21 Different Types of Engagement Styles

A picture guide to help you choose your dream ring

Are you trying to decide on that perfect ring setting for your center diamond, moissanite, or other gemstone? Or perhaps you are envisioning the style of ring you want but are not sure what to call it?

With so many different types of engagement ring settings and terms like cathedral, bezel, and bypass, finding the right ring for you can be downright overwhelming. Luckily this guide is here to help explain 21 of the most popular ring styles today.

Antique

Antique styles have a vintage inspired design with delicate and ornate features. This style can include a number of other styles incorporated into the design and can be a great choice for those that love the romance of eras gone by.

Antique Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr715)

Bar

Bar styles are ring settings where the gemstones are held with a bar of metal on two sides instead of prongs. This can give a neat, clean look to your ring and can be used for a single center stone or multiple stones together.

Bar Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr760)

Bezel

Bezel settings consist of a raised metal rim encircling the center stone rather than prongs. They have a very clean look that securely accentuates the center stone.

Bezel Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr743-em)

Bypass

In bypass settings, the two ends of the ring band seem to part, or pass each other, as they come to meet at the center stone. The degree of the part can be wide or quite subtle and elegantly frames the center. Romantically, some view this to mean the paths of two lives merging together as one. Some settings in this style can even have two center stones, one on each end of the band, nestled next to each other.

Bypass Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr693)

Cathedral

Cathedral style rings are inspired by the high, elegant arches found in old-style cathedral buildings. The band on this setting type arches up to the center gemstone. This extra bit of architecture allows for a more supportive, exquisite look to your setting.

Cathedral Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr195)

Channel

A channel setting refers to a style where there is a delicate channel cut into the band which holds a row of small accent stones. Instead of prongs, the metal walls of the channel securely hold the accent stones. This is a stylish way to add extra sparkle to you ring.

Channel Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: eng751-pr)

Cluster

A cluster ring setting refers to a style where a group of slightly smaller or similar sized stones “cluster” around your center stone. This is an excellent style to really add sparkle and attention to your ring. It is sometimes considered a halo style, except with a looser grouping of gemstones rather than a perfect circle.

Cluster Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: #enr818)

Eternity

Eternity style rings have no center gemstone but a continuous line of small gemstones around the band of the ring. Also known as infinity rings, these rings symbolize everlasting love and are usually gifted for special life occasions such as anniversaries but can easily be an excellent choice for a wedding band option.

Eternity Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: eband047)

Euro Shank

Also known as a European or square shank, the euro shank style refers to the shape of the ring band. It will have a slightly squared or flattened shape on the bottom, but the inside of the band where your finger rests will still be round. Some people enjoy this ring shape because it helps keep your ring in place and is less prone to spinning around your finger like in a traditional round ring setting.

Euro Shank Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: eng508)

Flush

Flush is a gemstone setting where the stone is embedded in the band itself. The top of the stone is even with the rest of the band. For these sturdy settings, the band is usually wider and provides a very secure setting for your stone. This creates a simple, stylish look and is quite popular with men’s engagement or wedding rings.

Flush Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: mens160c)

Halo

A halo, meaning a circle of light, iconically represents a saint or holy person. In terms of ring styles a halo setting refers to a setting of small gemstones encircling the center gemstone. This is a style that can really set off and bring attention to your beautiful center stone.

Halo Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: eng481-ov)

Milgrain

The term milgrain refers to delicate, beaded detailing in the metal of your ring setting. These delicate little features can be anywhere on your ring and can be a key feature in lovely vintage or antique style rings.

Milgrain Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr712)

Modern

Modern styles are virtually any setting with a contemporary or non-traditional design. They can include anything from from sleek, straight lines to asymmetric curves. Most of all, they will be designs that are unique from the classic designs and very eye-catching.

Modern Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr871)

Pavé

Pronounced “pa-vey”, a pavé setting is a style that consists of a row of small accent stones. You can think of these accent stones as “paved” onto you ring, like tiny gem roads. This style is excellent to really give your ring sparkle as the light will reflect off of all the different angles of those smaller stones.

Pavé Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: eng061-ov)

Scroll

A scroll style refers to features on a ring that consists of curled metal. These coils will look like small spirals just like you might picture at the end of a curled parchment and give a playful, artistic look to your ring.

Scroll Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr611)

Solitaire

The most classic, quintessential style, very popular as an engagement ring setting. This style is pretty self-explanatory. It refers to any ring with a single, solitary gemstone. The solitaire setting can be combined with many other styles to create a unique spin on this time-honored look.

Solitaire Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: sol447)

Split Shank

In a split shank style, the band will split into two or more strands as it approaches the center stone. The size of the gap between strands can vary a lot in this style so you can go bold with larger, graceful gaps or have a more delicate look with smaller, petite gaps. Either way, the split shank has a beautiful highlighting effect on your center stone.

Split Shank Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: eng206)

Tension

A tension setting is a sleek, modern style design. Instead of prongs, a gemstone held in place by pressure of the two open ends of a band. The stone will have the appearance of being suspended in the air. This is a unique and dramatic way to really showcase your center stone.

Tension Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr022)

Three Stone

A straightforward term, nonetheless three stone rings are an important, popular style and definitely worth mentioning. The three stone ring setting may also be referred to as a trinity or trilogy ring and consists of a center stone and two smaller side stones. Although you may attach your own meaning to this style, this ring style traditionally symbolizes the past, present, and future making it a romantic and meaningful choice.

Three Stone Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model # enr689)

Trellis

Trellis style is a ring setting with an interweaving prong structure that holds the center stone. This style is a beautiful alternative to more traditional, classic prong settings. The interwoven metal at the base of the center stone is reminiscent of a garden lattice.

Trellis Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr619)

Two Tone

Quite simply, two tone settings are any piece that includes two different types of metal. Popular ones to combine are yellow gold with white gold or rose gold with white gold. This style is great for setting off certain features of your ring and really making it stand out.

Two Tone Ring Style (MoissaniteCo Model #: enr877)

Conclusion

Now that you have an idea of what many of these features look like you can start to think about which types of settings best fit you. The great thing about these styles is that many of them can be combined in a single ring setting so you do not have to limit yourself to one style! Finding the right ring is an important decision. So take your time. Look at your options. Most importantly…have fun!

Links and Resources

All of the rings pictured above are moissanite rings from our collection at MoissaniteCo. If you are shopping for a moissanite ring and want to see more examples of a style that you love, check out MoissaniteCo’s home page and enter the style that you would like to see into the search box. If you know what style you want but just can’t find exactly what you want, MoissaniteCo also offers a Full Custom Design Service for moissanite rings. To find out more about custom designs, check out our Full Custom Design Service information page or email us at help@moissaniteco.com.