Ring Styles Guide

A solitaire engagement ring features one, single precious gemstone – typically a diamond. This is the most iconic, classic and simple engagement ring style, loved by minimalists and those with a taste for classic style.

Solitaire engagement rings are a popular choice due to their versatility. For example, oval solitaire engagement rings are favoured for their sleek and modern appeal, while round solitaire engagement rings are cherished by couples who prefer a timeless and elegant aesthetic. Cushion-cut solitaire rings offer a vintage charm that appeals to those with a love for classic romance, or a pear shape can appear a little edgier.

Furthermore, you can choose various setting styles to make your solitaire ring your own; whether that’s four claws, six claws, a rubover or demi-rubover. Adding a hidden halo or diamond set bridge is a further popular customisation of a solitaire ring.

Solitaire rings typically start from £850, plus the cost of the centre diamond or gemstone.

A diamond band engagement ring is set with micro diamonds around the band, with one larger diamond or gemstone at the centre. Some jewellers simply call this a ‘pavé engagement ring’, but in reality pavé indicates the style in which the small diamonds are set. The diamond band design builds on the simplicity of a solitaire ring, adding sparkle and intricacy to the design. At Queensmith, each tiny diamond used along the band is hand-selected by our goldsmiths to match in top colour and clarity quality to ensure it perfectly complements the centre diamond.

Diamond band rings typically cost between £1,350 to £1,650, plus the cost of the centre diamond or gemstone.

Rings with diamond accents, like a halo or diamond set shoulders, can be set in a number of styles, including scallop, pavé and channel. Scallop and pavé are the most iconic setting styles for the melee diamonds along the ring band or around the halo, whilst channel is a unique and contemporary choice.

Scallop

A scallop set diamond band sees diamonds set with scallop edged metal work, which exposes the sides of the diamonds, as well as the table, allowing for plenty of light to reach each stone. For this reason, some note a scallop set diamond band is a little sparklier than a pavé or channel set band.

Pavé

This features diamonds alternated with small ball claws, used to keep the diamonds in place, and edged with a refined strip of metal. Pavé settings can be a great way to achieve the look of vintage engagement rings, particularly when ‘milgrain’ detailing is added.

Channel

Channel set diamond bands have a similar aesthetic to pavé, however, removing the ball claws between each diamond give this style a more contemporary edge. Instead of using ball claws, diamonds are set closely together and secured by the outer metal work of either side of the band. This style looks particularly good with princess cut and emerald cut diamonds, as the straight edged diamonds can sit side by side, totally flush.

Alternative diamond band setting styles

There are further diamond band setting styles to choose from, such as shared prong, fishtail, flush set and rubover, each providing a distinct look and feel. Selecting the right setting style allows you to create a diamond band that perfectly reflects your taste and style.

A trilogy engagement ring features three precious diamonds or gemstones, typically consisting of one larger centre diamond flanked by two slightly smaller stones. The side stones are usually around half the carat weight each of the centre stone, however, the size you opt for is totally up to you. Whilst every diamond is unique, the two side diamonds will be selected to perfectly complement and match in shape, carat weight, as well as matching the colour and clarity of the centre stone.

Trilogy rings typically start from £1375 including two small side stones, plus the additional cost of the centre diamond. Increasing the carat weight of the side stones will increase the overall price.

The most popular shapes for a trilogy ring’s side diamonds are:

• Round
• Pear
• Tapered baguettes

When choosing a custom trilogy ring, there are many alternative diamond shapes you can play around with, such as:

• Trapezoids
• Trillion cuts
• Cadillacs

Some people choose a trilogy ring with three diamonds of the same shape, such as three oval diamonds, which can look killer.

Building upon the simplicity of a solitaire, a halo engagement ring features micro diamonds set around the circumference of the centre stone. This adds detailing and enhances the size of your ring. Every little diamond used is hand-selected to match in quality, enhancing and matching the colour and clarity of the centre diamond. Looking for something more subtle and understated? A hidden halo engagement ring could be your perfect match. This style of ring features a circle of small diamonds encircling the pavilion of the centre gemstone, visible only from side views, adding secret sparkle.

Halo engagement rings typically cost around £1,650, or closer to £2,350 for the addition of a diamond set band. This excludes the cost of your chosen centre diamond or gemstone.

Similarly to the band of an engagement ring, the halo can be set in a number of styles, with scallop and pavé being the two most popular choices. Scallop settings allow plenty of light to bounce around each tiny diamond due equating to intense sparkle. Pavé settings are slightly more metal-heavy, so while a little less sparkly, offer a beautiful vintage appeal.

Most people either choose a plain band for their halo ring, or the same setting style as the halo for the band, such as a scallop band and a scallop halo.