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UPDATED 12TH JANUARY 2024 | ERNEST JONES WRITER
Getting engaged really is one of life's key events, so it's hardly surprising that the thrill and excitement are tempered with a little apprehension, especially when choosing the all-important engagement ring. But fear not, at Ernest Jones, we’re here to help you prepare for the most magical Valentine's proposal.
With a wide range of engagement ring styles to choose from, including timeless classics and striking modern designs, you’ll be sure to find an engagement ring that is as perfect as you are for each other.
What are the main engagement ring styles?
When choosing a ring, it’s important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules. But from the type of metal to the setting and the four C’s – cut, colour, clarity and carat - there’s a myriad of choice and we know that can feel a bit overwhelming. A great way to narrow down your options is to first decide on the stone and the style you think your partner would love the most.
With a sparkle that’s second-to-none, diamond engagement rings are the classic choice, but coloured gemstone rings are becoming increasingly popular with those looking for a striking, less traditional look. Most ring styles are available in both diamond and gemstone designs, but when it comes to the most popular engagement ring styles, there's five to choose from:
When shopping for an engagement ring as a couple, it’s worth making sure that the bride-to-be tries on a range of styles to find out what suits her best. But if you’re on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring for a surprise proposal, take some time to consider your partner’s hand and finger shape, as some styles may be more flattering than others. With that in mind, if you’re searching for engagement ring styles for long fingers, then rings featuring round, princess, cushion or oval cuts are particularly flattering.
In contrast, shorter fingers will look fabulous with a narrower band and a pear, emerald or marquise cut. Ultimately these are just suggestions, and there are no rules when it comes to choosing an engagement ring – all that matters is finding a style that your partner adores.
What are the classic engagement ring styles?
Of the five core styles, three are widely recognised as classic engagement styles: solitaire, cluster and three stone, or trilogy. Let’s look at those types of engagement ring styles in a little more detail.
Solitaire engagement rings
With a gorgeous single stone, the classic, elegant beauty of a solitaire ring has long made it one of the most popular engagement ring styles.
Irrespective of the choice of precious metal, the emphasis of any solitaire ring is the sparkling stone itself, so it’s little wonder that a brilliant round cut, a cut designed to maximise the brilliance of the diamond, is the most popular.
Three stone engagement rings
With a trio of dazzling stones, the three stone engagement ring has long been cherished.
If you’re looking for a ring that has a deeper, more personal meaning, then this may well be the style for you.
The overall appeal is accentuated by each stone’s romantic meaning – with many believing they represent your past, present and future together, and others, friendship, love, and fidelity.
In most three stone rings, the stones are traditionally set within a timeless claw setting, to show them off at their sparkling, opulent best. Look to feminine and modern styles from the Vera Wang LOVE collection.
Cluster engagement rings
If your partner would love a sparkling engagement ring that really makes a statement, then a cluster design is probably towards the top of their wish list.
There are so many options to choose from, with shapes such as cushion and marquise, as well as the highly popular pear or flower shape.
Whether it's an engagement ring from the Platinum One Carat range or the Ernest Jones Diamond Collection, you can decide on the diamond cut, too.
What about the more modern engagement ring styles?
Whilst these designs have been around for centuries, they are considered to be more modern engagement ring styles due to the availability of unique shapes and finishes.
Halo engagement rings
With their eye-catching, contemporary look, it's no surprise that when modern engagement ring styles are talked about, halo engagement rings take centre stage.
Although halo engagement rings can be traced back hundreds of years, and have always been a popular option, contemporary designs with intricate detailing and unique shapes give them a very stylistic appearance.
One of the reasons for their popularity is how the eye-catching design can make the centre stone appear much larger than it actually is.
Bridal Sets
With its beautifully seamless appearance, a bridal set is the ideal choice if you’re looking for an engagement ring and wedding band that are specifically designed to complement each other.
Sold as a stylish set, this choice allows the designer to create a wedding band that complements the engagement ring's colours and key features.
This often involves contouring the wedding band to ensure an absolutely perfect fit that further enhances the beauty of the engagement ring.
The result is a very streamlined, stylish, and contemporary look that is often available at a cost-effective price.
Coloured gemstone engagement rings
Coloured gemstones have always been a stylish choice for engagement rings, and some of the world’s most famous rings, such as that of Diana, Princess of Wales, have featured a stunning, coloured stone. Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are considered to be the more classic gemstone choices, whilst others such as garnet, morganite and aquamarine are more modern options. Many people are also drawn to the stones’ individual meanings, such as morganite symbolising unconditional love and rubies symbolising purity and passion, and the hope that the stone will bring those positive elements into their marriage. Renowned for its ability to craft exquisite engagement rings set with spectacular coloured gemstones, Le Vian is ideal for those looking for a truly captivating piece.
Which type of engagement ring style should I choose?
There are so many beautiful engagement rings to choose from, but by narrowing down the style of ring that best works for you and your loved one, you’ll be able to focus on other details, such as the stone, the four C’s and the choice of precious metal.
We know how important it is to find the perfect ring, something that perfectly symbolises your love and commitment, in a style that they’ll treasure forever. At Ernest Jones, you’ll find all the latest engagement ring styles, as well as collections from some of the world’s most respected designers, who all have a distinct style and approach.
To name but a few, our collection includes an exclusive range of romantic and luxurious diamond engagement rings from renowned bridal designer Vera Wang. You’ll also find an exceptional assortment of stunning, virtually colourless Canadian diamonds that are lovingly designed by Arctic Light. We also offer the remarkable authenticity and traceability of The Diamond Story, where each and every diamond engagement ring comes with its own, detailed, birth certificate.
We know choosing the ideal engagement ring is such an important and emotive decision, and we’re here to help make sure you feel ready to make that perfect choice. If you’d like to learn a little more about the four C’s, see our Diamond Buying Guide or Engagement Ring Guide, which also provide useful information on metal types as well as tips on choosing the right ring size. Our Luxe Journal is also great for inspirational ideas and information.
At Ernest Jones, we’re thrilled to have played a small part in so many proposals, and we’d be delighted to help you find the engagement ring of your dreams. So, why not book a virtual or in-store appointment with one of our experts who’ll be happy to answer your questions and show you our stunning range of engagement ring styles for women and men.