- Editorial
- /
- Women's Lookbooks & Guides
- /
- The Diamond Guide
Diamond Engagement Ring Styles
Engagement rings are one of the most exciting things you’ll ever shop for. And because you’re going to wear it every day, we want to help you choose an engagement ring style you truly love. A dazzling array of shapes and settings abound, so we’ve broken down the most popular diamond engagement ring styles to help you find your perfect match.
What Are Diamond Ring Settings?
An engagement ring’s setting refers to how the diamond or stone is mounted into the band. And how it’s set greatly influences the ring’s aesthetic. At Bloomingdale’s, our selection of diamond ring settings includes everything from halos and pavé bands to eternity bands, bezel settings, channel-set rings, and more.
Prong Setting
The classic prong setting is the most common diamond ring setting, with thin metal arms (prongs) supporting a central stone. By lifting the diamond above the band, prongs help it reflect more light and radiate sparkle.
Solitaire
Defined by a singular stone, the solitaire diamond engagement ring is simple but extraordinary. This classic setting usually features a high-set center diamond that’s perfectly positioned to allow for ample light exposure and radiant sparkle.
Cluster
Also known as illusion rings, cluster settings group together several smaller diamonds to mimic the size of a larger stone with a higher carat weight. Cluster settings can be a more affordable option for contemporary engagement rings.
Halo
Similar to cluster rings, the ethereal halo setting groups a “halo” of smaller diamonds and side stones around a center stone to enhance its size and brilliance. Halo engagement rings have become very popular because they make the center stone appear bigger.
Channel
A channel-set ring features a series of small diamonds embedded along the band in a grooved channel, which adds to the central stone’s brilliance and sparkle.
Pavé
Pavé rings feature encrusted diamonds that are positioned so closely together that very little metal is visible between them. The pavé setting makes the entire band look as if it’s made of diamonds.
Classic
Classic engagement ring settings showcase the central diamond with a fusion of clean lines, solitary stones, pavé accents, and traditional details.
Three-Stone
Sometimes referred to as a trinity or trilogy ring, the symbolic three-stone setting features a trio of stones side by side representing a couple’s past, present, and future—or “you, me, and us.”
Cathedral
In a cathedral setting, the center stone is elevated between bands angled up on each side (essentially resembling the arches of a cathedral). This traditional engagement ring setting is often paired with pavé diamonds along the band for added luster and shine.
Split-Shank
A split-shank ring is made with a band that splits on both sides of the central stone, creating a slight gap. This eye-catching design can make a diamond look larger or lend a ring a vintage feel.
Eternity Bands
Eternity bands beautifully symbolize the eternal union of marriage with bands that are uniquely twisted into infinity signs on both sides of the central stone.
Bezel
The bezel setting is a popular choice for low-set contemporary wedding rings thanks to its gleaming metal rim which surrounds the diamond, revealing only its crown. A bonus of a bezel setting is that it can make a stone appear bigger.
Tension
Designed to maximize a diamond’s sparkle, tension settings make the ring’s central stone look as if it’s floating. This visual illusion also allows more light to hit the diamond, adding to its overall brilliance.
Vintage
Vintage-inspired engagement rings and wedding bands take visual cues from yesteryear and can include decorative Baroque designs with pavé settings, geometric Art Deco rings, Edwardian filigrees, and more retro-romantic styles.
Shop Diamond Wedding and Engagement Rings
At Bloomingdale’s, we offer a dazzling assortment of diamond engagement rings to help you find “the one.” From the scintillating style of round-cut diamond solitaires to halo settings, pavé bands, eternity bands, and more, our collection of diamond jewelry includes diamond rings you’ll love for a lifetime.