What Your Engagement Ring Says About You

What Does Your Engagement Ring Say About You?

Sarah Schreiber

Updated on March 31, 2023

I Want Something Timeless

If you want a sparkler that stands the test of time, go for a prong-set solitaire, which is as classic as it gets.

Cartier Solitaire 1895 Engagement Ring, price upon request; cartier.us

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I Want a Twist on the Traditional Engagement Ring

Looking for something a bit ... quirkier? Put a spin on the classic engagement ring setting—literally! East-West engagement rings feature diamonds that are placed horizontally on the band, in comparison to a traditional setting, a vertically placed stone.

Erie Basin Pear Diamond Ring, price upon request, eriebasin.com

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I'm Super Feminine

Choose a design that embraces femininity with delicate sparkle, floral motifs, and/or rich color.

Grace, Claire Pettibone X Trumpet & Horn, $3,550, trumpetandhorn.com

See More Rings in This Collection

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I'm a Tomboy

black-diamond-engagement-rings-satomi-kawakita-0814.jpg — Sherry Griffin

If you're outdoorsy and active, try a bezel setting, where the metal surrounds the gem, so it holds a stone securely, and won't snag spandex during workouts.

Satomi Kawakita Rose Cut Solitaire Black Diamond Ring, $1,553, satomikawakita.com

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I'm Torn Between Silver and Gold

Select a band that combines different metals, or choose a setting with a single metal and mix it confidently with your other jewelry.

McTeigue & McClelland Flora Diamond Ring, price upon request, mc2jewels.com

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I'm a Traditionalist, but Don't Want Round

With its rectangular shape and history dating back to at least 1477, an emerald-cut diamond engagement ring is time-honored yet unexpected.

Harry Winston Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring, price upon request, harrywinston.com

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I'm a Firecracker

If you're known for living on the edge and crave excitement, go for something with a shock of pizazz, like this surprising arrangement of baquettes around a center stone.

Suzanne Kalan's Devoted Collection 1.30ct White Diamond Baguettes, Surrounding a 1.13 ct White Diamond Center in 18K White Gold, suzannekalan.com

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I Love Vintage Everything Vintage

buying-vintage-engagement-ring-doyle-doyle-1950s-diamond-0215.jpg — Courtesy of Doyle & Doyle

Surf antique-jewelry sites to see offerings like this 1890 beauty. Browse by decade to learn about the styles of each era.

Vintage Diamond White Gold Ring (circa 1950), $10,900, doyledoyle.com

Get More Tips on Finding a Vintage Engagement Ring You’ll Cherish

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I Want a Major Rock on a Minor Budget

A halo setting imparts the illusion that you have a larger stone. Small diamonds encircle—and augment—the center gem.

De Beers Aura Solitaire Ring, $5,500, debeers.com

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I'd Like to Just Wear a Band

Sounds great! Just remember that, if going the band-only route, you'll want to opt for a piece that works twice as well at expressing your sense of style.

Harry Winston Channel-Set Band, $18,100, harrywinston.com

Find More Unique Diamond Eternity Bands

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