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Why East-West Engagement Rings Are So Popular Right Now
Written by Manny. S
Fashion statements tend to rise and fall in popularity depending on the time. At times, new fashions emerge in response to the need to bring out something unique. This is what is happening in regard to east-west engagement rings.
Although this may not seem like a big thing at first glance, placing the diamonds across the band is what really adds character to the ring. In many ways, it is the way that new life is breathed into old-fashioned designs.
These factors partly explain the popularity of east-west diamond rings at the moment. The rings are fresh enough to be described as fashionable, distinctive yet traditional, and trendy but not overdone.
Table of Content
- What Are East-West Engagement Rings?
- Why Brides Are Choosing East-West Diamond Rings
- The Rise of Personalized Engagement Rings
- Diamond Shapes That Work Best in an East-West Setting
- Other Diamond Shapes Worth Considering
- Are East-West Engagement Rings Just a Trend?
- Conclusion
What Are East-West Engagement Rings?
The usual orientation for an engagement ring is one in which the diamond lies in a north-south position, that is, vertically on the finger.
When an engagement ring is made to lie east-west, the diamond will be placed sideways across the finger rather than pointing up and down like usual.
This is really a very simple idea, yet the effect on appearance is quite striking. You see the familiar shape of the diamond in an entirely new light. This ring appears more modern without needing much deviation from tradition.
These are all reasons why so many women love East-West style engagement rings.
Why Brides Are Choosing East-West Diamond Rings
East-west diamond rings have gained a lot of popularity recently, not just because of their appearance but due to changes in engagement ring trends in recent years.
The Uniqueness of the Design without Being Too Radical
For many engaged couples, the main task is to find a unique but classic ring.
A ring with diamonds set side-by-side will perfectly fit the description, because it looks very unusual yet uses diamond shapes that never lose their popularity over generations.
They Emphasize Personal Style
Modern couples who shop for engagement rings tend to be a lot more interested in their own style than their predecessors.
Instead of picking a ring just because it’s traditional, they are in search of those that fit in line with their tastes.
East-west settings make such an approach possible effortlessly. They seem personal and modern, but not trendy at all.
They Revitalize Timeless Shapes
What makes east-west settings so desirable is their ability to add a fresh appeal to the timeless cuts.
Diamonds that would otherwise seem outdated in another setting can easily acquire new life and feel fashionable and up-to-date due to the horizontal positioning.
The Rise of Personalized Engagement Rings
The increasing trend of east-west engagement rings is part of a bigger picture being witnessed within the jewelry business.
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For many years, there was a consistent way in which engagement rings were designed.
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The most common feature in engagement rings was round diamonds and conventional settings.
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However, things have changed. The modern consumer values timeless beauty but expects to find a few personalized touches to the piece.
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This explains the ongoing trend of long-shaped diamonds, custom settings, and mixed metals
East-west engagement rings are among the best examples of engagement rings in this category.
Diamond Shapes That Work Best in an East-West Setting
Although there are many effective diamond cuts for the horizontal setting, it tends to work best with elongated styles.
East-West Emerald-Cut Ring
The horizontal emerald-cut engagement ring would be one of the first ring styles that you can think of when imagining the east-west setting.
The design itself has a very architectural look. Placing the cut in the horizontal direction accentuates its qualities further.
Overall, the ring looks modern and refined, which makes it highly fashionable. In addition, the east-west emerald-cut engagement ring is one of the most versatile east-west setting rings since it combines both classic and contemporary elements.
It will also allow showcasing your collection of east-west emerald-cut rings.
East-West Oval Engagement Ring
An east-west oval engagement ring has an overall more natural appearance.
Ovals are already very fashionable due to their fluid nature and visual beauty. Placing them on the horizontal plane gives them a more relaxed look compared to traditionally placed ovals.
Oval diamonds can be ideal for brides looking for a unique piece of jewelry while not sacrificing the classic ring appearance.
East-West Marquise Ring
For brides desiring a more statement ring design, an east-west marquise diamond ring should come under consideration.
With the diamond having pointed edges, the marquise diamond ring creates visual movement on the finger while also maintaining an elegant look.
Due to its distinct nature, the ring remains timeless.
Other Diamond Shapes Worth Considering
While elongated diamonds tend to be ideal for east-west ring design, there are other options as well.
These include diamond cuts like the following:
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Pear-shaped diamonds
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Radiant cut diamonds
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Cushion diamonds
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Elongated cushion diamond
All of these have their own individual personality, yet have that distinctive horizontal feel of an east-west diamond ring.
Are East-West Engagement Rings Just a Trend?
No, not really.
Although this particular fashion has undoubtedly picked up steam in the last few years, the charm of these rings lies not just in the current trends of today’s fashion industry. Why? Because the design itself isn’t all about newness.
Rather, it revives diamonds whose shapes have already established themselves through time. Diamonds that come in emerald, oval, marquise, and cushion cuts aren’t anything new. They’ve been around for a long while. What’s new here is how they’re set.
Conclusion
The east-west style of engagement ring is a case that explains how altering the design of any ring changes its entire appearance. The horizontal setting of the stone introduces a new angle to traditional cuts without altering the features of an engagement ring. It is not surprising to observe why brides favor such a unique piece.
