Choosing the right engagement ring for your partner can be one of the most difficult and defining decisions to make when deciding to take the big leap towards marriage. Find the ring of their dreams by first carefully choosing the right ring setting. Don’t have a clue where to start? Well here’s your definitive guide to some of the most popular engagement ring settings around, complete with interesting facts and links to rings that you can buy right now! Let’s get right into it.
Solitaire (aka Prong)
This timeless ring setting’s history dates all the way back to the Ancient Roman Empire and remains the most popular and recognized engagement ring setting globally. This ring is great for a person who values simplicity, sleekness, and sophistication and wants all eyes on that solitary diamond!
Quick Facts:
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Looks like a metal band with a single diamond at the center
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The diamond is held up by 4 or 6 prongs that can come in many different shapes (including flat, round, v-shape, or pointed)
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Absolutely versatile, as a solitaire setting can hold any diamond cut, shape, or style your partner desires
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The least expensive engagement ring setting
Check out this perfect four-prong solitaire ring by AJAFFE, with a touch of whimsical detail on the profile. AJAFFE also lets you customize the ring with numerous diamond shapes and metals including platinum, yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold.
Pavé
Dating back to the Georgian era and deriving from the French word that means “pavement”, Pavé settings are known for having a center stone accompanied by a line of tiny diamonds (envision a cobblestone street) around the profile. This setting is a true statement piece and is a great way to add lots of sparkle without killing your budget.
Here’s a unique and gorgeous Pavé design featuring a row of over half a carat of petite diamonds, and a luxurious two-tone quilted pattern around the interior of the band. Très moderne!
Some More Facts:
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Pavé settings almost always feature a round stone, so make sure that your potential fiancé or fiancée likes that cut first
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There are three different types of pavé styles: micro, petite, and standard. Micro is the smallest in size and standard is the largest. Choose your style based on how subtle or bold you want your design to be.
Halo
Perfect for the person who craves the WOW factor in a ring, Halo settings not only allow you to choose ANY center stone cut you please but will also make said stone look even bigger and brighter! Halo rings also truly allow for the ultimate in customization and specialization, giving you the opportunity to incorporate all different types of metals, stones, and shapes in a Halo design.
Quick Facts:
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Originated in Europe during the 1700s, but the style seen today became popularized during the Art Deco movement in the 1920s
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Characterized by a large center stone surrounded by a ring of small accent diamonds, usually pavé
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The second-most popular engagement ring setting in the world after solitaire
Have a look at these very different and extremely gorgeous halo rings below to get an idea of the limitless possibilities you can choose from!
Split Shank
Classic Split Shank Emerald Engagement Ring by AJAFFE
Elegant and vintage-inspired, Split Shank ring settings are noted for having a band that splits apart at the top, encasing the center diamond. Also popularized during the Art Deco Era of the 1920s, Split Shank rings can be combined with a number of other styles and settings (Halo is a great choice!) and offer an inimitable charm, luxury, and delicacy that will delight during your proposal.
Some More Facts:
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A 2021 study by Glamour Magazine, shows that Split Shanks are now the 3rd most popular engagement ring setting
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Split shanks epitomize Hollywood glamour, as celebrities like Beyoncé, Blake Lively, and Paris Hilton have all had split-shank engagement rings
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Different types of split shank styles include criss cross, oval, and marquise
Three Stone
An especially symbolic setting, Three Stone rings are superb for showing your partner that your love is for a lifetime! Characterized by a large center diamond with two accent diamonds (one on each side), the setting is known to represent the past, the present, and the future of your relationship together. Three Stone rings are great if you really want to add a more personal touch to your engagement ring and have that extra layer of meaningful distinction.
Looking for the maximum in opulence? You can find the above stunning Three Stone engagement ring with a trellis gold motif here.
Other Quick Facts:
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People often customize Three Stone rings with multi-colored birthstones for the two smaller complementary accent diamonds to enhance personalization
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Most often paired with round, princess, and emerald cut diamond shapes
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A more expensive setting, as the side diamond accents are of a larger size than what you’d find in other diamond-accented settings like Pavé
For even more exquisite rings…. check out the unparalleled selection of high-quality, customizable, conflict-free diamond engagement rings only available at AJAFFE.