The 21 Best East-West Set Engagement Rings of 2023

The classics are undeniable as far as engagement rings go. Sometimes, however, a subtle shift in perspective will modernize a timeless look, bringing nuance and directional appeal to an otherwise traditional ring. That look du jour is east-west set engagement rings.

What Is an East-West Set Engagement Ring?

An east-west engagement ring is a type of setting where the stone is oriented horizontally on the band.

Classic stone shapes like ovals and pears as well as emerald, marquise, and cushion cuts are being given the horizontal treatment for a decidedly fresh aesthetic. Whether in the form of diamonds or gemstones, east-west set engagement rings are unique and rather unexpected but not so alternative that those who covet tradition can’t appreciate the trend.

Solitaire stones are breathtaking in a side-to-side setting—the most modern of brides will appreciate a sleek metal band or one with delicate pavé. If you prefer a little added sparkle, go for a halo or side stones to up the ante. Thicker bands and signet styles resonate well for a contemporary bride who doesn’t necessarily want a ring that’s overly precious.

Despite gaining popularity now, east-west set rings have been around for quite some time, and many jewelry brands carry rings with this setting. Unique engagement ring brands, such as Anna Sheffield and Bario Neal, carry a variety of east-west rings. On the other hand, you might have a harder time finding this setting at more classic brands, such as Tiffany & Co., which currently only carries this style for men's engagement rings.

If you think an east-west engagement ring is right for you, we’ve pulled together 30 styles from dainty and delicate to dramatic and ornate. You’ll love this fresh perspective.

Our Top Picks

Diamond Nexus East-West Classic Trellis Pear Engagement Ring at Diamondnexus.com

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Lori McLean Vintage Pear Cut Solitaire at Lorimclean.com

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Bario Neal Nikko Diamond Marquise Ring .35ct at Bario-neal.com

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Jennie Kwon Diamond YS Ring at Catbirdnyc.com

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Tacori Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring at Tacori.com

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Nora Kogan Nora Kogan at Norakogan.com

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Anita Ko Sideways Pear Diamond Pavé Ring at Anitako.com

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Gillian Conroy Oval Solitaire White Diamond Ring at Gillianconroy.com

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Single Stone Leah Ring at Singlestone.com

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KatKim Emerald Sunset Pavé Rings at Katkimfinejewelry.com

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Courtesy of Diamond Nexus

View On Diamondnexus.com

This pear-shaped solitaire ring held in a four-prong setting radiates simple elegance.

Price at time of publish: $2,060

Courtesy of Lori McLean

View On Lorimclean.com

Looking for an alternative twist on a traditional ring? Try mixing metals with this bezel-set diamond in 14k white and rose gold.

Bario Neal

View On Bario-neal.com

This pear-shaped white sapphire comes from Sri Lanka and is set on a 14k yellow gold band with a polish finish.

Courtesy of Jennie Kwon

View On Catbirdnyc.com

Milgrain detailing surrounds this emerald-cut diamond flanked by smaller diamonds. The stones are set on a 14k yellow gold band.

Price at time of publish: $2,195

Courtesy of Tacori

View On Tacori.com

For a simple east-west design, consider this diamond center stone with a unique diamond-tipped frame, set in 14k rose gold.

Courtesy of Nora Kogan

View On Norakogan.com

For a sleek look, consider this horizontally set emerald-cut diamond engagement ring.

Price at time of publish: $5,200

Courtesy of Anita Ko

View On Anitako.com

We love this pear-shaped diamond pavé ring in 18k yellow gold.

Price at time of publish: $3,475

Courtesy of Gillian Conroy

View On Gillianconroy.com

Oval diamonds are a classic look for engagement rings, but the east-west design on this ring adds an unexpected twist.

Price at time of publish: $26,500

Courtesy of Single Stone

View On Singlestone.com

Handcrafted in Los Angeles, this east-west ring holds an emerald cut diamond on an 18K yellow gold mounting.

Price at time of publish: $8,900

Courtesy of KatKim

View On Katkimfinejewelry.com

KatKim's website describes this ring as "a contemporary take on a classic solitaire." While it may give off the illusion of two rings, it is really a split band that comes together in the back of the ring.

Price at time of publish: $5,200

Courtesy of David Yurman

View On Davidyurman.com

The diamond center stone of this ring is flanked by baguette-cut diamond side stones and is bezel set in brushed 18k yellow gold. It was actually modeled after the engagement ring that David Yurman designed for his wife.

Brilliant Earth

View On Brilliant Earth

This sand-blasted platinum band gives a masculine touch to an elegant ring.

Courtesy of Eli Halili

View On Elihalili.com

Go against the grain with this oval 8.72-carat moonstone set in 22k yellow gold.

Price at time of publish: $8,000

Courtesy of Martin Katz

View On Martinkatz.com

This east-west set moval diamond is accented with pavé diamonds and is set in 18k white gold.

Courtesy of Nikos Koulis

View On Nikoskoulis.gr

Truly a modern style, this diamond center stone is framed by black enamel halo and is set in white gold. The contrast of light and dark makes for a one-of-a-kind design.

The Ultimate Guide to Non-Traditional Engagement Rings

Courtesy of Catbird

View On Blancamonrosgomez.com

Flanked between a trio of smaller diamonds on each side, this white diamond shines. The diamonds are held on an 18k rose or yellow gold pavé band.

Price at time of publish: $9,850

Lizzie Mandler

View On Lizziemandler.com

Wide bands are becoming more popular because of their durability, and this one features a horizontally set marquise diamond center stone.

Love Audrey Rose Starry East West Morganite Sapphire Ring

COURTESY OF LOVE AUDREY ROSE

View On Loveaudryrose.com

Colored gemstones are becoming a more common choice for brides who want to steer away from tradition. This east-west ring features a morganite emerald-cut center stone flanked by sapphires.

Price at time of publish: $495

Anna Sheffield Solid Gold Bea Five Stone Ring

COURTESY OF ANNA SHEFFIELD

View On Annasheffield.com

No center stone here! Instead, this engagement ring is donned with a sold gold center and flanked by four diamonds.

Price at time of publish: $2,500

COURTESY OF MELISSA TYSON DESIGNS

View On Melissatysondesigns.com

This east-west ring features a marquise-cut champagne diamond on a hammered 14k recycled yellow gold band.

Price at time of publish: $2,590

Vrai

View On Vrai

A solitaire marquise-cut diamond sits in a simple four-prong east-west setting. The 14k rose gold band adds an element of romance to this timeless ring.

Price at time of publish: $1,000+

What to Look for When Choosing an East-West Set Engagement Ring

Durability

When searching for your east-west engagement ring, consider that the horizontal setting is durable enough to hold the center stone of your choice. While prongs are a popular choice for this style of setting, bezel-set and double-pronged stones may be sturdier options.

Stone Cut

The cut of your stone is also important to consider when choosing your east-west setting since the two go hand in hand. You can choose just about any stone cut for your east-west ring, but the most popular options for this style include emerald, pear, and oval.

Style

East-west set engagement rings don’t exclusively appeal to a super-modern aesthetic, so don't worry if that's not your style. Raw diamonds and vintage-style rings are available to charm those who want a bit more character. For the bride-to-be interested in dimension, mixed-metal variations or a style with gemstones will do the trick.

FAQs

Will the east-west setting remain a timeless option? The east-west setting is becoming a trendy option for brides, but this setting has been around for a long time. We think that this style will stand the test of time, but if you are worried that your ring will go out of style, you can tweak the design to a more traditional setting down the line with the help of a jeweler. This process generally costs around $125.
Does any stone work with an east-west setting? Yes, the east-west setting can hold any stone of your choosing. Whether you want to stick to a traditional diamond or make a statement with a colored gemstone, this setting works for all of it.
Where can I shop for an east-west set engagement ring? Since this style is becoming increasingly more popular, most jewelers will likely have several east-west rings to choose from. If you are looking to buy your engagement ring online but are not sure where to start, make sure to check out this guide.