Engagement Ring Styles & Settings

When choosing the perfect engagement ring, one of the first decisions you'll make is selecting the style and setting. These two elements work together to define the overall look and feel of the ring, and understanding the difference between them is essential when browsing the many types of engagement rings available.

While the style refers to the ring’s overall aesthetic, the setting is how the gemstone is mounted and held in place. Below, we’ll walk you through the different types of engagement rings, so you can confidently choose the right one for your partner.

Engagement Ring Styles

1. Solitaire

A timeless classic, solitaire diamond engagement rings feature a single centre diamond or gemstone. It's elegant, minimalist, and perfect for those who love a clean and sophisticated look.

2. Halo

In halo engagement rings, the centre stone is encircled by a ring of smaller diamonds. This not only adds extra sparkle but can also make the central gem appear larger.

3. Three-Stone

Symbolising the past, present, and future, the three-stone engagement ring is romantic and meaningful. It's also a great way to incorporate different gemstone shapes or colours.

4. Vintage

Inspired by earlier eras, vintage-style engagement rings often feature intricate detailing, filigree work, and unique cuts. Perfect for someone who loves a one-of-a-kind heirloom look.

5. Modern/Contemporary

For those who prefer bold, clean lines and innovative designs, modern styles offer something truly distinctive. These often feature asymmetric details such as curved bands and horizontally set diamonds, or unexpected materials such as mixed metals in the one design.

Engagement Ring Settings

While the style determines the overall appearance of the ring, the setting secures the gemstone and influences how it catches the light. Here are some of the most popular engagement ring settings:

1. Prong Setting

One of the most common engagement ring styles is set with prongs or claws. This entails using small metal claws to hold the diamond in place. It allows maximum light to hit the stone, enhancing its brilliance.

2. Bezel Setting

A bezel setting surrounds the diamond with a thin metal rim, offering excellent protection and a sleek, modern look. This is ideal for those with active lifestyles due to its secure design and resistance to snagging.

3. Tension Setting

In a tension setting, the stone appears to be suspended in mid-air, held in place by the pressure of the band. It's a bold and contemporary option for those who prefer a distinctive look that highlights the gemstone with maximum light exposure

4. Pavé Setting

Small diamonds are embedded into the band itself, giving the illusion of a continuous sparkle. Pavé settings add glamour without overpowering the centre stone.

5. Channel Setting

Similar to pavé, but with stones set into a channel in the band. It offers a sleek, uninterrupted row of sparkle, and is great for a more structured design.

Other Design Details

A. Metal Types

Platinum:

Platinum engagement rings offer a timeless, elegant appearance similar to white gold or silver, complementing all skin tones, especially fair to light complexions. Celebrated for its exceptional strength and resistance to rust, tarnish, and everyday wear, platinum is ideal for those seeking a durable and long-lasting ring. As one of the most valuable precious metals, platinum surpasses gold in both quality and price, making it a premium choice for engagement rings and high-wear settings. Its sleek, silvery hue retains its beauty over time, ensuring lasting brilliance.

Yellow Gold:

18ct yellow gold engagement rings are a timeless choice, celebrated for their rich golden hue and historical significance. Their warm tone suits both delicate and bold settings, pairing beautifully with other metal colours. Composed of 75% pure gold blended with durable alloys, yellow gold offers strength and resilience for everyday wear. More affordable than platinum, yellow gold is available in both 18ct and 9ct options, offering flexibility without compromising on style. Its luxurious colour makes it a classic symbol of wealth and elegance, especially when paired with hand-selected diamonds.

Rose Gold:

18ct rose gold engagement rings offer a romantic blend of pure gold and copper, creating a soft, feminine glow that flatters a wide range of skin tones and ring styles. With strength and durability comparable to yellow and white gold, rose gold is also resistant to rust and tarnish, making it ideal for everyday wear. More affordable than platinum, it’s available in both 18ct and 9ct options and is priced similarly to other gold tones. Its warm, blush colour adds a unique touch to engagement and wedding rings, often beautifully paired with other metals for a distinctive, modern look.

White Gold: 

18ct white gold engagement rings offer a contemporary and stylish look, making them a popular and affordable alternative to platinum. Known for their brilliant shine, white gold rings are crafted with strong metal alloys, ensuring excellent durability for everyday wear. Priced lower than platinum, white gold is a cost-effective yet elegant choice. To maintain its bright, reflective finish, re-rhodium plating is recommended every few years. Versatile and flattering on all skin tones, white gold beautifully enhances the sparkle of diamonds, making it a timeless favourite for engagement rings.

B. Prong Type

Prong settings are designed to securely hold the diamond in place while allowing maximum light to pass through, enhancing the diamond's brilliance and sparkle. At DX Diamonds, these settings are available in a range of styles, including the classic 4-claw and elegant 5-claw designs, giving you options to suit both traditional and modern styles.

4-Claw vs. 6-Claw Prong Settings:

• 4-Claw Prong Setting: This setting features four prongs that hold the diamond, creating a clean, minimalist design. It's often chosen for its elegance and ability to showcase the diamond in its most natural form, with more of the stone visible.
  

• 6-Claw Prong Setting: This setting uses six prongs, providing extra security for the diamond while still allowing it to shine brilliantly. The added prongs offer more support, which can be an attractive option for larger or more valuable diamonds. It also gives the ring a more classic, rounded look.
  
  

Customisation and Build-Your-Own Design:

At DX Diamonds, you can fully customise your engagement ring or build one from scratch, choosing every detail to reflect your unique style. From selecting a 4-claw or 6-claw prong setting to personalising the metal—platinum, yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold—you have complete control over your ring’s design. You can also choose the perfect diamond shape, size, and type (natural or lab-grown) to suit your vision. Working closely with the DX Diamonds team, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind ring tailored to your preferences, resulting in a meaningful and truly personal piece that symbolises your love story.

C. Finishing Touches

The diamond shape is a key factor in defining the overall aesthetics of the gem, and it can reflect the personality and style of the wearer. Your choice should align with your personal taste, budget, and the setting you have in mind.

Ultimately, finding the perfect shape diamond is about selecting a gem that captures your heart and beautifully symbolises your special moment.

DX Diamonds delivers world-class design, exceptional craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. We guarantee unmatched value, complemented by our expertise and personalised service. We pride ourselves as the premier destination for diamond engagement and wedding rings, featuring an unparalleled collection of exquisite engagement ring designs.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring

Forget outdated rules like spending three months’ salary. Choosing an engagement ring is about celebrating your unique love story, not following a marketing myth from the 1940s. Every ring is one-of-a-kind, just like every couple. Begin your journey by exploring styles that reflect your personality and relationship. Before setting your budget, familiarise yourself with popular designs like Halo, Solitaire, Accent, and Trilogy settings. Remember, the setting is only part of the ring: leave room for a stunning diamond that completes the look. This is your forever-perfect moment. Make it truly yours from the start.

Create Your Own Design

At DX Diamonds, we believe that an engagement ring should be as unique as the person who wears it. With a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, our expert jewellers can bring your vision of an ideal ring to life. Our wide range of customisable design options allows you to refine every detail, from the perfect diamond to the metal, setting, and finishing touches. 

For more personalised assistance, you can visit our showroom in Melbourne CBD or Sydney, or arrange a virtual consultation with one of our diamond experts. We’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure you have the ideal ring to commemorate the journey that awaits you.