The Complete Guide to Engagement Ring Styles

Choosing an engagement ring style is one of the most personal decisions you'll make during your ring-buying journey. The style you select will adorn your partner's finger for decades to come, so understanding the options available is essential. This comprehensive guide walks you through every major engagement ring style, helping you identify the perfect match for your loved one's taste and personality.

Solitaire Rings: Timeless Elegance

The solitaire remains the most popular engagement ring style worldwide, and for good reason. Featuring a single centre stone mounted on a simple band, this classic design puts all the focus on the diamond or gemstone itself. The word "solitaire" comes from the French word for "alone," perfectly capturing the essence of this style.

Solitaire rings work beautifully with any stone shape, though round brilliant cuts remain the most traditional choice. The simplicity of the setting allows maximum light to enter the stone, creating exceptional sparkle. Modern solitaires often feature subtle details like cathedral settings, which raise the centre stone for added prominence, or knife-edge bands that create a sleek, contemporary look.

Halo Settings: Maximum Sparkle

Halo settings surround the centre stone with a ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones, creating a dazzling frame that amplifies brilliance and makes the central gem appear larger. This style gained enormous popularity in the 2010s and continues to be a favourite among Australian couples.

The halo design offers excellent value for money, as the surrounding stones create visual impact without requiring a larger—and more expensive—centre stone. You'll find single halos, which feature one ring of accent stones, and double halos that add even more sparkle with two concentric circles of diamonds.

For those seeking something truly eye-catching, consider a hidden halo, where the accent diamonds sit beneath the centre stone rather than around it. This creates a subtle sparkle visible only from certain angles, adding a delightful element of surprise.

Three-Stone Rings: Past, Present, Future

Three-stone engagement rings carry beautiful symbolism, with each stone representing the past, present, and future of your relationship. The centre stone is typically larger, flanked by two smaller stones that complement rather than compete with it.

This style offers tremendous versatility. You might choose matching diamonds throughout, or opt for coloured gemstones as side stones for a personalised touch. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds all pair beautifully with diamonds in three-stone designs. The side stones can match the centre stone's shape or provide contrast—pear-shaped side stones alongside a round centre create elegant tapered shoulders.

Vintage and Antique Styles

Vintage-inspired rings draw from historical design periods, offering romantic details that modern minimalist styles simply cannot replicate. Each era brought distinctive characteristics that continue to influence contemporary ring design.

Art Deco (1920s-1930s)

Characterised by geometric shapes, bold lines, and symmetrical patterns, Art Deco rings often feature emerald or Asscher cut stones complemented by intricate metalwork. Milgrain detailing—tiny beaded edges—adds texture and authenticity to these designs.

Victorian (1837-1901)

Victorian rings showcase ornate scrollwork, floral motifs, and coloured gemstones. Yellow gold was predominant during this era, though rose gold also featured prominently. These rings often include symbolic elements like hearts, flowers, and serpents.

Edwardian (1901-1910)

Known for delicate, lacy metalwork often achieved through filigree techniques, Edwardian rings typically feature platinum or white gold with intricate open patterns. The craftsmanship required for authentic Edwardian styling makes these rings particularly special.

Modern and Contemporary Styles

Contemporary engagement rings break from tradition with architectural designs, unconventional stone placements, and innovative settings. These rings appeal to individuals who view jewellery as wearable art and prefer standing out from the crowd.

Tension settings appear to suspend the diamond in mid-air, held only by the pressure of the metal band. East-west settings orient elongated stones horizontally rather than vertically, creating a fresh take on classic shapes. Bezel settings encircle the stone entirely in metal, offering both protection and a sleek, modern aesthetic popular among active lifestyles.

Cluster and Multi-Stone Designs

Cluster rings group multiple smaller stones together to create impact through collective brilliance rather than a single large stone. This approach can be more budget-friendly while still delivering impressive visual presence.

Floral clusters arrange stones to resemble flower petals, while geometric clusters create structured, symmetrical patterns. Scattered cluster designs offer an organic, free-form appearance that feels artisanal and unique.

Choosing the Right Style

Selecting the perfect ring style requires consideration of your partner's lifestyle, fashion preferences, and personality. Someone with an active lifestyle might appreciate the protective qualities of a bezel setting, while a romantic soul might gravitate toward vintage-inspired designs.

Consider the rings they already wear. Do they favour delicate, understated pieces or bold statement jewellery? Do they prefer silver-toned or gold-toned metals? These clues help narrow down which styles will feel most natural on their hand.

Remember that engagement ring styles aren't mutually exclusive. Many modern rings combine elements—a solitaire with vintage-inspired milgrain detailing, or a halo setting with Art Deco geometric patterns. The perfect ring might blend several styles to create something uniquely suited to your partner.