Greatest Hits: the main engagement ring styles

We think every engagement ring style has its own charm and personality. By understanding the characteristics of each, you can start to discover which style will fit you and your lifestyle best.

Let’s begin by examining the most popular engagement ring styles you’ll find in Hatton Garden jewellers…

• The solitaire engagement ring style: classic and timeles

What is a solitaire diamond ring?

The quintessential engagement ring style, a solitaire engagement ring is simple, elegant and shows off your chosen stone without any distractions. Featuring a single diamond or gemstone set on a simple band, this design lets the centre stone take all the attention. It’s a style that’s been loved for generations, but still feels fresh and modern thanks to its minimal styling and sleek silhouette.

Despite its simplicity, a solitaire engagement ring can be customised by paying attention to the details. A four or six claw setting has a very different feel to a demi-flush or rubover. A princess or round brilliant cut solitaire is classic, while a fancy shape can be edgy or romantic. Create a delicate look with a narrow band, or choose a wider shank for more impact. Even metal colour can be transformative.

Timeless and versatile, a solitaire pairs well with a variety of wedding bands. With minimal detail, it’s a style beloved by those who appreciate simplicity and classic design, directing all the attention (and budget!) to the centre stone.

Also consider… a diamond-set band or hidden halo style.

• The halo: all-out brilliance

What is a halo engagement ring?

A halo engagement ring is what we call a ‘modern classic’. Offering a dazzling twist on a traditional style, the halo style surrounds a centre gemstone with a “halo” of smaller stones, usually diamonds. Adding extra show and sparkle, a halo engagement is a seriously eye-catching look.

When a diamond centre is paired with a diamond halo, the surrounding stones enhance the perceived size of the centre stone - making it a great choice if you want the sparkle and presence of a larger diamond without the higher price tag. When added to a coloured gemstone centre, the halo creates a luxurious contrast, perfect if you have fallen for a gemstone centre but also want the brilliance of diamonds.

A halo design works beautifully with many different shapes, from classic round diamonds to cushion cuts or more modern shapes like pear or emerald cuts. Different setting styles and metal colours allow you to personalise your halo. Add milgrain or pave-setting for a vintage-inspired charm, or choose a scalloped cut-down setting edge for ultimate sparkle. As with a solitaire, yellow or rose gold creates a very different feel to white gold or platinum, and you can even combine metals for a modern bi-colour look.

Also consider... a trilogy or diamond-set band ring style.

• The hidden halo: subtle sparkle

What is a hidden halo engagement ring?

A hidden halo engagement ring is a contemporary, understated take on the halo. In this style, a ring of smaller diamonds is tucked beneath the centre stone. From above, the ring looks like a solitaire, but from the side a hidden halo of glittering diamonds is revealed. It’s a sweet and sophisticated addition that gives your ring extra sparkle without stealing your centre stone’s spotlight!

The beauty of a hidden halo is in its subtlety. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want a little extra glamour but still prefer the overall appearance of a solitaire. We also love the extra meaning and symbolism those hidden diamonds provide - a little detail just for you, to admire and enjoy throughout your day.

This hidden halo is ideal for those who appreciate a modern twist on a classic, or anyone who loves the idea of a special, personal detail. As with other styles, you can tailor your hidden halo ring with different diamond shapes and metal choices, making it perfectly suited to your style.

Also consider... a solitaire or diamond-set band style.

• The diamond band: elegant glamour

What is a diamond band engagement ring?

If you love the solitaire style but want extra sparkle, a pave or diamond band ring might be the perfect style for you. In this design, tiny diamonds are set closely together along the band of the ring, enhancing the solitaire style with a glittering finish. While your chosen gemstone still takes centre stage, the pave-set diamonds add extra brilliance.

Pave bands are incredibly versatile. You can opt for a full pave, where diamonds encircle the entire band, or a half-pave, where the diamonds stop halfway around. The diamonds can be set in a number of different ways, each creating a distinctly different visual effect. A cut-down or scallop setting holds each diamond with little metal showing, creating maximum sparkle. A traditional pave setting holds each diamond in place with tiny claws, resulting in a timeless, somewhat vintage-inspired look. A channel setting captures its diamonds within metal edges, creating a sleek and minimalist feel, especially when paired with straight-edged stones like princess or emerald cuts. Finally, milgrain bands are a characterful option for anyone with leanings towards vintage and antique styles.

A pave band ring is a very balanced style, feeling modern and luxurious without ever feeling ostentatious! It’s ideal if you seek luxury and elegance in one.

Also consider... a halo or trilogy ring.

• The trilogy: intrinsically romantic

What is a trilogy engagement ring?

A trilogy engagement ring, also known as a three-stone ring, is rich in both brilliance and symbolism. Featuring three stones set side by side, usually with one larger centre, this style is said to represent the past, present and future of your relationship.

A trilogy ring can feature three diamonds or combine diamonds with coloured gemstones. Flanking a precious stone such as an emerald or sapphire with diamonds is a classic choice, but couples are increasingly modernising the style with different gemstones and shapes. Combining different cuts transforms the ring’s appearance - an emerald centre with baguette sides is elegantly art deco-esque, while a marquise flanked with pears has a high-jewellery, luxury feel.

Whether you stick to a traditional look or play with colour and shape combinations, the trilogy is a conversation-starting design with a romantic tale to tell.

So we’ve considered the choices when it comes to the style of your ring. But details make the difference, and there’s an almost unlimited range of design decisions that help set any individual ring apart from another.

We’ve created our signature collection of engagement rings by updating classic designs with thoughtful touches. Here is our guide to the different elements that make up a ring, and how each part can be customised to change the feel of a ring.

The ring mount - two become one

An engagement ring not yet set with a stone is known as a ‘mount’. The mount is made up of the head, or collet, into which the central stone or stones are set, and the shank, or band, which encircles the finger.

Most mounts will either be made in one or two pieces, depending on the design and manufacturing needs.

In a one-part mount, the claws and shank are cast as a single piece of metal. Our Brompton ring is a beautiful example of a single part mount. The claws flow fluidly into the band, creating an extraordinarily elegant twisted effect.

As a one-part mount can only be created in a single metal, resulting is a sleek and unified one-colour ring.

As the name suggests, two-part mounts are cast in two pieces, which offers the opportunity to customize the ring using two different metals. The top part of the ring (the head or collet) and the band (the shank) are crafted separately and then joined together. This allows you to choose different metal colours and/or finishes on either part.

Our Spencer ring is made with a separate head and shank. While many people choose a single colour, it is also possible for each to be different. It allows you to combine a diamond-enhancing platinum head with a warm and romantic yellow or rose gold band. A two-colour ring (also known as a bi-colour ring) is characterful and practical, allowing your engagement ring to pair effortlessly with your existing silver and gold jewellery.

The collet - the head, and the heart

The heart of any mount is the setting which holds the stone in place, known as the head or collet. Whatever gemstone type or shape you choose, the way your stone is set can dramatically change the look and feel of your ring. While some settings offer a more traditional look, others are distinctively modern.

• Four claw

Four claw (or ‘four prong’) are one of the most popular and traditional collet styles. Four metal claws hold the diamond in place, allowing plenty of light to enter the stone and maximise its brilliance. Simple and elegant, four claws ensure the attention is on your diamond.

If you want a classic with a subtle update, modernise your ring with compass-set claws. In this variation, the claws are placed at the compass points of the diamond (north, south, east, west) rather than at the four ‘corners’. Compare our classic Knightsbridge ring with the edgier Primrose to see how such a small change makes a big difference to the look.

• Six claw

A six claw setting is a beautiful choice for round stones, particularly large ones, providing extra security and detail. Six claws gives a ring a charmingly vintage feel, floral-like and intricate.

The shape of the claws drives the aesthetic of your ring. Our Hamley ring is curvaceous and pretty, while the tiara-like styling of our Sloane ring creates a fairytale feel.

Whether four or a six, we finish all our claws with a talon shape. It’s an extra detail most commonly seen on high-end jewellery, where the claw is hand-shaped after setting in an elegant teardrop shape. This extra touch makes all our prong-set rings feel a little more luxurious.

• Rubover

Also known as a bezel setting, a rubover design holds the diamond in an unbroken circle of metal. It is a contemporary setting, offers a striking, modern look.

As the metal surrounds the diamond, a bezel setting provides excellent protection from knocks and damage, making a great choice for those with an active lifestyle. While solid bezel settings don’t allow as much light into the stone, a design with cut-outs, like our Regent , maximises brilliance and makes the setting easy to clean.

• Demi-flush

A demi-flush (or demi-rubover) setting offers a modern twist on the classic rubover.

With only part of the diamond encased in metal, more of the diamond is visible and open to the light while still creating a sleek, protected look.

A demi-flush solitaire is bold and minimalist, while the style can also be used with accent stones to add an original touch. Our Oxford trilogy ring pairs a claw-set round brilliant cat centre with demi-flush tapered baguettes, the contrast creating a luxurious Twenties-style look.

The ring band - style and substance

More than just the vehicle on which your stone and its setting rest, the band of your ring is another important design element.

Given its relatively large surface area, it’s worth considering what you want your band to communicate. Do you want sleek and polished, or glittering with diamonds? Do you want an understated shank, or would you like to make a design statement? Whichever route you prefer, let’s examine the key options for your shank:

• Single

The most common and timeless band choice, a single band keeps things simple. It really is just what the name suggests - a simple, single band of metal which wraps around your finger and into the stone setting.

A single band is ripe for personalisation, including diamond-setting or matte texturing on its centre, or engraving inside.

• Twisted

Which came first, the design or the symbolism? We don’t know, but we love the meaning and look of a twisted shank. Symbolising the joining of two lives, a twisted shank interweaves two bands like vines.

Delicate and romantic, this shank style can be set with tiny diamonds for extra intricacy or sparkle.

• Split

Also known as a split shank, this style features a single band that splits into two as it reaches the centre diamond. This design creates a larger ‘show’ for your ring, and looks particularly striking with large or long stones like an oval or marquise.

A modern alternative to the split shank is a double shank, which features two parallel lines running around the finger.

• Crossover

With a similar aesthetic to a split band, a crossover design features two bands that cross over each other at the centre.

Geometric and modern, the crossover also suits those who like sentiment without being saccharine, abstractly representing a kiss.

• Shaped or organic

Shaped bands are contoured to follow the curve of the central stone or to create a new, organic design.

A bold choice for those who love to express their individuality, a shaped band has no limits - from wave to wishbone completely asymmetric!

Most shank styles can be made in a choice of width and profiles, which refers to the shape of the band. Different profiles offer varying levels of comfort and aesthetic appeal, from the smooth curves of a round band to the minimal and modern flat . A knife edge, with a sharp top edge, is striking and unique, while a tapered band narrows towards the centre stone, offering a delicate, bow-like appearance.

Finding your perfect engagement ring style

With all these options, there are literally infinite combinations for any engagement ring. And unless you have a ‘love at first sight’ moment (lucky you!) you may be left wondering where to start.

Firstly - don’t worry! We are here to guide you through the process, so please know you can always call on us to help. But there are a few steps you can take to help discover what style of engagement ring will make your heart beat faster…

1. Reflect on your style and lifestyle needs

Before you dive into intricate details, consider your everyday aesthetic and how you live your life. Are you drawn to minimalist designs, or do you love sparkle and drama? Do you lead an active lifestyle or work with your hands a lot? Are you into modern styles, or crave the charm of bygone decades?

2. Inspiration is everywhere

Sometimes, all it takes is a spark of inspiration to lead you in the right direction. Browse online galleries, Pinterest boards, and social media to collect ideas.

Be open to change. You may always have imagined a particular type of ring, but it’s not uncommon to find yourself drawn to a completely different style.

3. Let your emotions guide you

If you love romantic symbolism, your engagement ring is change to consider what aspects of your relationship you want your ring to reflect. A hidden halo, for example, might feel like a secret shared between you and your partner, while a classic solitaire might capture the timeless, enduring nature of your love.

4. Try it on – it’s all about the feel

Where possible, visit us in our Hatton Garden showroom or book a virtual consultation to get a better sense of how your dream ring will look and feel on the finger.

5. Personalise your design

Your engagement ring can be as unique as you and your relationship are. Even if you fall for one of our classic, signature designs, customised touches make every ring personal.

Perhaps you want to add a diamond-set band or mix metals? Perhaps you’ll add engraving, or reimagine a solitaire style as a trilogy. However small or large the change, we’ll help bring your vision to life!

6. Don’t stress – enjoy the journey

Choosing an engagement ring is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so try to enjoy it! Don’t be afraid to take your time and follow what feels right for you.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way. As expert Hatton Garden jewellers, we have all the information you need to make an informed (and inspired!) decision.