Choosing an engagement ring is a deeply personal journey, and finding a style that truly speaks to your love story can feel incredibly special. While you may be familiar with the most popular designs, many have a rich history and a beautiful meaning behind them. Let's explore the most iconic engagement ring styles and the stories they carry.
The Solitaire: A Timeless Classic
There is no style more enduring than the solitaire. Its name comes from the Latin word "solus," meaning "alone," which perfectly describes its design: a single, beautiful diamond that takes centre stage. The modern solitaire was made famous by De Beers in the late 19th century and has since become the ultimate symbol of unwavering love. Its clean, elegant design places all the focus on the central stone, but today's interpretations are far from simple. They are a canvas for personal style, often set on a sleek, minimalist band or a delicate pavé-set shank, with the diamond cut ranging from a classic round brilliant to a modern elongated oval or cushion cut. This style places absolute focus on your centre stone so it's important to choose the right cut, clarity, colour and carat for your ring. Learn more about the 4Cs.
The Trilogy: A Reflection of Your Journey
Also known as a three-stone ring, the trilogy style features a larger central diamond flanked by two smaller ones. This design tells a powerful and romantic story: each stone represents a chapter of your relationship. The first diamond is for the past, the central stone is for the present, and the third is for all the beautiful moments yet to come in your future. This style is not just an elegant design but a celebration of your entire love story. Modern trilogy rings often play with different diamond shapes, such as a vibrant radiant cut flanked by two trapezoids, or a mix of lab grown diamonds with different colours.
Multi-Stone: A Celebration of Sparkle
If you're looking for a ring with a big presence and a lot of sparkle, a multi-stone style might be the one for you. This design features a collection of diamonds on the head of the ring, often forming a unique pattern or cluster. The style first became popular in the Georgian and Victorian eras, when jewellery was often made to imitate flowers and other natural motifs. A multi-stone ring celebrates the idea that love is a collection of beautiful moments, with each diamond representing a cherished memory. Today's multi-stone rings can range from bold, stacked designs to delicate, asymmetrical clusters that feel artistic and unique, perfect for those who want an unconventional yet brilliant ring.
The Toi et Moi: A Romantic Embrace
French for "you and me," the Toi et Moi ring is one of the most romantic styles in history. It famously sealed Napoleon Bonaparte's proposal to Josephine in 1796, and its design has captivated couples ever since. The ring features two central stones that sit side by side in a romantic embrace, symbolising two souls becoming one. Today, this style is more popular than ever, with modern interpretations often featuring two different diamond cuts side-by-side, such as a pear-cut and a cushion-cut, or even a mix of diamond and coloured gemstone, creating a truly personal and expressive design.
The Shoulder Set: An Extra Touch of Brilliance
A shoulder set ring features a beautiful central diamond with smaller diamonds set into the shoulders of the band. This style first became popular in the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 30s, when bold designs and intricate embellishments were fashionable. The accent diamonds on the shoulders draw the eye to the centre stone, while also adding extra brilliance and glamour to the overall design. Today, a shoulder set is the perfect balance of classic and contemporary. It can be minimalist, with just a few small diamonds, or a more elaborate, vintage-inspired design with detailed patterns on the band.
The Halo: The Secret to Grandeur
The halo setting, a popular design in jewelry, has a long and storied history dating back to the Georgian era (1714–1837). During this time, the style featured a central stone surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds or pearls. This look continued to gain popularity in the Victorian era (1837–1901), with designs often imitating flowers and using colored gemstones as the center stone. The halo style as we know it today, with its emphasis on symmetry and geometric patterns, became prominent during the Art Deco period of the 1920s.
A key reason for the halo's enduring appeal is its ability to create the illusion of a larger center stone. The ring of smaller stones, or the "halo," adds to the overall sparkle and surface area of the ring, causing the center stone to appear up to half a carat larger than its actual size. This makes the halo setting a great choice for those who want a dramatic look and extra brilliance without a higher price tag.
Finding the right style is about more than just a beautiful look. It’s about choosing a ring with a history and a meaning that resonates with your personal love story.
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