What Is an East West Engagement Ring?

You might have been led here by Zendaya’s stunning five-carat cushion cut east west engagement ring or Miley Cyrus’s yellow gold east west engagement ring. Or maybe you’re simply searching for an engagement ring that feels less traditional and a lot more unique to you. However you discovered your love of east west engagement rings, welcome. Their growing popularity comes as no surprise to us; these unique engagement rings are the perfect balance of individuality and chicness.  

In this guide, we provide you with the backstory, pros and cons, and more valuable information on East-West engagement rings. By the end, you should understand why Zendaya, Miley, and other brides-to-be have fallen for the eccentric setting. 

Why East West Engagement Rings Are So Popular

To understand why east west engagement rings have grown in popularity, you need to understand what makes them so different. Traditional engagement rings typically feature a diamond set vertically, which points towards your fingertip. This “north-south” design has defined engagement rings for generations, but horizontal settings are now making their own mark. East west engagement rings sit across the finger. The side-to-side placement highlights the stone's length and unique shape. Unlike traditional engagement rings that draw the eye upwards, the east west setting draws attention across the hand. That subtle shift completely changes how the engagement ring is perceived, which adds to the contemporary, chic, and distinctive look that makes the east west engagement ring so special. 

East west settings sometimes sit lower on the finger versus traditional vertical designs that can include prong or cathedral settings. How it sits on the finger and the fact that the design is horizontal all matter when you start to talk about the diamond cuts that best fit this design. 

The Best Diamond Shapes For East West Engagement Rings

If you don’t want your diamond to get lost in the unique design of an east west ring, an elongated diamond is the way to go. These shapes effortlessly complement the horizontal length and add symmetry to the overall design. When searching for the ideal diamond cut, consider:

• Oval cut diamonds highlight length and create a chic, elongated look. 

• Emerald cut diamonds add clean and modern lines. 

• Marquise cut diamonds are perfect for those who love glamour (and drama).

• Pear cut diamonds are a more contemporary twist to this design. 

• Cushion cut diamonds will always be a classic and romantic choice. 

• Radiant cut diamonds are all about the sparkle, which perfectly complements the east west design. 

You get the most out of the east-west setting with a diamond that amplifies the eccentricities of the design. 

Do Metal and Setting Style Matter? 

Metal and setting choice, like any engagement ring, will come down to your personal preference. They both play a role in what the end product looks and feels like. If you lean towards vintage styles, an east west engagement ring similar to Zendaya’s might appeal to you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bolder style engagement ring, Miley’s engagement ring exudes that. 

The true beauty of the east west design is that it works with a variety of metals and settings, giving you flexibility to create something that feels authentic. At Plum Diamonds, you can customize everything from diamond cut, metal, and setting style to bring your dream east west engagement ring to life. 

To Stack or Not To Stack An East West Engagement Ring

Do east west engagement rings pair well with wedding bands? Yes. There are wedding bands specifically designed to pair seamlessly with an east west setting. Contoured bands are one of the many wedding bands designed to mesh well with the horizontal shape of the center stone, while straight bands, pave, styles, and eternity bands also complement a higher setting. With the right pairing, an east west engagement ring can easily be a cohesive wedding set. 

Why Choose an East West Ring From Plum Diamonds? 

An east west engagement ring isn’t just a beautiful heirloom that signifies your love. At Plum Diamonds, it also signifies your values. For decades, we’ve been advocating for responsible luxury because you shouldn’t have to compromise your beliefs to have the best in life. We do that by pairing beautiful engagement ring designs with high-quality lab grown diamonds and responsibly sourced metals. It’s where traditions meet intention. 

Explore our entire collection of east west engagement rings to see just what we mean.

East West Engagement Ring FAQ 

More frequently asked questions about east west engagement rings:

How much does an east west engagement ring cost?

The cost of an east west engagement ring depends on diamond size, cut, metal choice, and customization. While prices vary, an east west ring is available in a wide range of prices to fit low and high budgets. Working with Plum Diamonds allows you to design a high-quality lab grown diamond ring that aligns with your personal style and price range. 

Do east west engagement rings require special cleaning or maintenance? 

No. East west engagement rings don’t require any special care beyond what you would typically expect for any high-quality engagement ring. Regular, gentle cleaning and occasional inspections are recommended to maintain the quality and security of your engagement ring. It’s best to shop with a jeweller who offers a warranty that includes basic maintenance. 

Are east west engagement rings durable?

Yes. Whether you have an active or sedentary lifestyle, the durability of an east west ring depends on the diamond cut and setting style. Bezel settings provide extra protection for your stone. And choosing a lab grown diamond ensures you have a high-quality stone that can withstand daily wear.