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East West Engagement Rings are turning heads for all the right reasons, instead of the traditional upright setting, these rings place the diamond horizontally, creating a fresh, modern look.
But what makes this design special, and is it the right choice for you?
➡ In this article:
We’ll break down everything you need to know, from how an East-West setting changes the look of a diamond to the best shapes and settings for this style.
If you’re looking for something unique or just exploring options, this guide will help you decide if an East-West ring fits your style.
What Are East West Engagement Rings?
Most engagement rings feature a diamond or gemstone set vertically, meaning the longer side of the stone points up and down the finger.
East West Engagement Rings flip this idea by turning the stone sideways—so it stretches across the finger instead.
Imagine holding a book upright—that’s the traditional style, now, turn it sideways, that’s the East-West setting.
This simple shift gives the ring a modern, stylish look while keeping the elegance of a classic engagement ring.
How They Differ from Traditional Settings?
The biggest difference is diamond orientation.
Traditional engagement rings set the diamond vertically, which can make fingers look longer.
East West Engagement Rings change the angle, creating a bolder, more unique appearance.
Image Source: Apprehensive-Park199 on reddit
This setting also works best with elongated diamond shapes like oval, emerald, marquise, and pear cuts.
Instead of drawing the eye up and down, an East-West ring spreads the sparkle horizontally, giving a fresh and unexpected twist to a timeless piece.
Why They’re Gaining Popularity?
East West Engagement Rings are becoming more popular because they offer something different but still elegant.
While traditional rings will always be in style, many people today want a unique design that stands out—without going over the top.
One reason for their rise in popularity is their modern and unexpected look, since most engagement rings have a vertical diamond, flipping the stone sideways immediately catches attention.
It’s a small change that makes a big impact.
➡ Another reason?
More celebrities and influencers are wearing them.
When a fresh trend appears on red carpets or social media, people start to take notice.
But beyond trends, East-West rings also offer practical benefits, the wider setting can make the diamond appear larger, and the lower profile makes the ring more comfortable for everyday wear.
The Visual Effect of Turning Diamonds Horizontally
➡ Think of it like this:
If you place a long picture frame vertically, it makes the wall look taller, if you turn it horizontally, it makes the space look wider!
The same idea applies to diamonds, an East-West setting makes the ring feel broader and more eye-catching.
How It Impacts the Ring’s Overall Style?
By changing the diamond’s orientation, an East-West ring feels modern and unique, but still elegant, it softens the traditional engagement ring look while adding a fresh, artistic touch.
- For a sleek, minimalist vibe: A simple bezel or solitaire setting keeps the focus on the diamond’s unique direction.
- For a bold, statement ring: Pairing an East-West diamond with a halo or decorative band enhances its distinctive shape.
- For a vintage feel: The horizontal placement works beautifully with emerald or marquise-cut stones, giving a sophisticated yet timeless look.
Plenty of stunning visual examples ahead—keep reading! 👇
Best Diamond Shapes for East West Engagement Rings
Not every diamond shape works well in an East West Engagement Ring, since the stone is set horizontally, the best shapes are ones that are longer than they are wide.
These shapes naturally stretch across the finger, making the ring look elegant and balanced.
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Oval, Emerald, Marquise, and Pear-Cut Suitability
Here’s why these four diamond shapes work best for East-West settings:
This shape is one of the most popular for East-West rings.
The soft, rounded edges make the ring look delicate, while the longer shape adds elegance and makes fingers appear slimmer.
See for yourself—this oval-cut East-West ring is a perfect example! 👇
Oval Cut Diamond Endearing Love East West Halo Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
With its clean, rectangular lines, an emerald-cut diamond looks sleek and modern when turned sideways.
It gives off a timeless, sophisticated vibe, especially in a minimalist setting, Take a look at this stunning Emerald-cut design in action!
14K White Gold East West Graduated Pavé Engagement Ring
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Marquise Cut
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This shape has pointed ends and a long, curved body.
In an East-West setting, it looks bold and dramatic, almost like a unique piece of art on the finger. Here’s a gorgeous example of an East-West Marquise-cut ring—check it out! 👇
East West Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold
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Pear Cut
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A pear-shaped diamond, when placed horizontally, has a soft, teardrop look that feels romantic and unconventional.
It’s perfect for someone who wants a ring that’s both classic and different at the same time, let’s take a closer look at a real example, this one is a showstopper! 👇
East West Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold
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Which Shapes Work Best and Why?
The best shapes for an East West Engagement Rings are ones that have a naturally elongated design.
This is because:
✔ They maximize finger coverage — a horizontal setting makes the stone look bigger than it actually is.
✔ They create a unique, balanced look — these shapes stretch across the band without looking too bulky.
✔ They fit both modern and vintage styles — whether you love a minimalist design or something more intricate, these shapes work in all kinds of settings.
While round and square diamonds can be used in an East-West ring, they don’t create the same elongated effect.
That’s why oval, emerald, marquise, and pear cuts are the top choices for this stylish setting.
Popular Settings for East West Engagement Rings
The setting of an engagement ring is just as important as the diamond itself, it holds the stone in place and affects how the ring looks and feels.
With East West Engagement Rings, some settings work better than others, depending on the style you want.
1. Prong Setting – Classic and Timeless
This is one of the most popular settings for any engagement ring.
Small metal prongs secure the diamond in place while allowing the most light to pass through, making the stone sparkle beautifully.
For an East-West ring, a four or six-prong setting works best, as it keeps the diamond secure while showcasing its unique horizontal design.
➡ Want a simple yet elegant look? Check out this prong-set East-West beauty!
Four Stone Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold
2. Bezel Setting – Sleek and Modern
In a bezel setting, a thin metal rim wraps around the diamond, holding it in place, this gives the ring a smooth, polished look while protecting the edges of the stone.
It’s an excellent choice for active lifestyles, as it prevents the diamond from snagging on clothes or getting damaged.
➡ Take a look at this bezel-set East-West ring, it’s the perfect mix of style and function!
18K Yellow Gold East West Knife Edge Bezel Solitaire Engagement Ring
3. Halo Setting – More Sparkle, More Impact
A halo setting surrounds the center stone with a ring of smaller diamonds, making the diamond look larger and even more eye-catching.
In an East-West setting, the halo can enhance the elongated effect of the horizontal diamond while adding extra brilliance.
➡ See how a halo setting transforms an East-West diamond, here’s a stunning example!
14K Rose Gold Endearing Love East West Halo Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
4. Solitaire Setting – Minimalist and Elegant
A solitaire setting keeps things clean and simple, letting the East-West diamond stand out on its own.
It’s perfect for those who love a timeless, understated look without extra details.
➡ Less is more! Check out this gorgeous East-West solitaire ring.
East West Solitaire in Platinum
5. Accented Bands – Extra Detail and Personality
For those who want a little more flair, an accented band adds small diamonds or intricate designs to the band itself.
Whether it’s pavé diamonds, twisted bands, or vintage details, this style adds extra character to the ring while keeping the horizontal diamond as the main focus.
➡ This East-West ring with an accented band is a true standout 👇
14K White Gold East West Petite Pavé Engagement Ring (Flush Fit )
Each of these settings brings out a different side of an East West Engagement Ring, whether you want modern and sleek, bold and sparkly, or classic and minimal.
The right setting depends on your style, lifestyle, and personal taste.
Pros and Cons of East West Engagement Rings
Like any engagement ring style, East West Engagement Rings have their advantages and drawbacks.
While they offer a fresh, modern look, they may not be the right choice for everyone, let’s break it down.
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✅ Pros: Why People Love East West Rings?
Unique and Eye-Catching
Most engagement rings have a vertical diamond, so turning it sideways instantly makes it stand out, it’s different but still elegant.
Makes Diamonds Look Bigger
Since the stone stretches across the finger, it appears larger compared to a traditional setting, this is a great option if you want more presence without a bigger price tag.
Sleek and Modern
East-West settings have a fashion-forward feel, perfect for those who want something stylish and unexpected.
Comfortable for Daily Wear
Since the stone sits lower on the band, it won’t snag on clothes as much as higher-set rings, this makes it great for people with active lifestyles.
Works with Many Diamond Shapes
Ovals, emeralds, marquise, and pears look stunning in an East-West setting, giving plenty of options for different styles.
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❌ Cons: What to Consider Before Choosing One?
Not as Traditional
If you love classic engagement rings, this style might feel too modern, some people prefer the timeless look of a vertical setting.
Limited Availability
East West rings aren’t as common as traditional settings, so you may need to custom order one or search for a retailer that carries them.
But if you have your heart set on one, don’t worry, trusted retailers like James Allen and Blue Nile offer plenty of options, and you can even customize your own ring to make it truly yours.
Not Ideal for Every Diamond Shape
Round and square diamonds don’t work as well in an East-West setting because they don’t have the elongated effect that makes this style stand out.
Resizing Can Be Tricky
Depending on the setting, adjusting the engagement ring size later might be more difficult compared to a standard design.
Conclusion
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Why East West Engagement Rings Are Here to Stay?
Trends come and go, but East West Engagement Rings have something special, they blend modern style with timeless elegance.
More couples are looking for rings that feel unique without being too flashy, and the East-West setting does exactly that.
It adds a fresh touch to classic diamond shapes, making it a perfect balance between tradition and creativity.
With more designers and jewelers offering East-West settings, this style isn’t just a passing trend—it’s becoming a go-to choice for those who want something different yet sophisticated.
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Final Thoughts on Choosing the Perfect One
At the end of the day, the best engagement ring is the one that feels right for you.
If you love a ring that stands out, makes the most of your diamond’s size, and offers a sleek, modern look, an East West Engagement Ring could be the perfect fit.
