Searching for an engagement ring that’s a little outside the ordinary and challenges the status quo? We thought so. And why wouldn’t you?!
Equal parts sophisticated and unconventional, East-West engagement rings are the perfect choice for those who are after something traditional with an unexpected spin. Let us break down the East-West ring craze…
The East-West engagement ring style adopts a classic silhouette, which is offset with a horizontally placed elongated stone across the band. Flipped on the side so it sits perpendicular to the finger, the stone gives the illusion of appearing larger, promising an impactful finish with added wow factor.
This ninety degree rotation also creates a modern personality to your ring that doesn’t stray too far from the conventional.
Infused with unparalleled charm, the East-West engagement ring is influenced by the geometric forms of the Art Deco movement and became a unique alternative to the detailed and intricate designs of the Edwardian period.
The east-west ring also became a powerful antithesis to the flowery iterations, which were designed by the French luxury jewellers at the turn of the century.
The East-West style is a radiant choice for couples who are after something with a refreshing angle. Pared-down or ostentatious, the East-West style can be customised from the gemstone type down to the shape combination. And as a bonus, the rotation of the stone can make the centre diamond or gemstone appear larger.
Time-tested and classic, our solitaire rings can be combined with design elements such as filigree or milgrain engravings for an overall vintage feel.
If you’re partial to warmer tones, we’d suggest the warm finish of yellow gold or blushy rose gold, which complement essentially any and all gemstones and coloured diamonds.
Platinum bands are also highly resistant; transforming your engagement ring into an heirloom and a piece that will last a lifetime with a cool, icy aesthetic.
East-west engagement rings are crafted with an array of classic elongated stone shapes, from ovals and pears to marquise and emerald cuts.
When placed in an East-West orientation, an emerald cut exudes a linear look and highlights the step-cut facet structure’s long, clean lines. An oval, on the other hand, offers a softer feel thanks to its curved edges and brilliant sparkling facet structure, whilst a rotated marquise cut provides an elegant take on an antiquated design. A pear cut can be considered the most striking of them all on account of its asymmetry and the pointed end of the pear, which can be played around with and placed in either direction.
For something bold, pick a long emerald and go solo to accentuate its long, clean lines. The style makes a breathtaking impression and is the perfect choice for those who are after something a little more statement-making. Radiant and elongated cushion cuts are also typically found on East-West engagement rings and work wonders with both narrow and chunkier bands. On the other end of the style spectrum, pavé settings add additional brilliance and scintillation, and are a showstopping option for soon-to-be-married couples.
This contemporary style can be set with a whole range of gemstone types–from lab grown and natural diamonds taking centre stage to glistening emerald and luscious sapphires. An array of gemstones can be selected depending on your preference and how they symbolise the love that you share for each other. As long as the stone is elongated, it will work in an East-West setting simply by tilting its position ninety degrees. Metals such as 18ct yellow, rose and white golds form the perfect base for East-West settings as well as platinum bands if you’re after an icy cool, contemporary finish.
East-west engagement rings are currently enjoying a renaissance and have become a leading trend in 2022, with the interest in these understated yet dramatic styles almost doubling globally. A favourite amongst the likes of Catherine Zeta Jones and Portia De Rossi, East-West rings play on the traditional and are non-conforming, subverting the classic design codes.
Picked out by A-list Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, the engagement ring of Catherine Zeta Jones is a spectacular East-West style that’s defined with a 10-carat side-set marquise diamond, which is believed to be inspired by the lips of King Louis XV of France’s lover, Madame de Pompadour. The ring is set in platinum and features a hidden halo of diamonds complete with a sparkling diamond pavé eternity band. A vintage-inspired design, Catherine’s ring seamlessly marries classicism with a slight avant-garde twist.
Of course–as our approach to dating and relationships shifts in the modern world, so do our views on traditions, rules and marriage. Whether you’re looking for a ring that goes against the style grain or searching for something that symbolises your devotion, you’ll find an East-West engagement ring is the perfect choice for reflecting the love that binds you and your partner together.
Customisations can be as subtle as a tweak in claw or prong style all the way to including halos, accent stones or intricate hand engravings along the band.
Absolutely. East-west engagement rings are generally just as comfortable as traditional settings. The horizontal placement of the stone sits naturally on the finger, making them a great choice for everyday wear.
East-west engagement rings are essentially as versatile as most solitaire designs. They can be paired with straight or contoured wedding bands, gemstone adorned or polished, and can be stacked with additional rings with each life milestone.
