Top 10 Engagement Ring Designs
Browse Our Bespoke RangeThe Classics
The Classic Designs That Never Go Out of Style
1. The Solitaire The solitaire remains the most popular engagement ring design in the UK, accounting for over 40% of all rings sold — and it's not difficult to see why. A single diamond or gemstone, held by four or six claws, is the purest expression of the ring's purpose: to let the stone speak for itself. At Holts Gems, our solitaire collection spans everything from the most delicate, slender bands to more sculptural, architectural designs with tapered shanks and distinctive claw profiles. Every stone is GIA certified, and every setting is crafted to maximise the light that reaches your diamond.
2. The Halo A halo ring places a border of smaller diamonds around the central stone, creating a ring that is dramatically more brilliant than its carat weight might suggest. It is a design that has endured for good reason — the surrounding diamonds amplify the centre stone's sparkle and make it appear visually larger, offering exceptional impact at a range of price points. Oval diamonds are particularly popular in halo settings right now, reflecting the growing influence of the 'old money' aesthetic in engagement jewellery.
3. The Trilogy Three stones, one powerful meaning: past, present and future. The trilogy ring saw a 16% year-on-year rise in UK sales in 2024, and it remains one of the most emotionally resonant designs available. A round brilliant centre flanked by two matching stones is the classic arrangement, but at Holts Gems we also love a contemporary trilogy with pear or baguette side stones for a more distinctive, fashion-forward result.
4. The Diamond Shoulder Diamond-set shoulders add a continuous shimmer along the band, enhancing the centre stone without competing with it. This design bridges the gap between the clean simplicity of a solitaire and the full glamour of a pavé band, making it one of the most versatile and universally flattering styles in our collection.
5. The Pavé Band A pavé band features small diamonds set closely together along the shank, creating an unbroken river of brilliance from every angle. Accounting for around 22% of UK engagement ring sales, it is the second most popular style after the solitaire and pairs beautifully with virtually any centre stone shape or size.
Trending
The Designs Making Waves Right Now
6. The Hidden Halo A hidden halo sits beneath the centre stone rather than surrounding it, adding a subtle layer of sparkle that catches the light as the ring moves — visible to the wearer but not immediately obvious from above. It is the perfect choice for someone who loves a clean solitaire aesthetic with a secret detail that makes it feel personal and unique.
7. The Toi et Moi Two stones, two personalities, one ring. The toi et moi design — featuring two different stones set side by side — is one of the fastest-growing styles in fine jewellery right now, symbolising the coming together of two individuals. A pairing of an oval diamond alongside an emerald, sapphire or pear stone creates a ring that is genuinely unlike any other.
8. The East-West Solitaire Rather than setting the centre stone vertically along the finger, an east-west setting rotates it 90 degrees for a horizontal, architectural look. Popularised by high-profile celebrity engagements in 2025, this orientation works beautifully with elongated shapes such as oval, emerald cut and marquise diamonds.
9. The Coloured Gemstone Ring Coloured gemstone engagement rings have surged in popularity, with sapphires, rubies and emeralds all commanding significant interest. At Holts Gems, our in-house gemmologists hand-select every coloured stone for quality, depth of colour and character — and our bespoke service means any gemstone can be set in any style you choose.
10. The Bespoke Design The most personal engagement ring of all is one that exists nowhere else. Holts Gems' bespoke service takes your ideas — however fully formed or vague — and transforms them into a one-of-a-kind ring designed and crafted entirely in our Hatton Garden workshop. From initial sketch through CAD design, wax model and finished piece, our master goldsmiths bring your vision to life with precision, care and 75 years of inherited expertise.
