What are the different types of engagement rings?

Among all the designs out there, we'll help you find your way around and make the right choice for you. While the solitaire is the most popular, it's not the only type of engagement ring

Discover also the different settings for your engagement ring. 

Here are the 13 types of engagement rings you need to know to make the right choice:

1. The loner

We have dedicated an entire article to the solitaire ringthe most popular of all engagement rings.

2. Halo", "entourage", "marguerite" or "Pompadour" rings

We've grouped together 4 fairly similar types of engagement ring. Of course, the experts will tell you that they're different things, but to the untrained eye, they're very similar. In a nutshell, what these rings have in common is that they have a large central stone (diamond or colored stone, round or other shape), surrounded by diamonds. 

The "halo" or "entourage" engagement ring is particularly popular in the USA. This style features a single or double crown of sparkling diamonds surrounding a central diamond, making it an eye-catching choice.

Small diamonds enhance the brilliance of the center stone. For maximum brilliance, opt for a pavé ring, also set with diamonds. 

The "marguerite" ring is also known as the "Pompadour" ring. King Louis XV's favorite is said to be the first woman to have worn such a ring. Her entry into history was in the 17th century. The name "marguerite" comes from the shape of the ring: the central stone acts as the heart of the flower, while the diamonds set in a crown around it are the petals. Lady Diana's engagement ring, and Kate Middleton's, are perfect examples. It has a more retro style than the "halo" ring.

Purists reserve the appellation "marguerite " for rings with a round center stone, while "Pompadour" is used for rings with both round and oval center stones.

3. The cluster ring

The "cluster" engagement ring has a central motif that brings together several stones, often of different sizes. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, you can't go wrong with a "cluster" engagement ring. 

Composed of an assortment of stones of different sizes and cuts, usually asymmetrical, these rings are interesting to look at and are often unexpected. There are several main stones, creating a multi-focal point. Most of the time, the stones come in a variety of colors, but you can also opt for an all-diamond version.

This type of engagement ring can be more difficult to combine with a wedding band. It's up to you to let us know if this point needs to be taken into account in the design, in case you absolutely want the wedding band to come right up against the cluster ring, or if you're okay with wearing this ring and your wedding band separately, each on one of your hands.

4. The pavé ring, the "Eternity" ring or the American wedding ring

An engagement ring doesn't have to be a ring with a prominent stone. For those who like both brilliance and discretion (yes, it's possible!), a pavé ring set with diamonds is a wise choice. With this model, there are no high settings to impede movement.

The "Eternity" or "American wedding band" ring has strong symbolism: offered as a symbol of enduring affection (hence the name), it is usually set withan unbroken circle of precious stones.

Good to know: rings fully set with diamonds all around are much more difficult to size than others. This is something to bear in mind, as your finger circumference is likely to vary over a lifetime. Secondly, on these rings, the diamonds on the underside of the finger (palm side) are subjected to far more shocks than the diamonds on the top. These rings therefore require more care and maintenance.

The pavé ring leaves more possibilities. At Paulette à Bicyclette, we can create rings for you that are paved with diamonds ¾ of a turn, half a turn, or paved with just a few precious stones. The great advantage of a pavé ¾-turn ring is that it gives the illusion of being fully set, while leaving the space needed for a setting. The demi-tour ring or wedding band, on the other hand, has an obvious budgetary interest, but is also practical. More affordable, it looks like a full-set ring from the top, while being much easier to maintain: no stones on the back of the finger, where they are most subject to shock and strain.

5. The split-shank ring

As its name suggests, the double-ring engagement ring has a ring body made up of 2 rings, usually welded together on the back of the band. 

To our knowledge, there is no French term equivalent to "split-shank" to designate engagement rings where the band splits into 2 parts just before the center stone. This part of the ring, called a "palmette", splits into 2, forming a "V" on either side of the center diamond (or colored stone). The inclination of the palmettes accompanies the shape of the center stone, for a very successful effect.

Good to know: it can be more complicated to match this type of engagement ring with a wedding band. It will usually have to be custom-made to match the lines of the engagement ring, but this is a project we can design with you.

6. The Trilogy ring

The Trilogy engagement ring is also called "Trinity". It's also a highly symbolic piece of jewelry. A "trilogy" engagement ring is set with three gemstones or diamonds, usually in a row. If this ring were a song, it would certainly be "Je t'aimais, je t'aime et je t'aimerai" by our very own Francis Cabrel.

Our tips for a "trilogy" ring: 

- choose a single type of stone, either all-diamond or all-blue sapphire, for example.

- to embody the power of the present moment, choose a center stone slightly larger than its two companions.

7. The "flush setting" ring, "mass" or "constellation" setting

What is a "flush setting" ring?

The corresponding technical term in French is "serti masse ou massé", which probably doesn't get you very far. This type of ring is perfect for those who don't like high settings at all, who appreciate diamonds and colored stones but don 't want anything to protrude from the band, to put it simply. We could also speak of a flush setting.

On this type of ring, the stones are set in a hole drilled in the band, so that they are "flush" with the band. To hold the stone in place, the jeweler hammers the metal around the diamond or stone. 

A "constellation" ring does not necessarily represent a stellar constellation motif. It's a ring design on which several stones are set in a mass setting, or flush, either regularly or deceptively randomly.

Good to know: 

This type of setting is best suited to small stones. As the stones are set in metal, they should be chosen in bright or light colors to make them stand out.

8. The swirl, twist or twisted engagement ring

It's a classic among all engagement ring designs. This iconic style comes in many forms, but is traditionally characterized by a ring that curves to meet the center stone, then wraps around it. This creates a fluid, often asymmetrical design, an ode to movement. 

Swirl" and "twist" engagement rings are sometimes also described as spiral-style rings. In general, they feature a claw-set center stone, around which the ring gives a semi-circular "swirl" effect. It wraps around the diamond in a protective embrace.

9. The art deco engagement ring

As a reminder, the Art Deco period stretches from the end of the Edwardian era and Art Nouveau, in 1920, to around 1935. Engagement rings from this period are characterized by geometric motifs and masculine details. Art Deco rings often feature angular shapes and bold gemstones. They are often adorned with emerald-cut, cut or stepped stones.

Geometric shapes, clean lines, bright colors and symmetrical ornamentation are notable features of Art Deco design. This type of ring brought about a major change from earlier eras of jewelry, when designs were more natural and fluid.

10. The Toi et Moi ring and the open engagement ring

The Toi et Moi engagement ring is a romantic classic. And for once, the French term has been exported as such! Its distinctive feature is that the ring wraps around the finger and ends with two complementary gemstones. They can be of two different shapes, or of different colors, symbolizing the complementary nature of the two elements making up the couple.

Good to know: 

- it seems difficult to wear a wedding ring and a Toi et Moi engagement ring on the same finger. Instead, you should opt to wear the engagement ring on your right hand, and your wedding band on your left.

- We'll work with you to design a custom wedding band that also wraps around the finger and fits into the Toi et Moi ring. Almost anything is possible...

The open engagement ring is the cousin of the Toi et Moi ring. It doesn't wrap around the finger, its band is straight, but it also ends in set stones. With this type of ring, there's plenty of room for daring.

Good to know:

- To guarantee the durability of this type of model, the ring must be sufficiently wide and/or high. In fact, it must be resistant to stress and the risk of deformation. 

- This ring shape is ideal to accompany an old engagement ring, whose basket does not allow a standard circular wedding band to be attached. We adapt the ring opening to the dimensions of your family ring.   

11. The interlaced ring

A relative of the twisted ring, the intertwined engagement ring features a double band whose sides are, as the name suggests, intertwined with each other. You can choose between an all-gold version for the body of the ring, or a version on which one of the sides is gold while the other is paved with diamonds, for an asymmetrical effect. Once again, this is a model with a very romantic symbolism, marking the union and alliance of the two members of the couple.

12. Chevron ring, or special shape

Our Azur pavée ring is an example that breaks away from the round, rectilinear shape of the traditional ring, with its "chevron" motif.

If you're dreaming of an original engagement ring, far from the beaten track, a multitude of shapes are available. Our team is at your disposal to co-create a made-to-measure ring with you, from the sketch to the final result, including the choice of stone.

Eco-responsible ring in Fairmined ethical 18-carat gold. Made in France, in Paris.

13. Engagement rings without stones

Finally, why should an engagement ring necessarily have a stone or diamond?

What makes a ring a commitment ring is, above all, the intention with which it is given. For the sober-minded, a simple textured ring makes a lovely pairing with a wedding band adorned with a different texture. For example, you can combine an Isilde wedding band with an Isandre engagement ring for a beautiful contrast.

For those looking for a gemstone-free engagement ring, we offer our Muse and Pépite rings:

- the Muse ring has the great advantage of giving the illusion of a stone, through the brilliance of its sandblasted effect, nestled in the hollow of its dome.

- the Pépite ring charms with pebbles of various sizes