Types of Engagement Bands: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Style

Choosing the right engagement band is a meaningful journey, one that reflects both personal style and the unique bond shared between two people. With so many types of engagement bands and engagement ring styles available, navigating the options can be exciting yet overwhelming.

From timeless solitaire ring settings to glamorous halo designs and intricate vintage-inspired rings, each style speaks to different preferences, aesthetics, and symbolism. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or want a unique twist, understanding the different types of engagement rings can help you find a band that feels just right.

This guide explores popular types of diamond engagement rings, common types of ring settings, and a variety of engagement ring band styles, giving you the confidence to choose the perfect engagement ring that reflects your love story.

Solitaire Engagement Rings

The solitaire engagement ring is one of the most classic and universally adored engagement ring styles. Known for its simplicity and elegance, this style features a single diamond or gemstone, usually mounted on a plain band. Solitaire rings are all about showcasing the beauty of the central stone, allowing it to be the focal point of the design. With various types of ring settings to choose from, you can find a solitaire that aligns with both your aesthetic and lifestyle.

Solitaire rings come with different diamond ring settings, each adding its own unique touch to the final look:

Prong Setting

This is one of the most popular solitaire settings, where metal prongs (usually four or six) hold the diamond in place. The prong setting elevates the diamond, allowing light to pass through and enhancing its sparkle.

Bezel Setting

For those who prioritise security and a modern look, the bezel setting is a popular choice. This setting surrounds the diamond with a thin rim of metal, offering a sleek and secure hold.

Tension Setting

In a tension setting, the diamond is held in place by the pressure of the band. This gives the diamond a “floating” effect and adds a contemporary twist to a classic solitaire style.

The beauty of solitaire rings lies in their versatility; they suit a wide range of tastes, from minimalist to glamorous. This style of engagement ring is perfect for anyone who loves timeless elegance, making it a popular choice among different styles of engagement rings.

Halo Engagement Rings

Halo engagement rings are celebrated for their brilliance and ability to amplify the sparkle of the central diamond. This engagement ring style features a ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones surrounding the main stone, creating a “halo” effect that enhances the centre stone’s size and luminosity. Among the different types of engagement rings, halo rings are popular for their glamorous appearance and elegant design.

Halo Variations:

Double Halo

For extra sparkle, a double halo design includes two rows of diamonds around the centre stone. This style adds even more brilliance and makes the centre stone appear larger, making it ideal for those who love a bold, eye-catching look.

Hidden Halo

The hidden halo adds a subtle row of diamonds beneath the centre stone, so they’re only visible from certain angles. This style offers an elegant sparkle that’s less obvious, giving the ring a sophisticated touch.

Halo settings work well with many types of diamond rings, as they can be customised to fit various centre stone shapes, such as round, oval, and cushion cuts. This style is a great choice for those who want extra sparkle and enjoy a blend of classic and modern elements.

Three-Stone Engagement Rings

Three-stone rings, also known as trilogy rings, are meaningful and symbolic among different kinds of engagement rings. This style typically features a larger centre diamond flanked by two smaller stones, representing the past, present, and future of a relationship. This design allows for personalisation in terms of stone choice and arrangement, making it a versatile option.

Stone Pairings:

All Diamonds

For a timeless, cohesive look, all three stones can be diamonds, creating a classic and elegant appearance.

Coloured Gemstones

For a unique twist, you can pair the central diamond with coloured gemstones, such as sapphires or emeralds. This pairing adds colour and individuality to the ring while still maintaining a sophisticated look.

Three-Stone Ring Settings:

Three-stone rings offer a variety of diamond ring settings, including prong, bezel, and channel settings, allowing you to choose the style that best complements your stones and overall aesthetic.

This style is perfect for those who want a meaningful engagement ring that tells a story, making it a beloved choice among different types of diamond engagement rings. It combines symbolism with beauty, providing a ring that’s both sentimental and striking.

Vintage-Inspired Engagement Rings

Vintage-inspired engagement rings bring a sense of timeless romance and artistry to modern jewellery, drawing from historical design elements to create an enduring style. These rings often incorporate intricate detailing, like milgrain edges, filigree, and hand-engraving, which add character and elegance. For those who love different kinds of engagement rings that offer a unique look, vintage styles are ideal.

Popular Vintage Elements:

Milgrain Detailing

This beaded edge effect adds texture and a refined finish to the band, creating a look that’s both elegant and classic.

Filigree Patterns

Lace-like designs crafted in metal give the ring a delicate and intricate appearance, often found in Victorian or Art Deco-inspired pieces.

Engraved Bands

Patterns or motifs engraved into the band add a personal touch, making each ring feel like a unique work of art.

Vintage-inspired rings often feature different types of engagement ring settings, such as bezel or prong settings, which enhance the antique feel. Whether you’re looking for something inspired by the Victorian, Edwardian, or Art Deco era, vintage styles are perfect for those seeking different ring styles that stand out.

Pavé and Micro-Pavé Bands

Pavé and micro-pavé bands are designed for those who love an all-around sparkle, making them a dazzling choice among types of engagement bands. The term “pavé” comes from the French word for “paved,” referring to the way the band is “paved” with tiny diamonds, creating a continuous shimmer around the finger. This style is versatile and works well with various engagement band settings.

Pavé Variations:

Pavé Setting

Diamonds are set closely together, typically along the top portion of the band. This setting allows for slightly larger diamonds, adding a bolder sparkle.

Micro-Pavé Setting

This variation features even smaller diamonds set across the entire band for a fine, delicate shimmer.

Pairing Pavé Bands with Ring Settings:

Pavé and micro-pavé bands can complement several different ring settings, including solitaire and halo styles. They also work beautifully as accent bands in three-stone and cluster rings, adding extra brilliance without overwhelming the main stones.

These types of diamond rings are perfect for individuals who want maximum sparkle and enjoy rings that catch the light from every angle. The pavé style is versatile, blending well with both modern and traditional wedding ring styles, making it a popular choice for those who want glamour in their engagement band.

Tension-Set Engagement Rings

For a modern and distinctive look, tension-set engagement rings offer a unique twist among different styles of engagement rings. This type of engagement band uses the natural pressure of the metal band to hold the diamond or gemstone securely in place, creating the illusion that the stone is “floating.” Tension settings allow maximum light to enter the stone from all angles, enhancing its sparkle and brilliance.

Features of Tension Settings:

Unobstructed View

Since the stone isn’t surrounded by prongs or a bezel, the tension setting showcases the entire diamond, making it appear larger and brighter.

Sleek and Minimalist

With no additional embellishments or settings, tension-set rings offer a clean, minimalist aesthetic, perfect for those who prefer contemporary engagement ring styles.

Practical Considerations:

While tension settings are secure, they are best suited for harder gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies. Tension-set rings require precision engineering and are crafted specifically to match the size and shape of the centre stone, so resizing can be more challenging than with other types of engagement ring settings. This style is ideal for those who value innovative design and want a standout ring that’s both modern and unique.

Bezel-Set Engagement Rings

Bezel-set rings are a stylish and practical choice, known for their durability and contemporary look. This type of engagement ring setting features a thin metal rim that encircles the diamond or gemstone, securing it tightly within the band. Bezel settings are popular for individuals with active lifestyles, as they provide excellent protection for the centre stone, minimising the risk of damage or snags.

Bezel Setting Variations:

Full Bezel

The metal surrounds the entire circumference of the stone, creating a sleek, continuous edge that offers both security and a modern appearance.

Partial Bezel

For a blend of security and light, the partial bezel holds the stone on two sides, allowing more light to enter the diamond while maintaining a modern look.

Advantages of Bezel Settings:

Bezel-set engagement rings are versatile and work well with various types of diamond rings. They’re suitable for those who want a ring that’s both functional and stylish, providing a contemporary twist on classic designs.

Cluster Engagement Rings

Cluster engagement rings are a distinctive choice among different kinds of engagement rings, offering a unique blend of creativity and sparkle. Instead of featuring a single large diamond, cluster rings bring together several smaller stones to create the impression of a larger stone or an intricate design. This style is versatile and allows for artistic arrangements of gemstones, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a statement ring.

Popular Cluster Configurations:

Floral Patterns

Stones are arranged in a floral shape, often symbolising beauty and growth, creating a delicate and romantic design.

Geometric Shapes

Some cluster rings feature modern, angular arrangements, using stones set in triangles, hexagons, or other geometric patterns for a contemporary look.

Advantages of Cluster Rings:

Cluster rings are perfect for individuals seeking an affordable yet impactful ring. Since these rings use smaller stones rather than a large central diamond, they often offer more sparkle for a lower price, making them a cost-effective option in the world of engagement ring band styles. This style is also highly customisable, allowing for a mix of diamonds and coloured gemstones, which adds personality and flair to the ring.

Cluster rings are an excellent choice for those who want a bold, eye-catching design that doesn’t follow traditional engagement ring norms. With their versatility and unique appearance, cluster rings are a fantastic way to celebrate individuality and make a statement.

Split Shank Engagement Rings

Split shank engagement rings are admired for their architectural elegance, with the band splitting as it nears the centre stone, creating two or more paths that delicately frame the main gem. This design enhances the prominence of the centre diamond, making it appear larger while adding intricate detail to the band itself. Split shank rings offer versatility and can be paired with both modern and classic designs, making them a beloved choice among different styles of engagement rings.

Design Variations:

Double Split

In a double split, the band divides into two paths on each side, creating a balanced look that emphasises the centre stone’s brilliance while adding structural beauty to the band.

Triple Split

A triple split divides the band into three sections on each side, resulting in an ornate, layered effect. This design works particularly well with large centre stones or halo settings, creating a ring with impressive presence.

Curved Split Shank

This variation adds a gentle curve to the split shank, softening the lines and creating a more organic look. This design can enhance the elegance of round or oval stones.

Advantages of Split Shank Rings

Split shank designs provide a striking visual balance, drawing attention to the centre stone while adding detail to the band. This style also accommodates various diamond shapes, such as round, cushion, and princess cuts, making it versatile for those who love customisation.

Cathedral Engagement Rings

Cathedral engagement rings are inspired by the grand arches found in cathedral architecture, with the band gracefully curving upward to support the centre stone. This elevated setting creates an elegant look that both frames the diamond and allows more light to flow through, enhancing the diamond’s natural brilliance. This style is often chosen for its timeless appeal, making it a favourite among different engagement ring styles.

Cathedral Setting Options:

Classic Cathedral

The arches are smoothly integrated into the band, lifting the diamond without adding extra elements. This design offers a refined, traditional look that works well with both solitaire and three-stone rings.

Modern Cathedral

For a contemporary twist, some cathedral settings feature additional details such as diamond accents along the arches or open spaces beneath the stone, adding complexity to the design.

Vintage Cathedral

This version incorporates milgrain detailing, engraved patterns, or small side stones on the arches, bringing an antique charm to the ring.

Why Choose a Cathedral Ring

Cathedral settings are known for their structural stability, as the elevated design protects the centre stone while showcasing it prominently. This design is ideal for those seeking a timeless ring that combines beauty and durability, suitable for various diamond shapes, including round, oval, and marquise cuts.

Channel-Set Engagement Bands

Channel-set bands offer a sleek, seamless look by embedding a row of diamonds or gemstones within the band, creating a “channel” that secures the stones flush with the metal. This style is prized for its durability and the continuous sparkle it provides, making it a popular option among types of diamond engagement rings. Channel settings blend well with both contemporary and classic designs, offering a refined elegance that suits various tastes.

Channel Setting Variations:

Full Channel

Diamonds are set around the entire circumference of the band, giving it all-around sparkle. This design is perfect for those who desire a ring that radiates brilliance from every angle.

Half Channel

Stones are set along only half of the band, providing a balance between elegance and comfort. This design is often chosen for practicality, as it keeps the stones safe from daily wear.

Tapered Channel

For a unique look, tapered channel settings feature gradually sized diamonds, starting small near the base of the band and increasing in size toward the centre stone, creating a dramatic effect.

Benefits of Channel Settings

Channel-set rings are highly durable, as the stones are protected by the surrounding metal, making this style well-suited for active lifestyles. This setting also accommodates a variety of stone shapes, including round, princess, and baguette cuts, and pairs beautifully with a solitaire centre stone or a halo design for added sparkle.

Infinity Band Engagement Rings

Infinity bands are an elegant, symbolic choice, with the band forming a continuous loop or figure-eight shape that represents eternal love and commitment. This design is both meaningful and stylish, and is often enhanced with small diamonds along the infinity loops for added sparkle. Infinity bands add a unique twist to traditional engagement ring styles and are perfect for those seeking a romantic, enduring design.

Infinity Band Variations:

Pavé Infinity

The loops of the infinity band are adorned with small pavé diamonds, creating a glamorous effect that shines from all angles. This variation adds a luxurious touch, perfect for those who love a bit of extra sparkle.

Plain Infinity

For a minimalist approach, the infinity design is crafted in polished metal without additional stones, offering a simple yet elegant look that symbolises eternal love in a subtle way

Split Infinity

In this variation, the infinity shape is slightly separated at the centre, framing the main diamond in a unique way that combines symbolism with a contemporary style.

Why Choose an Infinity Band

Infinity bands are ideal for those who value the symbolism of endless love. The unique design makes them stand out while remaining elegant and timeless. Infinity bands can complement various diamond shapes and settings, from solitaires to three-stone designs, and add a personal touch to engagement rings.

Where to Buy

At The Wedding Rings Co., we are dedicated to bringing you exceptional quality, transparency, and unbeatable prices. With decades of experience from our beginnings in London’s Hatton Garden, our family-run business ensures that each ring is crafted with certified, high-quality materials.

Whether you’re looking for a timeless design or a bespoke creation, we’re here to make your vision a reality — and we won’t be beaten on price.

Our collection includes different types of wedding rings to suit every taste, and we’re here to help you find the best type of wedding ring to complete your love story. Start your journey with The Wedding Rings Company.