style for your fiancé-to-be isn’t as difficult as it first seems. This is because each engagement ring style has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

For example, some styles are light, simple and elegant, making them great choices if your fiancé-to-be likes simple, timeless beauty. Others are more eye-catching and decorative, with pavé or halo diamonds and engraving to add to the ring’s beauty. Finally, others are designed with durability in mind, making them great for busy, active people or those who work with their hands. 

The JCK Show in Las Vegas is the industries largest event of the year. The event typically held in June includes a peak into the upcoming trends in the jewelry for the coming year. As reported in The Diamond Talk some of what we enjoyed in 2022/2023 included a focus on “Tranquility, Balance, Euphoria, Spontaneity, Inner Strength, and Optimism” Look for top engagement and wedding ring brands to be highlighting these in their creations.

Below, we’ve listed the 17 most popular engagement ring styles, complete with information on each style’s biggest strengths and weaknesses. We’ve also provided links to samples of each setting type to help you look through the variety of options that are available. 

Rather than focusing on metals (such as white, yellow or rose gold, or other options such as platinum), our list focuses on specific engagement ring designs. Most of the rings featured below can be customized with your choice of metal after you click through to James Allen or Blue Nile, giving you a huge degree of control over their appearance. 

Of course, you can also customize each ring with your choice of diamond or center stone as well. 

Whether it’s an engagement ring and your first-time diamond purchase, or simply a gift for a loved one, we present to you our guide to ring settings, complete with definitions and photos for each term.

Once you settled on the right setting, contact us and we’ll be happy to pick the perfect diamond for you.

Here’re the Most Popular Engagement Ring Settings and Styles in 2024

Click the style you are interested in to jump ahead to that section.

• Prong Setting & Solitaire Setting
• The Tiffany Setting
• Bezel Setting
• Tension Setting
• Tension Style Setting
• Channel Setting
• Pavé Setting
• Halo Setting
• Cathedral Setting
• Bar Setting
• Flush Setting
• Three-Stone Setting
• Antique/Vintage Setting
• Cluster Setting
• Eternity Band
• Shank/Split-Shank
• Infinity Setting

1) Prong Setting & Solitaire Setting

(Click Here for Samples on Blue Nile)

The most common and classic ring setting is called a prong setting. A prong is a little metal claw that grips the diamond tightly, holding it in place. Prongs can be rounded, pointed, flat, or V-shaped (the latter being the most common for princess-cut diamonds).

Most prong settings feature either four or six prongs; with the former, you can see more of the diamond, but the latter is more secure. A benefit of this setting is that there is a minimum presence of metal so that there’s more diamond to see and more light that can pass through the diamond, thus adding to its brilliance.

Of the prong settings, the most common is the solitaire setting featuring one diamond or other precious stone. The solitaire setting draws all of our attention to the stone with little to distract us like other stones or fancy metalwork. Check out the best solitaire engagement rings here. 

2) The Tiffany Setting

(See Similar Sample on Blue Nile)

In 1886, Tiffany & Co. scientifically developed a specific solitaire six-prong setting to maximize the light return on the diamond. This plain-band setting has come to be known as “the Tiffany setting,” distinguished primarily by the “knife edge” of its shaft and the design of its prongs.

While it is possible to obtain a similar setting at virtually any jewelry shop or website today, it will never be an exact Tiffany setting because Tiffany has trademarked their prong design.

Pros of a Tiffany Setting

• Amplifies light reflection and brilliance due to raised diamond
• Supports a variety of carat sizes and diamond shapes
• Easy to maintain and keep clean
• Carries a classic look that will never go out of style

Cons of a Tiffany Setting

• Can snag on clothing or other materials, especially if high-set (lower-set prongs are often best for those with active lifestyles)
• A diamond may become loose with wear (it’s recommended to have the prongs inspected at least every two years)

We’ve created an article with some of our favorite Tiffany look-alikes for you to check. These rings are gorgeous and equal in quality to what you’ll find at Tiffany. We’ll let you decide how much the status of the “little blue box” is worth to you.

3) Bezel Setting

(Click Here for Samples on James Allen)

The bezel setting is the second most popular ring setting due to its modern look and suitability for an active lifestyle. Instead of holding the diamond with prongs, the bezel setting encircles the diamond, or center stone, with a thin metal rim custom-made to hold the stone tightly in place.

Because of this bezel, the diamond is held more securely in place than it would be in a ring that uses prongs. This makes the bezel setting one of the most durable of all engagement ring styles. 

A bezel setting can be a full or partial setting: a full bezel completely surrounds the diamond whereas a partial bezel leaves the sides open. It’s a great choice for nurses, teachers, and others looking for a ring that won’t snag and will adequately protect the diamond.

Pros of a Bezel Setting

• Secures the diamond more than a prong setting, making it an excellent choice for active lifestyles and careers
• Offers a sleek, modern look
• Does not snag on clothing and other materials
• Protects the diamond well and prevents damage
• Easy to clean and maintain (i.e. no prongs to routinely check)

Cons of a Bezel Setting

• Tends to hide more of the stone than a prong setting
• Achieves less light reflection and brilliance than a prong setting

4) Tension Setting

(Click Here for Samples on James Allen)

The tension setting is named for the tension of the metal band that secures the diamond in place; the result is that the diamond appears suspended between the two sides of the shank.

With the help of lasers used to calibrate the exact dimensions of the diamond, the jeweler expertly cuts tiny grooves into the sides of the band, or shank, so that the diamond, or other precious stone, is literally held by the pressure of the custom-designed metal band pushing into the sides of the stone.

Tension-style settings feature a comparable look of diamond suspension but are less expensive and complicated to make. The tension-style settings add an extra dose of security since they employ a prong or bezel setting on the side or underneath the diamond to anchor the diamond firmly in place.

For this type of a setting, it’s extremely important to find a diamond that doesn’t have any visible inclusions because this setting doesn’t have any prongs that could hide them and is exposed from every angle. 

Pros of a Tension Setting

• Securely holds the diamond in place
• Offers a unique appearance
• Enhances light reflection, due to minimal metal surrounding the diamond
• Provides a modern, stylish look
• Requires less maintenance than a prong setting

Cons of a Tension Setting

• Difficult and often expensive to resize
• May cause a small carat weight to look smaller, especially when thick metal is used
• Though extremely rare, a stone could fall out of a tension setting if struck by an impressive outside force

5) Tension Style Setting

(See Similar Sample on James Allen)

A popular engagement ring style is to mimic a tension style setting (like you see above), but in fact the diamond or gemstone is set in the band, typically as a bezel setting.

The ring in the photo above – two-tone metal with pear shape diamond from James Allen (learn more about mixed metal engagement rings here) is a classic tension setting while the one underneath is a tension-style setting. Notice the bezel setting around the round diamond in the tension-style setting.

Pros of a Tension Style Setting

• Holds the diamond securely in place
• Offers a more timeless look than a tension setting
• Involves less maintenance than prong settings
• Allows significant light to pass through the diamond, enhancing its brilliance and fire

Cons of a Classic Tension Setting

• Often difficult and costly to resize
• May cause a small diamond to look smaller, especially when a thicker metal is utilized
• Although highly unlikely, if an extreme pressure from an outside force strikes a tension setting, there is a possibility the stone could become loose

6) Channel Setting

(Click Here for Samples on James Allen)

The channel setting is a secure way to set smaller diamonds in a row into the band of the ring, making a metal channel of sparkling stones flush with the shank.

The diamonds, or other gemstones, are set closely together into the grooves of the channel and decorate the sides of the band or the entire band. This setting is also popular for wedding bands or stackable rings that feature only smaller stones and no center stone.

Since there are no prongs, this setting is also a good option for a snag-free and secure design. In the photo below, the diamonds in the shank are channel-set.

Pros of a Channel Setting

• Securely holds diamond and protects it from outside forces
• Enhances the ring’s sparkle with side stones along the band
• Achieves a sharp design without losing stability
• Unlikely to snag on clothing and other materials

Cons of a Channel Setting

• Tends to require more time and effort with cleaning (dirt can become trapped in the channels)
• Can be challenging to repair and resize due to numerous channels (it is possible the channels will become bent or misaligned, or that the side stones will loosen during the repair process)
• May hide diamonds slightly more than prong settings

7) Pavé Setting

(Click Here for Samples on James Allen or Click Here for Samples on Blue Nile)

The pavé setting, pronounced “pa-vay,” comes from the French word “to pave,” as in paved with diamonds. By closely setting small diamonds together with minimal visibility of the tiny metal beads or prongs holding the stones in place, the effect is one of continuous sparkle.

The jeweler typically drills holes into the ring, carefully places the diamonds into the holes, and finally forms tiny beads, or mini-prongs, around each diamond to secure them into the holes. Look how beautiful a pavé setting can look with an oval diamond.

This setting is also known as a bead setting and in the case of especially small stones, may be called a micro-pavé setting. Diamonds are said to be pavé-set when they are as small as .01-.02 carats and any smaller than that would be called micro-pavé.

Pros of a Pavé Setting

• Highlights the center stone
• Magnifies the ring’s overall brilliance with side stones
• Provides extra sparkle to a lower-set or less sparkly center stone
• Can be designed in a modern or vintage style

Cons of a Pavé Setting

• Sizing and resizing can be quite difficult if the ring is pavé set around the full band
• Although highly unlikely, minimal risk of losing side stones exists

We recommend confirming ring size early in the design process in order to prevent any problems with fit when the ring is finished.

8) Halo Setting

(Click Here for Samples on James Allen)

The halo setting refers to the placement of diamonds or other gemstones in a concentric circle or square around a center stone. The halo setting makes the center stone appear larger—a great option to boost the appearance of a small diamond—and it increases the overall sparkle of the ring. They come in various interesting shapes, some of them even look like flowers. 

A halo setting, then, can be a way to save money on a smaller-carat diamond while not sacrificing the overall appearance of the ring. In addition, adding a halo of colored gemstones or setting the halo diamonds with a different color metal can make for a contrast in colors.

Halos are often paired with pavé bands (see example below) but could certainly stand on their own with a simple unadorned band. And as the name implies, a double halo setting consists of two concentric circles of gemstones that encircle the center stone.

Pros of a Halo Setting

• Boosts the appearance of a smaller carat weight center diamond
• Enhances overall sparkle due to surrounding stones
• Securely holds and protects the center stone
• Supports and complements a variety of diamond shapes
• Contrast can be built with a halo of colored metal or gemstones

Cons of a Halo Setting

• Tiny side stones may become loose
• Resizing can be difficult depending on the number of side stones that line the band

9) Cathedral Setting

(See Similar Sample on Blue Nile)

The cathedral setting is one of the most elegant and classic engagement ring settings. Similar to the graceful arches of a cathedral, this ring setting uses arches of metal to hold the diamond or other gemstone.

The cathedral may be set with prongs, bezel, or tension setting since the defining characteristic of this ring is not how the diamond is held but rather how it is mounted with arches above the rest of the shank.

The arches can add extra height and make the center stone appear larger; they can also add a cost-saving style for less money than adding more diamonds.

Pros of Cathedral Setting

• Accentuates and highlights the center stone
• Offers a unique and eye-catching design
• Holds the center stone securely
• Adds height and character with minimal expense
• Can make the center stone seem larger and more prominent

Cons of Cathedral Setting

• Can snag on clothes, furniture and other materials if high-set
• Less streamlined than other settings like a bezel setting
• Requires more time and effort to clean due to number of crevices
• According to some, the curved features can distract from the center stone’s beauty if poorly designed

10) Bar Setting

(See Similar Sample on Brian Gavin)

Setting diamonds separately between vertical bars of metal is another way to set precious stones.

Bar settings are similar to channel settings, but the difference is that channel setting enclose the diamond on all sides whereas the bar setting leaves the diamond exposed on two sides, held in place by the metal bars that secure the stones on the other two sides.

This setting can compliment a center stone or stand alone for an impressive wedding band or stackable ring. See the photo below of a bar-set eternity band.

Pros of a Bar Setting

• Offers better visibility to diamonds than a channel setting (due to less metal)
• Functions as a stackable ring, simple band or one with a stunning center stone
• Securely holds stones in place with metal bars
• Amplifies sparkle as stones are more exposed

Cons of a Bar Setting

• Slightly less secure than a channel setting
• Resizing can be more challenging or costly
• Because stones are less protected by metal, there is a slightly higher chance of chipping

11) Flush Setting

A flush setting, also known as a gypsy setting, sets the diamond into a drilled hole in the band of the ring so that the ring sits “flush” with the band of the ring.

Then the jeweler hammers the metal around the diamond to hold it in place. Because the jeweler must hammer in this piece of metal to hold the stone in place, this setting is not suitable for softer stones, which could crack in the process.

This type of setting is a popular choice for wedding bands, especially men’s wedding bands, as the diamond sits securely in the band of the ring and is therefore highly protected from chipping or falling out. Like the bezel setting, this is one of the most protective and durable engagement ring styles and a great option for people who work with their hands. 

Pros of a Flush Setting

• Affords active wearers the highest security, especially to those who work with their hands
• Offers a sleek, polished, simple look
• Delivers peace of mind, knowing the stone is highly unlikely to loosen or fall out
• Provides significant protection to diamonds and other stones
• Highly functional and practical

Cons of a Flush Setting

• Reduces visibility of the stone
• Limits the amount of light that passes through the stone (decreasing brilliance and fire)
• Less likely to catch someone’s immediate attention

12) Three-Stone Setting

(Click Here for Samples on James Allen)

The three-stone setting is a versatile setting that can be used for engagement, anniversary, or any occasion. The three stones, set closely together, are said to symbolize the couple’s past, present, and future.

These stones can either be all the same size or, as is often the case, the center stone is larger than the two side stones. The most popular diamond shapes for this setting are the round brilliant cut and the princess cut.

It’s possible to personalize this setting with colored sidestones, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds (see photo below), or other birthstones.

Pros of a Three Prong Setting

• Maximizes on sparkle and brilliance
• Allows for multiple larger stones (including ones of different colors)
• Enhances appearance of center stone when paired properly with side stones
• Provides opportunity for personalization and color contrast
• Can achieve greater surface area of gemstone than a singular setting

Cons of a Three Prong Setting

• Requires more cleaning and maintenance than a single stone design
• When paired poorly, the two side stones can overpower or distract from the beauty of the center stone

13) Antique/Vintage Setting

(Click Here for Samples on James Allen)

Many of the antique/vintage engagement ring styles are designed to fit specific time periods of jewelry fashion, such as Art Deco, Edwardian and Victorian era styles. Often these rings feature intricate detail work such as filigree and milgrain.

Filigree is a kind of delicate metalwork that solders together tiny metal beads or twisted threads of metal to the surface of the jewel. And milgrain engraving is a type of embellishment added to antique style rings to give them that “antique” look of tiny balls of metal decorating the sides of the band and the crown of the ring.

Check out the photo above of an antique style setting with tiny yellow gold milgrain embellishments around the halo round brilliant diamonds and repeated on the shank. Check out our guide to the best places to buy a vintage/antique ring here. 

Pros of a Vintage Setting

• Radiates with plenty of character and charm
• Unique and intricately built
• Enhances the beauty and prominence of the center stone when well-designed
• Can be crafted to match a time period or personal style preference

Cons of a Vintage Setting

• May require more cleaning and maintenance due to intricate design and crevices
• If designed poorly, the setting may distract from the beauty and sparkle of the stone
• If choosing an antique vintage setting—different than a new ring of antique design—extra time will be needed to ensure it is secure and well-maintained

14) Cluster Setting

A cluster setting “clusters” stones tightly together in order to look like a large diamond. It can either contain a larger center stone or cluster together stones of equal size.

In the example below, this cluster setting gives the impression of a 1.5 carat center stone, which is far larger than the actual small center stone featured in this ring. James Allen now has a line of cluster settings, called the “Royal Halo Collection.”

Pros of a Cluster Setting

• Presents as a larger stone even though smaller stones make up the surface area and size
• Emphasizes a unique look with plenty of dimension and texture
• Provides a lower cost option than purchasing a large center stone
• Can be crafted to form a distinct shape
• May complement smaller hands or fingers

Cons of a Cluster Setting

• Often requires more work to clean and maintain, due to number of stones and crevices
• Smaller stones have the possibility of becoming loose and falling out

15) Eternity Band

(Click Here for Samples on James Allen)

Eternity bands are not a particular kind of setting per se; rather they are a style of band that is often used for women’s wedding bands or other special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays and Valentine’s Day.

These bands get their name from the “eternal” presence of diamonds or other precious stones that decorate the entire band of the ring. Eternity rings are available in prong, channel, bezel and flush settings.

Pros of an Eternity Band

• Delivers a sparkle that circles the entire finger
• Adds personality and zest to the alternative simple or metal-only band
• Pairs well with other rings, including engagement rings and wedding bands
• Available in a range of styles, such as bezel and channel
• Securely holds smaller diamonds

Cons of an Eternity Band

• Can be difficult or costly to resize (and at times not possible)
• Often requires routine cleaning of crevices and stones to maintain maximum sparkle

16) Shank/Split-Shank

(See Similar Sample on James Allen)

Here’s another term you may heard thrown around by jewelers. The shank refers to the band of the ring or the part that actually encircles your finger. Most shanks are round, but there are also square shaped-shanks and other more creative shapes.

A split-shank refers to a ring in which the shank splits into two separate shanks. See the example below of this pave-set split-shank band.

Pros of a Shank/Split-Shank Setting

• Provides a unique, attention-grabbing appearance
• Offers additional surface area to add side stones and sparkle
• Leads the eye toward the center stone, making it more prominent and noticeable
• Can be designed for either a modern or classic look

Cons of a Shank/Split-Shank Setting

• Requires more cleaning than simpler settings
• Less streamlined design, making it not as practical for those who do active work with their hands

17) Infinity Engagement Ring Setting

(See Similar Sample on James Allen or a Similar Sample on Blue Nile)

Designed to symbolize everlasting love, an infinity setting features a unique, beautiful design with an “8”-shaped pattern made up of two interlinking bands. Together, these bands form an infinity symbol, giving the ring an elegant, graceful appearance that emphasizes the center diamond.

Just like other rings, Infinity engagement ring settings come in a variety of styles. Some are solitaire settings that combine a beautiful center diamond with an unadorned band, while others feature pavé-set diamonds that frame and draw attention to the center diamond. Some infinity settings even combine these designs, such as a “twist” engagement ring from Blue Nile, which features one plain, unadorned band and another with pavé-set diamonds.

Pros of an Infinity Setting:

• Like a split-shank setting, an infinity setting adds to a ring’s surface area and can help it to stand out from the crowd
• Directs the eye towards the center stone, giving it a prominent and visible position
• Has a unique, delicate and beautiful appearance that symbolizes everlasting love

Cons of an Infinity Setting:

• Like other unique settings, an infinity setting can require more cleaning than simpler settings
• The less streamlined design of these settings means they aren’t the most practical choice for those who work with their hands or have a highly active lifestyle

If you’re interested in selecting an exquisite diamond for your ring, get in touch with one of our experts who can help you review diamonds and ensure you’re not overpaying.

Received great in-depth assistance from Veronika on my quest to buy an engagement ring for my partner. It can be quite a minefield for someone without industry know-how to get a great, well-cut diamond on the online marketplace, so the second opinion was not only welcome but desperately sought. In the end, I received wonderful advice and am confident the diamond purchased was the best my budget could afford! Thank you

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Arthur

Jan 27, 2023

Diamonds Pro helped us pick a diamond, according to our budget and a few other criteria. We ended up buying a loose diamond from James Allen. We felt that we got very good value for money. The diamond was appraised by another jeweler where we live, confirming its characteristics and value. Finally, we had the diamond set in a ring by a local jeweler, and we’re very pleased with the result! Thank you Diamonds Pro 😊

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Mikeela Teaquila

Dec 26, 2022

Here are more specific setting style topics to browse:

• What is a Solitaire diamond ring? 
• How to pick a Halo diamond engagement ring? 
• Most popular Three-Stone engagement rings 
• What is a Channel set engagement ring?
• What is a Pavé Engagement Ring Setting?
• Why choose a Micro-Pavé setting 
• What’s the difference between a Vintage and Antique ring?
• The pros and cons of a bezel-setting engagement ring
• What does a Bar setting look like?
• How to choose an impressive Cathedral setting 
• What is a Cluster engagement ring? 
• Important things to know about a Flush setting
• Where to buy a Split Shank setting? 
• What is a Tension ring setting? 

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. They currently run a 30% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!

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What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Free International Shipping
• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
• Provide insurance appraisals
• One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
• Free ring inscriptions
• Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
• 24/7 Customer Service
• Best-in-class packaging

Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 40% savings on jewelry during a limited-time sale.

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What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Free Shipping
• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
• Provide insurance appraisal
• One free resizing within the first year of purchase
• High quality images of about half of their diamonds
• 24/7 Customer Service
• 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
• Best in class fulfillment

About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.