Engagement Ring Styles
Most people start with a feeling and end up choosing between a handful of styles. This guide shows how each one looks, how it wears every day, and where to see it. Whether you want something simple or something with a lot of sparkle, you will know what to ask for.
Engagement rings to start with
A few rings from our collection to start your search. Prices and stock change, so check each listing.
What are the main engagement ring styles?
The main engagement ring styles are solitaire, halo, hidden halo and three stone. A solitaire puts one diamond in focus. A halo surrounds it with smaller diamonds. A hidden halo adds sparkle beneath the stone. A three stone ring adds a diamond on each side. Choose by how much sparkle and upkeep you want.
Engagement ring styles at a glance
| Style | The look | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire | One center diamond on a plain band, with nothing competing for attention | Fewest places for dirt to collect. The stone shows every detail, so quality matters. Browse solitaires |
| Halo | A ring of small diamonds around the center stone, which makes it look larger and brighter | More small stones to keep clean and to check over time. Browse halo rings |
| Hidden halo | Small diamonds sit beneath the center stone, so you see sparkle from the side while the view from above stays clean | Gives the extra shine without a visible frame. Browse hidden halo rings |
| Three stone | A center diamond with one on each side, a traditional design for past, present and future | A wider face on the finger. Browse three stone rings |
| Toi et moi | Two stones side by side, often different shapes, meaning "you and me" | The two stones need to suit each other in size and color. Read the toi et moi ring guide |
| Semi mount | A ring setting made without its center stone, so you choose the stone separately | Gives you control over the stone. Ask our team how it works. Browse semi mounts |
Which style suits everyday wear?
A ring you wear every day needs to feel comfortable after eight hours, not just five minutes in the store. A few things make the difference.
- Setting height. A lower setting catches on fabric less than a tall one.
- Number of small stones. Fewer small stones mean fewer places for lotion and dirt to gather, so a solitaire is the easiest to keep clean.
- Prongs. Prongs hold the stone. They wear down over time, so have them checked. A jeweler can inspect and repair them on our repair services page.
- Metal. 14K gold balances hardness and warmth, and platinum is dense and holds prongs securely. White gold is coated with rhodium for its bright finish, which wears away and can be re-plated.
Try rings on and wear them for a few minutes before you decide. Comfort shows up quickly.
Choose a shape, a metal and a diamond type
Shape
Round, oval, marquise, emerald, pear, cushion, radiant and princess cuts all look different on the hand. Oval and marquise stones look longer. Round stones show the most brilliance. For a closer look, read our guides to emerald cut, marquise and pear shaped rings.
Metal
Most of our engagement rings are 14K white or yellow gold, with a smaller number in rose gold and platinum. Our post on metals and gemstones for vintage style ring sets explains how each wears.
Natural or lab grown
Both are real diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are grown in a controlled setting, and they usually cost less at the same size and quality. Shop lab grown engagement rings or natural diamond engagement rings. Not sure which? Read our lab grown vs natural comparison. Every listing tells you which one you are looking at.
Rings that go with your engagement ring
- Bridal sets. An engagement ring and a matching band made as a pair, so they sit flush. See lab grown bridal sets and natural diamond bridal sets, and read the difference between a bridal set and a wedding set.
- Wedding bands. Choose a band to match your ring from our wedding bands.
- Wraps and enhancers. A curved band that frames a ring you already own. Browse ring wraps and enhancers.
- Trios. An engagement ring and two bands, sold together. Browse trio sets.
Not sure where to start?
- Pick the style that matches how you live. Quiet and simple points to a solitaire. Sparkle points to a halo or hidden halo.
- Set a budget before you fall for a ring. Our tips for buying a diamond wedding ring on a budget help.
- Choose a shape and a metal.
- Check the size. If you need help, read how to find your ring size at home.
For the full walk-through, read our guide on how to choose a ladies diamond engagement ring. Want to see every ring we carry? Browse all rings.
Before you buy
Ask any jeweler for the return and exchange terms before you pay. Ours are on the return and exchange policy page. For a significant center stone, ask for an independent grading report. Our guide to IGI vs GIA certificates explains how the labs differ. Many rings can be paid monthly through Affirm.
See the rings in person
Maaz Jewelers
316 W Sailer Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 315-2525
Photos hide how a ring sits on your hand. Come in, try a few styles, and ask us anything. You can contact us first, or learn more about our store.
Ready to try some on?
Bring a photo of a ring you like, or come in and tell us what you have in mind. We will help you work out the style, shape and metal that suit you.
Crafting
memories
Crafted Just for You and Exclusively Yours: We will bring your unique ring to life, ensuring a one-of-a-kind symbol of your love
Consult An Expert.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a halo and a hidden halo?
A halo shows a ring of small diamonds around the center stone from above. A hidden halo places the small diamonds beneath the center stone, so you see the extra sparkle from the side while the view from above stays clean.
Which engagement ring style is easiest to keep clean?
A solitaire. It has the fewest small stones and crevices, so lotion and dirt have fewer places to collect. Any ring still needs regular cleaning and a prong check by a jeweler.
Which engagement ring setting is best for everyday wear?
A lower setting with secure prongs in a durable metal. A lower setting catches on fabric less, and 14K gold or platinum holds prongs well. Try the ring on and wear it for a few minutes to see how it feels.
What is a semi mount ring?
A semi mount is a ring setting made without its center stone. You choose the stone separately and have it set. It gives you control over the stone, but the stone has to suit the setting, so ask a jeweler about sizing.
What is a toi et moi ring?
It is a ring with two stones set side by side, often in different shapes. The name is French for “you and me”. The two stones should suit each other in size and color.
Do my engagement ring and wedding band need to match?
They do not have to, but they need to sit well together. The setting height, band width and stone placement decide whether two rings sit flush or leave a gap. A matched set is the simplest way to be sure.
Are your engagement rings natural or lab grown?
Both. We carry natural diamond rings and lab grown rings, and every listing says which one it is. Both are real diamonds.
Can I add to my engagement ring later without replacing it?
Yes. A ring wrap or enhancer is a curved band that frames a ring you already own. It adds sparkle without changing the original ring, as long as the shape fits.
