From Classic to Contemporary

The engagement ring you choose will symbolize a lifelong commitment, reflecting the unique bond between you and your partner. With endless options, the perfect engagement ring should not only be stunning but should also feel like an extension of the wearer’s style and personality. Whether you're drawn to timeless classics or prefer to embrace the latest trends, this guide explores both top traditional designs and contemporary styles, and offers advice on selecting the perfect ring.

Classic Engagement Ring Styles

For those who appreciate timeless elegance, traditional engagement rings offer a sense of enduring beauty and sophistication. Here are two classic styles that have stood the test of time:

Solitaire: The solitaire is the quintessential engagement ring design. This style highlights the beauty and brilliance of a single stunning diamond or gemstone, allowing the diamond to take center stage. Solitaire rings are known for their simplicity, making them a perfect choice for those who value understated elegance. Traditionally, they come with a round brilliant diamond set on a plain band, but you can customize this classic look by opting for different diamond shapes, metals or band designs.

A solitaire engagement ring is a versatile option. It’s timeless, sophisticated and works well with various wedding bands, allowing for easy pairing. If you prefer a minimalistic yet striking design, this might be the perfect fit.

Three-Stone Rings: The three-stone engagement ring is rich in symbolism, representing the past, present and future of a relationship. This design typically features a larger center stone flanked by two smaller diamonds or gemstones. The combination of stones creates a beautiful visual impact, adding dimension and sparkle to the ring.

If you’re seeking a ring with sentimental value and a story behind its design, the three-stone ring offers both. It's a stunning, traditional style with added brilliance, making it a great choice for those who want something classic with a twist of symbolism. You can put your personal touch on the three-stone style by choosing unique diamond shapes or incorporating meaningful colored gemstones.

Trending Engagement Ring Styles

If your style is unique and contemporary, there are plenty of exciting engagement ring trends that offer a fresh take on the traditional. Here are two of our favorite recent trends:

Colored Gemstones: While diamonds remain the most popular choice for engagement rings, colored gemstones are making a splash in modern bridal jewelry. From vibrant sapphires and emeralds to soft-hued morganites and aquamarines, colored stones offer eye-catching uniqueness. Many couples choose birthstones or stones that hold special meaning to them, to create a ring that feels truly one-of-a-kind.

If you're someone who wants to break away from tradition and express your individuality, a gemstone engagement ring offers endless possibilities. Not only do they make a bold statement, but colored gemstones can also be more affordable than diamonds, giving you the freedom to create a stunning ring within your budget.

East-West Settings: In this style, the diamond or gemstone is set horizontally rather than vertically, giving a unique and contemporary look. This trend works beautifully with elongated diamond shapes like emerald, marquise and oval cuts. The east-west setting creates a subtle yet distinctive twist on traditional styles, making it ideal for someone who wants something both elegant and unexpected.

This setting is perfect for those who love modern design but still want a ring with classic elements. If you appreciate contemporary art or geometric designs, this modern style may resonate with you.

Tips for Choosing the Right Engagement Ring for You

At King’s Jewelry, we’ve been celebrating love for over 100 years, so we’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way when it comes to selecting the perfect engagement ring. Use the following tips while you’re shopping for a ring, or simply come and see us for expert service.

Consider Your Lifestyle: Your engagement ring is something you’ll wear every day, so it’s important to consider your lifestyle when choosing a design. If you lead an active lifestyle or work with your hands, you may want to avoid rings with delicate details or high-set stones that can snag easily. In this case, a simple solitaire or bezel-set ring could be a practical and beautiful choice.

Reflect Your Personal Style: Your engagement ring should feel like a natural extension of your personal style. If you tend to gravitate towards classic, timeless pieces, a traditional design like a solitaire or three-stone ring might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you love bold, statement-making jewelry, you may want to consider a colored gemstone or a contemporary style like an east-west setting.

Set a Budget: Engagement rings come in a wide range of price points, so it’s important to have a clear budget in mind before you start shopping. Remember that factors like diamond quality, carat weight and metal choice will all impact the price. If you’re working within a budget, consider opting for a smaller center stone or choosing a colored gemstone instead of a diamond. Lab-grown diamonds can also be cost-effective, offering the same brilliance as natural diamonds at a lower price point.

Think Ahead: While it’s important to choose a ring that reflects your current style, remember that this is a piece you’ll wear for many years to come. It’s worth considering whether your chosen design will feel timeless to you in the future. For example, while trendy styles are fun and unique, a more classic design may have greater longevity. A good compromise is to select a ring with classic charm but add a personal twist, such as a unique gemstone or an east-west setting.

Try Different Styles: Finally, don’t be afraid to try on different styles before making your decision. What looks good in a picture may not always suit your hand or personal preferences. Visit us at King’s Jewelry to try on various designs and see how they feel on your finger. You might be surprised by what you end up loving!

Find the Perfect Ring at King’s Jewelry

Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a classic solitaire or the boldness of a modern east-west setting, the key to finding the perfect engagement ring is to choose one that feels like a reflection of you and your love story. Keep your lifestyle, personal style and budget in mind as you explore both traditional and trendy designs, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to choosing a ring that’s truly unique. At King’s Jewelry, find a wide range of styles, including classic designs and the latest contemporary trends. We can’t wait to be part of your love story!

Related Article: A History of Engagement Rings