Engagement Ring Styles: The Complete Guide to Finding Your Perfect Ring
Popular engagement ring styles include Solitaire, Halo, Hidden Halo, Three Stone, Side Stone, Split Shank, Straight, and Spiral. Bypass styles are also available with curved or overlapping bands. Each style affects how the center diamond is set and how much extra sparkle it has. It depends on your preferred diamond shape, how you plan to wear your ring, and your budget. We will take you through each style below. We will also share more details on some of the most popular styles, including Split Shank, Three Stone, and Hidden Halo Engagement Rings.
Engagement ring styles at a glance
Our engagement ring menu groups rings into eight styles. Here's what each one means:
| Style | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire | A single center stone on a plain band | A clean, classic look that puts all the focus on the diamond |
| Halo | A visible ring of small diamonds around the center stone | Added sparkle and the potential to make the center stone appear larger |
| Hidden halo | A row of small diamonds set under the center stone, visible mainly from the side | A solitaire look from above, with a surprise from the side |
| Three stone | A center stone flanked by two side stones | Couples who want meaning and more sparkle |
| Side stone | Accent diamonds set along the band or shoulders | Added sparkle without a halo |
| Split shank | A band that divides into two or more strands near the center stone | A bolder, more open setting |
| Straight | A band that runs straight up to the center stone | Pairs easily with a wedding band |
| Spiral | A band that twists or wraps around the center stone | A modern, flowing look |
You can also shop by diamond shape: round, princess, pear, cushion, oval, emerald, marquise, and Asscher. Many rings combine features. For example, a ring can have both a split shank and a hidden halo.
Split shank engagement rings
A split shank setting has two or more strands that separate to create extra width and space around the center stone. The shanks can be plain or set with small diamonds. Depending on the shank’s size, the overall look can be subtle or dramatic.
Split shank settings are ideal if you want a more unique band style with extra width. Try on with a straight wedding band, as some styles may not sit flush with another ring.
Split shank engagement rings on our site include:
Diamond Engagement Ring RQ9410W - $2,840. This exquisite engagement ring features a diamond cape design. The round center stone is mounted on a high split shank with beveled edges. It has 0.13ct of accent diamonds.
Two-Tone Spiral & Split Shank Diamond Engagement Ring R2388WP-SR - $3,390. Combines a split shank and a spiral design.
Two-Tone Bypass Split Shank Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Ring R2381WY-SR - $3,740. Designed for an oval cut center stone.
Dramatic Oval Cut Split Shank Bypass Hidden Halo Diamond Engagement Ring R2281W-SR - $4,525. Combines three different styles.
These four are all Valina designs. Prices for these settings may not include the center diamond, so please contact us to confirm what’s included. The last three are part of our Spiral Rings collection.
Three stone engagement rings
A three stone ring has a central stone and two smaller side stones. Many couples will look at this ring as a symbol of the past, present, and future of their relationship. This makes the ring extra personal and adds more sparkle to the ring.
The side stones do not have to match the center stone. A popular choice is a central oval stone and pear shaped side stones. This will give the ring a more unique appearance.
We have 17 three stone engagement rings available. The Valina range has two different pear cut rings:
Three-Stone Pear-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring R2489W-SR - $2,165
Three-Stone Pear-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring R2484W-SR - $2,240
Please ask us if the center stone is included in the price. To view the full selection please use the 3 Stone filter in the Engagement Rings section of our menu.
Hidden halo engagement rings
The hidden halo engagement ring is similar to a solitaire design. However, in addition to the center stone, the ring features a row of small diamonds set just below it, under the prongs. The ring looks like a solitaire design from above, but offers a sparkling band around the gemstone when viewed from the side.
This is a great option for those who like the clean look of a solitaire design but still want some extra detailing on the ring. It works well with a range of diamond shapes including round, oval, and pear.
Hidden halo engagement rings on our site, all Valina designs, include:
Straight Pear Cut Hidden Halo Diamond Engagement Ring R2367W-SR $2190
Straight Hidden Halo Diamond Engagement Ring with Cathedral Shoulders R2368W-SR $2200. This ring has a hidden halo underneath the center stone and is set in a straight diamond cathedral shank. The gallery is decorated with a small diamond arch. 1/5ct of accent diamonds. Center stone sold separately.
Pear Cut & Marquise Diamond Accented Hidden Halo Chevron Engagement Ring R2393W-SR $2225
Straight Hidden Halo Diamond Engagement Ring R2239Y $2425. This ring features a hidden halo set in traditional straight diamond shoulders. Available in white, yellow and rose gold, mixed metals and platinum.
Straight Pear Cut Diamond & Hidden Halo Engagement Ring R2490Y-SR $2775
We have several pear cut hidden halo styles in our Pear Cut Rings collection. If you want to know what is included in the price of any ring and if there is a center diamond included please ask us.
How to choose the right engagement ring style
Diamond shapes. Some styles are designed for specific diamond shapes. For example, our Pear collection has options like 3 stone, hidden halo and tapered. Choose what shape you want to go for first and then choose the style.
Everyday wear. High-profile settings may catch on your clothing. Check that the accent diamonds and settings are tight and secure. If you work with your hands or have an active lifestyle, you may want something with a lower profile.
Wedding band. Flat settings tend to fit well with your wedding band. Split shank, spiral and bypass settings may have a gap. Try them both together to see how they look.
Metal choice. Many of our styles come in white, yellow or rose gold, bi-metal, or platinum. Two-tone rings combine two colors.
Budget. We have many setting prices that do not include the center diamond. Decide on how much you want to spend on your setting and center stone. Ask us to price up the whole ring.
Find your engagement ring style at Diamonds of London
A great way to find the style that works best for you is to try on a split shank, three-stone, or hidden halo ring. We are a family-run fine jewelry and luxury watch retailer. Our owners hand-select pieces from around the world. Valina has also listed both our stores as authorized jewelers. We carry many Valina bridal collections.
Visit us at either of our San Antonio stores:
Diamonds of London - North Star Mall
7400 San Pedro Ave, Suite #840, San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 524-7224
Diamonds of London - Rolling Oaks Mall
6909 N Loop 1604 E, Ste 2026, San Antonio, TX 78247
(210) 651-3202
Browse our engagement rings online by style or diamond shape, contact us or visit to try your favorites on.
