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The 10 Most Classic Engagement Ring Styles & 10 Unique Options To Consider


The 10 Most Classic Engagement Ring Styles & 10 Unique Options To Consider


Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend

Picking the right engagement ring can be as nerve-wracking as the proposal! Do you go for a pear or emerald cut? Yellow or white gold band? Should you mix stones or go for a traditional look? Don’t worry, we’ve whittled down some of the best classic and unique styles! 

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1. Diamond With Yellow Gold Band

When you think engagement rings, you likely think of diamonds and classic gold bands. How could you not? It’s a timeless duo adopted by many couples looking for simple yet elegant styles. You also have dozens of stone cuts to choose from.

Engin AkyurtEngin Akyurt on Pexels

2. Cushion Tri-Cut Diamond

If your partner likes a little bling, tri-cut diamonds are the way to go. The style thankfully isn’t so gaudy that it’s distracting, but it’s also more elaborate than your everyday stone. Three stones welcome an opportunity for different gems, too.

woman leaning on person in gray topAmy Humphries on Unsplash

3. Double Halo Cut

Double the halo, double the fun! This classic style packs a bigger punch than modest looks. A central stone nestled amid two sparkling halos, it’s an eye-catching statement piece—and your girl’s best friend.  

person holding silver-colored ringGift Habeshaw on Unsplash

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4. Emerald Cut Stones

We often think of diamonds when we think of engagement rings, however, bold stones have quickly become the latest norm. Emeralds, in particular, represent long-lasting marriages and prosperous new beginnings. They also look amazing on white gold bands. 

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5. Rose Gold Bands

Everyone appreciates a nice yellow gold band. White gold is gorgeous too. But if you’re looking for a colorful classic, consider popping that stone onto a rose gold band! Just about any cut, any style, goes with it, making it a traditional crowd-pleaser. 

white flower with green leavesDiana Polekhina on Unsplash

6. Diamond With Criss-Cross Band

Say forever with a criss-cross band! Often crafted into infinity loops, partners love displaying their stones on such a symbolic base. What makes these bands even better is their customization—choose from diamond-encrusted, different colors, or asymmetrical patterns.  

A woman sitting at a table holding a ring boxThe Now Time on Unsplash

7. Accented Bands

Diamond rings are nice, but you want that band to sparkle too. Accented engagement rings not only bring more bling, they can also offer more durability. Depending on the design you choose, your central stone is protected and pays homage to a classic style. 

A close up of a ring on a white clothThe Chaffins on Unsplash

8. Sapphire and Diamond

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend—and sapphires are a diamond’s best friend. This classic pair looks stunning on any band and comes in a variety of styles to perfectly suit any look. Whether you frame a central diamond with sapphires or opt for a diamond-accented band, it’s not a style you say no to!

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9. White Gold Bands

Who could resist a white gold band? Paired with any stone, it’s an everlasting style worthy of eternal awe. It doesn’t matter if you choose a slim band or multi-colored stones either; white gold is like a good black purse: it goes with anything!

PRISCILAFLORESPRISCILAFLORES on Pixabay

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10. Modest Stone With Slim Band

Speaking of slim bands, we couldn’t leave out our love of them. Not enough people appreciate this classic look, but we’re here to advocate for its beauty and encourage you to consider the option. It’s the perfect choice for modest brides-to-be. 

bookwurmeebookwurmee on Pixabay

As beautiful as traditional rings are, it’s time we thought outside the engagement ring box. Let’s dive into some unique designs guaranteed to wow partners! 

1. Salt and Pepper Diamond

Salt and pepper diamonds are exactly what they sound like—the perfect blend of black and white stones. They might not sparkle like traditional diamonds, but they still dazzle everyone in the room.

File:Lizunova-0.96ct-round-salt-pepper-diamond-6mm.jpgYippeeD on Wikimedia

2. Asymmetrical Cut

You’ve heard of cushion cuts, of princess and pear cuts, but asymmetrical is the way to go for a unique flair. Sit down and work with your jeweler to expertly bring your vision to life. You can tweak everything from the band to the stone itself!

photo of red roseKimberly Fowler on Unsplash

3. Emerald Halo

Now that we’ve covered double halos, it’s time we explored its emerald counterpart. Sapphires often get all the credit as a seamless partner, but emeralds work just as well and stand out twice as much. Framing a central stone in green is bound to turn some heads.

a close up of a ring on a white surfaceOscar Ramirez on Unsplash

4. Five-Stone Diamond Band

Though we usually reserve five-stone bands for family rings, they work beautifully as engagement rings too! As a thick band encrusted with diamonds (or multiple stones), partners everywhere will appreciate the touch of creativity. 

FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫ on Pexels

5. Colored Stone With Diamond Halo

Since we’re vouching for rarity, why not frame a colored stone? Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds look even more stunning surrounded by a sleek halo of diamonds! Toss in an asymmetrical band and you’ve got something truly special.

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6. Garnet Stones

We love diamonds as much as the next girl, but there’s something to be said for darker stones. Garnet is a phenomenal choice for anyone in need of a unique yet elegant look. Traditionalists can also pair them with diamonds for a more classic look. 

a pair of red and silver ringsPaige Johnson on Unsplash

7. Vine Bands

Twist and shout with vine bands! This creative take on traditional bands grabs hold and won’t let go, snaking around your partner’s finger with an assortment of stones. You can mix and match colors as well by working in a touch of rose gold. 

MianShahzadRazaMianShahzadRaza on Pixabay

8. Vintage-Inspired Rings

They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to, and it’s especially true with engagement rings. Turn to vintage classics for inspiration; you’ll likely stumble across ageless designs that spark your own ideas for a creative ring. 

File:Vintage antique diamond sapphire engagement rign.jpgPetragems on Wikimedia

9. Peach Sapphires

Sapphires are stunning enough on their own—that flash of blue has wowed partners and peers for decades. May we now direct your attention to peach sapphires? They’re just as gorgeous and come in a subtle peach tone perfect for any ring! 

a close up of a person holding a wine glassJessica Hearn on Unsplash

10. Ruby Red Stones

Nothing says romance better than fire-red rubies. Often clearer and sharper than garnet stones, rubies pair beautifully with diamonds or as standalone central stones. Despite their striking appearance, you don’t see them every day, which is exactly what makes them so unique! 

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