The proposal is one of life’s most memorable moments. However, with so many styles and designs out there, choosing the perfect engagement ring to represent the special bond you share when the right time comes can seem daunting. If you aren’t sure where to start, a good understanding of what’s out there can help you decide which ring style fits best with your taste and budget. Keep in mind, there are no set rules around styling your engagement ring. At Wove, we are all about a modern approach to creating an engagement ring that is truly reflective of each couple’s own unique style, preferences, and values. Whether you’re planning to pop the question, or are looking to drop your partner some not-so-subtle hints on what to buy, this handy guide to engagement ring styles is for you. You’re welcome.
Solitaire
If you want the diamond to be the center of attention, look no further than a solitaire engagement ring. A solitaire – named appropriately for the single stone featured in the design – is hands down the most classic and timeless of engagement ring styles. With that in mind, you'll probably want to put more focus on the quality of the stone itself, as the solitaire style does a great job of dimming the lights and shining the spotlight directly on the diamond.
DID YOU KNOW: A solitaire diamond is often mounted on a simple band with a prong or claw setting, and prongs may loosen over time. We recommend having the prongs inspected regularly to ensure the diamond is protected.
Three Stone
Ah yes, the trifecta. Also referred to as the ‘trilogy’ style, we think it is safe to say we’ve all seen the three stone engagement ring featuring one larger stone flanked by two smaller stones at least some point in our lives on the finger of a friend or family member. Tried and true thanks to the visual interest of the often raised center stone, the three stone engagement ring style has grown in popularity recently. It’s no wonder, as trilogy rings are very versatile and work well with a variety of design options. This makes the three stone style a good choice for couples looking to find a unique engagement ring within their budget.
FUN FACT: Megan Markle’s iconic engagement ring that made headlines everywhere after her 2017 engagement to Prince Harry is a three stone ring on a golden band. And trust us, it’s well worth a quick Google search.
Toi et Moi
Excusez-moi? The toi et moi ring style features a coiled band that wraps around the finger with two stones nestled side-by-side. In French, "toi et moi" means "you and me." How sweet, and very fitting! If you are on a hunt for the perfect symbol of partnership – two people coming together as one – this might just be the ring style for you. A very popular engagement ring style among celebs, we like how the toi et moi style gives couples the freedom to design the ring with any cut or stone combination that appeals to them and their own unique story. Varying shape and color combinations can provide a little refresh to a more traditional ring style – just make sure the positioning and proportions make sense.
FUN FACT: Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to his future wife Josephine with what is perhaps the first toi et moi engagement ring – featuring a pear-cut diamond and pear-cut sapphire set side by side. The ring was later sold at an auction in 2013 for almost $950,000!
Halo
When Beyoncé sang the words, “baby, I can see your halo,” she was clearly referring to the ethereal and stunning effect of the halo style engagement ring. The Halo engagement ring is characterized by a central diamond surrounded by a “halo” of smaller accent diamonds, and it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the more popular ring styles. The halo style maximizes sparkle and is in the business of giving couples a bigger bang for their buck thanks to the way the setting enhances the size of the diamond. With the halo style engagement ring, you can go with just about any diamond shape, but each comes with its own pros and cons. For example, a floating halo style features a center diamond that is separate from the accent diamonds. This really draws the eye to the main stone; however, these rings are high-set and aren’t always the perfect choice for couples with a more active lifestyle.
DID YOU KNOW: Halo engagement rings can make diamonds appear up to half a carat larger than they are! This is due to the way light reflects off the surrounding smaller diamonds onto the center diamond, which creates the illusion of a larger single stone.
Hidden Accents
Dreaming up your one-of-kind ring and looking to take it a step further? Hidden accents are a highly personal and intimate way to express the love you share together. While an engagement ring can act as a statement piece to show off your union to the rest of the world, it can also carry a special hidden accent intended only to be shared between you and your partner. Hidden accents like a hidden crown, hidden petal, or even an inside engraving of a special quote or date can elevate your personalized engagement ring to the next level.
FUN FACT: In 2016, a bride with a sense of humor from Lake Orion, Michigan secretly engraved her husband’s wedding ring with the words, “Put it back on.” The ring’s inscription went viral and perfectly captures the playful relationship the couple shares.
Hidden Halo
There is more than meets the eye with this engagement ring style! Offering a unique twist on the traditional halo style engagement ring, the hidden halo is exactly what the name suggests – a halo of small diamonds located just under the prong tips. This adds visual interest from the side and compliments basically any diamond shape. What we like: every ring that is set in a basket can sport a hidden halo. Something to watch out for: snagging. The positioning of the hidden halo makes it more susceptible to catching on clothing. But for couples looking for something unconventional, this trendy and modern take on the classic halo style engagement ring is a great option.
DID YOU KNOW: The hidden halo engagement ring style is a favorite among many famous celebs, including Paris Hilton, Hailey Bieber, and Blake Lively, who is said to be responsible for the trend taking off thanks to her bespoke pink oval ring with a beautiful hidden halo tucked under the main stone.
Vintage Inspired
If you hear your partner mention a preference towards “vintage,” it likely doesn’t mean they want you to run down the street and start sorting through the local pawn shop for somebody’s grandma’s ring. They are probably referring to a vintage style engagement ring designed to resemble the ring style of a bygone era, such as the Victorian or Art Deco period. Timeless and elegant, a vintage inspired ring is often recognized for its engraving and milgrain detailing. If the world of trendy halos doesn’t appeal to you, you may find yourself loving the charm of the vintage aesthetic.
DID YOU KNOW: In order to be labeled truly “vintage” a ring must fall between 20 to 99 years in age.
Now that you have a feel for the different styles and designs that are out there, we hope there is one that resonates with you! If you still aren’t sure, you came to the right place. We want you to feel confident in the style you choose – which is why we send you a replica ring to try on at home! It looks and feels just like the real thing, and it gives our couples peace of mind before they take the next step. We believe in a stress-free ring-buying process, so regardless of the style you choose to celebrate your partnership, we feel pretty confident the ring you go home with is one you’ll love.
