The Best Engagement Ring Settings for Every Stone Shape

Every engagement ring is as unique as the person wearing it, from the style and design to the shape of the stone. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which engagement ring settings are best for each stone shape. Most jewelers recommend choosing a center stone first, and then using that information to guide your choice of setting. Working with a professional jeweler will ensure that even ring-buying novices will find the right match.

We’ve asked a few fabulous jewelers to share the best engagement ring settings unique stone shapes, whether you’re eyeing an emerald or crazy for cabochons.

Marquise Cut + East-West Setting

“I love setting marquise stones East-West because it’s so much more modern and unexpected,” says Amanda Thomas, owner and designer of Après Jewelry. “The pavé x-caging on the Nova setting makes this ring feel even more special.”

The Nova Ring, $2,260 (center stone not included), from Après Jewelry.

Emerald Cut + Double Pave Band 

Emeralds are a classic cut that are often placed in a classic engagement ring setting, but Thomas likes to elevate it a notch. “The double pavé band of our Beatrix setting really let the center stone shine and make it the star of the show. It’s also a great way to make a smaller stone feel more substantial,” she describes.

The Beatrix Ring, $2,750 (center stone not included), from Après Jewelry.

Round Cut + Hexagonal Halo Setting

If you have your heart set on a geometric cut but haven’t found “the one,” consider a unique engagement ring setting instead. “Geometric cuts can be incredibly hard to find,” says Thomas. “You can get a similar look by setting a round diamond in a modern, hexagonal halo!”

The Ophelia X Ring, $2,710 (center stone not included), from Après Jewelry.

Emerald Cut + Bezel Setting

“To me, nothing accentuates the eight sides of an emerald cut stone than a bezel setting,” says Shahla Karimi. “Emeralds are traditionally set with prongs that cover the four corners, but I love to show of the shape.” And on this ring, two bezel-set emerald-cut stones are better than one!

Emerald Belt Ring, starting at $6,700 in 14K yellow gold, from Shahla Karimi.

Trillion + V-Setting

A trillion can be much more than an accent stone! “I use a V-setting on each corner of the stone to allow more light in, which really spotlights the unique shape,” Karimi describes.

Triangle Eye Ring, starting at $4,400 in 14K yellow gold, from Shahla Karimi.

Marquise Cut + V-Setting

Marquise diamonds were incredibly popular in the 1920s, but Karimi has brought them into the 21st century. “A V-setting is really the best way to show off this shape, but I traded the more ornate Art Deco engagement ring setting for a minimalist split shank design.”

Marquise V Ring, starting at $6,900 in 14K yellow gold, from Shahla Karimi.

Pear Cut + Chevron Band

“A chevron-shaped band contours perfectly to the pointed end of a pear diamond,” says Beth Gerstein, co-founder and co-CEO of Brilliant Earth. “This style is distinctive and definitely makes a statement!”

Nouveau Diamond Ring, $1,350 (center stone not included), from Brilliant Earth.

Marquise Cut + Split Shank

“Accentuate the elongated shape of a bold marquise center stone with a split shank,” says Gerstein. “Intricate petal diamond details further highlight the striking marquise.”

Zinnia Diamond Ring, $1,490 (center stone not included), from Brilliant Earth.

Princess Cut + Twisted Setting

A princess cut diamond is all about clean lines, but the organic feel of this twisted engagement ring setting offsets it beautifully.

Petite Twisted Vine Diamond Ring, $1,190 (center stone not included), from Brilliant Earth.

Asscher Cut + Split Shank

Enhance the architectural quality of a perfectly cut Asscher diamond with an equally striking band. “The split shank and prongs highlight the graphic quality within the stone,” Gerstein says.

Reverie Ring, $890 (center stone not included), from Brilliant Earth.

Baguette Cut + Channel Setting

“Channel-setting baguettes is the best way to achieve a sparkling, full diamond look,” says Selin Kent. “The way the channels hold the diamonds means there’s no metal in between the stones!”

Custom channel-set baguette ring, price upon request, from Selin Kent.

Half Moon Cut + Prong Set

Kent is known for her work with unusually shaped stones, like this half-moon. “I always opt to prong-set any truly unusual shapes to really accent the shape of the stone,” says Kent.

Luna Ring, starting at $2,550, from Selin Kent.

Cabochon + Bezel Setting

The beauty of a cabochon is the smooth, rounded finish - making it perfect for a cocktail party or a casual weekend look. “We prefer to set cabochons in unique bezel settings for an update on a classic style,” Kent describes.

Ada Aquamarine Ring, $2,150, from Selin Kent.

Rose Cut + Pave Setting

“The gentle dome created by the facets of a rose cut diamond make them perfect for a pavé setting, with fewer angles to catch,” says Donna Distefano. “The smaller diamonds around the center pink sapphire create an incredible amount of sparkle, giving this powerful style a more delicate look.”

Christine Rose Cut Pink Sapphire and Diamond 22K Gold Ring, $11,800, from Donna Distefano.

Round Stone + Three-Stone Setting

“Pear-shaped diamonds flanking a round brilliant stone are a welcome departure from typical baguettes,” says Distefano. “They add an organic touch to this more classic three stone ring.”

Meg Round Brilliant and Pear Shaped Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold, $19,750, from Donna Distefano.