Engagement Ring
Styles Guide
Discover the key ring styles, from timeless solitaires to sparkling halos. Find the design that best tells your love story.
Where Every Style Begins with a Story
Selecting a ring style is one of the earliest — and most exciting — decisions on your engagement ring journey. At Bond Jewellery & Diamonds, we group our engagement rings into five distinctive styles: solitaire, diamond band, halo, trilogy and toi et moi. Each of these carries its own personality and charm, and every design can be refined further with your personal touches.
Start with the style that resonates most — whether that's quiet elegance or maximum brilliance — and let the finer details follow naturally. This guide will walk you through each style so you can make an informed, confident choice.
Jump to Style
Solitaire, Halo or Three-Stone — What's the Difference?
If you're weighing up different ring styles, it helps to understand how each one differs in the way it frames the central stone and how much additional detail surrounds it.
A solitaire ring presents a single gemstone on its own — no accent stones, no surrounding halo. It's the purest, most understated choice, celebrated for its clean, timeless character. For anyone who values restraint and longevity of style, the solitaire is unbeatable.
A halo ring centres its main stone within a frame of smaller accent diamonds. This surrounds the gemstone with extra light and sparkle, and can also create the appearance of a larger centre stone — making it an ideal choice for those who want a more show-stopping, detailed finish.
A trilogy ring (also called a three-stone ring) features a central diamond flanked by two complementary stones on either side. The result is a ring with presence, balance and meaningful symbolism — commonly associated with a couple's past, present and future together.
Our Collection
Explore the Main Ring Styles
Style 01
The Solitaire Ring
At its heart, a solitaire engagement ring is the art of letting one diamond speak for itself. Featuring a single precious stone — typically a diamond — set without additional accent stones, the solitaire is the most celebrated and enduring ring style in the world. It appeals to those who prize clean lines, effortless sophistication and a design that will never feel dated.
What makes the solitaire particularly special is its flexibility. An oval solitaire carries a sleek, contemporary edge; a round brilliant cut delivers timeless radiance; a cushion cut solitaire evokes a sense of vintage romance; and a pear-shaped stone adds a subtle hint of the unconventional. Every diamond shape creates a different character within the same foundational design.
You can also personalise your solitaire through the choice of claw setting — four claws, six claws, a rubover or demi-rubover. For those who want to add a quiet flourish, a hidden halo or a diamond-set bridge beneath the stone are popular finishing touches that remain subtle yet distinctive.
Starting price: From £895 (plus the cost of your chosen centre diamond or gemstone)
Solitaire Round
Solitaire Oval
Solitaire Cushion
Style 02
The Diamond Band Ring
Think of a diamond band engagement ring as a solitaire elevated — a central stone takes pride of place, while the band itself is adorned with a continuous line of smaller accent diamonds. The result is a ring that radiates brilliance in every direction, combining structure with spectacular detail.
Sometimes referred to as a pavé ring, the term "pavé" technically describes the setting method rather than the ring style itself. At Bond Jewellery, every accent diamond used on the band is individually hand-selected by our craftspeople to ensure consistent colour and clarity — because even the smallest stone should be exceptional.
Starting price: From £1,395 (plus the cost of your chosen centre diamond or gemstone)
Choosing Your Band Setting Style
The way accent diamonds are set into the band affects both the look and the amount of light the ring catches. Three primary setting styles — scallop, pavé and channel — each create a different aesthetic. Here's how they differ:
Claw Setting
Diamonds are secured within metal prongs refined by small incisions to receive the edges of the stone. Precision-made so not to affect the ring's overall aesthetic, they present each diamond for maximum light exposure and sparkle.
Pavé Setting
Tiny ball claws alternate between diamonds to hold them in position, with a fine strip of metal running along the band's edge. Pavé lends itself beautifully to vintage-inspired designs, especially when paired with milgrain detailing.
Scallop Setting
Each diamond is secured with scalloped metalwork that exposes the sides of the stones, allowing light to flood in from multiple angles. Many feel the scallop setting produces the most intense sparkle of the three options.
Additional setting options include shared prong, fishtail, flush set and rubover — each offering its own distinct character. Our team is on hand to help you explore all the possibilities.
Style 03
The Halo Ring
A halo engagement ring wraps the central gemstone in a close-set frame of smaller diamonds, creating a dazzling crown of brilliance. The halo's visual effect is immediate — your centre stone appears larger, more radiant and impossible to ignore.
The halo style is one of the most versatile in our collection. A round halo delivers a classic, refined finish; a square or elongated halo introduces a more geometric, architectural quality. You can even opt for a double halo for further drama, or pair the halo with a diamond-set band for an all-over sparkle effect.
Halo rings are a wonderful choice for anyone drawn to statement jewellery or those who want their ring to maximise the appearance of their centre stone without stretching the budget on a larger diamond.
Starting price: From £1,595 (plus the cost of your chosen centre diamond or gemstone)
Style 04
The Trilogy Ring
Also known as a three-stone ring, the trilogy brings together a central diamond and two side stones — typically set symmetrically to either side of the main gem. This arrangement gives the ring a strong, balanced silhouette that sits beautifully across the finger.
Beyond its beauty, the trilogy ring carries one of the most meaningful narratives in jewellery — the three stones representing the past, present and future of a relationship. It's this combination of visual impact and personal significance that has kept the trilogy style so enduringly popular.
You can choose matching diamond shapes for all three stones, or opt for contrasting shapes — for example, a round centre stone with tapered baguette sides for a more sculptural, art-deco feel. The side stones can also be coloured gemstones for a truly personal touch.
Starting price: From £1,495 (plus the cost of your chosen diamonds or gemstones)
Style 05
Toi et Moi
French for "you and me," the toi et moi ring is one of the most romantic and distinctive styles available. Rather than a single central stone, two gems sit side by side — often angled towards each other — to represent two individuals and the bond they share.
Historically worn by figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Joséphine, the toi et moi has experienced a significant revival in recent years, beloved by those who want an engagement ring that feels genuinely individual and romantically charged.
The two stones can be identical for a harmonious look, or deliberately contrasting — a diamond paired with a sapphire, emerald or other coloured gemstone for a striking contrast. This is a ring that invites creativity and personal meaning in equal measure.
The Details
Claw Styles & Collet Settings
Once you've settled on a ring style, one of the next decisions is how the centre stone will be held in place. The choice of claw or collet setting affects both the look and the security of your gemstone.
Four Claw
Four claws expose the maximum amount of the diamond to light, enhancing brilliance and giving the stone a cleaner, more modern appearance. A popular choice for round, oval and cushion cuts.
Six Claw
Six claws offer greater security and a more traditional, rounded silhouette. The extra claws create a subtle "crown" effect around the stone, lending a classic and regal quality to round brilliant diamonds.
Rubover / Bezel
A rubover or bezel setting wraps a band of metal fully or partially around the stone. It offers maximum protection and a smooth, low-profile look that suits contemporary and minimalist aesthetics.
Collet / Gallery
A collet is a tube or cup of metal that holds the stone in place without claws. It sits flush against the gemstone and offers a very sleek, architectural look — often seen in more design-forward and bespoke rings.
Finishing Touches
Band Design & Profile
The band itself is far more than just a functional part of the ring — its shape and profile contribute significantly to both the ring's comfort and its overall aesthetic. The most common band profiles include:
- Court (Comfort Fit): Rounded inside and outside — the most comfortable for everyday wear. A favourite for those who are new to wearing rings.
- Flat Court: Flat on the outside with a rounded interior. A clean, modern look that combines visual sharpness with wearing comfort.
- D-Shape: Flat inside, rounded outside — classic and sleek. Works especially well with wider bands.
- Knife Edge: A ridge runs along the top of the band, creating a sharp, defined profile. More of a statement look, ideal for those who want their ring to stand out.
- Flat: Uniformly flat on all sides. A contemporary, architectural look that pairs well with geometric diamond cuts like emerald and princess.
Band width also matters. Narrower bands allow the stone to take full focus; wider bands add presence and feel more substantial on the hand. Our team at Bond Jewellery can help you trial different options to find the combination that feels right.
Related Guides
Explore more of our engagement ring guides, written and curated by the experts at Bond Jewellery.
Round diamonds are the most popular of the diamond shapes, representing around 75% of all combined diamond sales. The mechanics of this shape lead to the highest levels of light reflection, giving the most brightness and sparkle and their versatile nature means they can be used in almost any piece of jewellery. Due to the high demand and high amount of rough stone lost in the cutting process of round diamonds, they are the most valuable and therefore most expensive of all the diamond shapes.
Oval cut diamonds are a stunning blend of brilliance and elegance, known for their elongated shape that creates a flattering, lengthening effect on the finger. With their rounded edges and excellent light reflection, they offer a sparkle similar to that of a round brilliant cut but with a more unique, modern silhouette. Oval diamonds also tend to appear larger (per carat) when compared to other shapes, making them an excellent choice for those seeking maximum size and brilliance in a timeless yet distinctive design.
Radiant cut diamonds are a brilliant combination of the rectangular silhouette of an emerald cut and the dazzling sparkle of a round brilliant cut. With their cropped corners and 70 carefully arranged facets, radiant cut diamonds offer exceptional brilliance and fire, making them one of the most vibrant diamond shapes. Their versatile shape works beautifully in a variety of settings, whether you're seeking a classic or contemporary design. Radiant cuts are also excellent at hiding inclusions, making them a great choice for those who want maximum sparkle with a modern, angular appeal.
Emerald cut diamonds are renowned for their timeless elegance and sophisticated appearance. With their elongated, rectangular shape and large, open facets, emerald cuts showcase a "hall of mirrors" effect that emphasizes clarity and creates a unique, understated sparkle. Unlike brilliant cuts, the emerald cut offers a subtle yet captivating light reflection, focusing more on the diamond’s transparency and depth. This cut is perfect for those who appreciate a refined, vintage-inspired aesthetic and prefer a sleek, sophisticated look with clean lines.
Marquise cut diamonds are known for their distinctive, elongated shape with pointed ends, resembling the silhouette of a boat or a smile. This cut maximises carat weight, giving the diamond a larger appearance than other shapes of the same size, and creates an elegant, slimming effect on the finger. With its brilliant facets, the marquise cut sparkles beautifully while offering a striking, vintage-inspired look. Perfect for those seeking something bold and unique, the marquise cut is a timeless choice that exudes both sophistication and individuality.
Princess cut diamonds are cherished for their modern, square shape and exceptional brilliance. With their sharp, clean lines and dazzling array of facets, princess cuts deliver a sparkle that rivals round diamonds, making them one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. Their versatile design works beautifully in both classic and contemporary settings, offering a sleek, geometric appeal. The princess cut’s combination of elegance and sparkle makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a chic, sophisticated look with maximum brilliance.
Pear shaped diamonds feature a unique teardrop shape that combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elegance of a marquise. With one rounded end and one pointed tip, the pear cut offers a graceful, elongated silhouette that flatters the finger, creating a slimming effect. Its brilliant facets maximize sparkle, making it a striking and eye-catching choice for those who love a distinctive, romantic look. Whether worn with the point facing up or down, pear cut diamonds bring a timeless elegance and dramatic appeal to any setting.
Cushion cut diamonds are admired for their soft, square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a cushion or pillow. This classic cut combines vintage charm with modern brilliance, offering a unique balance of sparkle and depth through its large facets. Known for their romantic, timeless appeal, cushion cut diamonds have a warm, elegant look that’s perfect for those who appreciate both tradition and glamour. Their versatility works beautifully in various settings especially halo and three stone rings, making them a popular choice for engagement rings with a touch of old-world sophistication.
Asscher cut diamonds are known for their distinct, vintage-inspired shape with perfectly symmetrical, square facets and a mesmerizing "hall of mirrors" effect. Featuring a deep step-cut pattern and cropped corners, the Asscher cut emphasizes clarity and creates a unique, understated brilliance. This elegant diamond shape exudes an art-deco charm, making it ideal for those who appreciate a refined, timeless look. With its striking geometric design and dramatic depth, Asscher cut diamonds offer a sophisticated choice for anyone seeking classic beauty with a touch of boldness.
Heart shaped diamonds are the ultimate symbol of love and romance, featuring a unique silhouette that captures the essence of affection. This enchanting shape is characterised by a cleft at the top and a rounded bottom, resembling a heart. With their brilliant facets, heart cut diamonds deliver exceptional sparkle, making them a captivating choice for engagement rings and meaningful gifts. Their romantic allure and distinctive design set them apart, allowing the wearer to express their individuality and sentimentality in a truly special way. Whether set in a classic or contemporary style, heart cut diamonds make a heartfelt statement.
