14 Karat
As we welcome 2022 with open arms, we also welcome new and unique takes on engagement ring settings! While halo settings had their time in the sun in 2021, east-west settings have come to town and are ready for their turn to shine.
See what sets this alternative setting apart from the rest and why our engagement rings Nebraska experts love them so much!
What is an east-west setting
Traditionally, center stones on an engagement ring are set vertically to match the silhouette of your finger. An east-west setting takes the center stone and flips it to be horizontal on your finger. This means that when you look at the stone, it will appear to be lying sideways as opposed to up-and-down.
What shapes work in an east-west setting
The key to making an east-west setting work is to pick the right gem shape. Princess and round cut stones are made to be symmetrical and equal on all sides, meaning that no matter which direction you set them, they should look the same. Instead, you will want to pick emerald cut or marquise cut stones that have different shaped sides. This way when laid horizontally, there will be a noticeable change in appearance. Other shapes our engagement rings Nebraska experts recommend for east-west settings include oval cuts and pear cuts.
Reasons to love east-west settings
1. It’s modern
Almost all of the settings you see today feature a vertical center stone. For brides that want something more unique and personal, an east-west setting helps achieve that. It’s a relatively new style and brings with it clean lines that align with other modern designs. However, it is not too different that it will just fall out of style and run the risk of becoming dated.
2. The stone looks larger
One of the benefits of wearing asymmetrical shapes, like emerald cuts, vertically is that they can elongate the wearer's finger and make it appear more slender. When flipped horizontally, a different benefit is gained. While the finger may no longer appear as slender, the center stone itself can appear larger. A 1-2 carat stone can appear significantly bigger and cover more width of your finger.
3. Protects the stone
Since more of the center stone lies against the shank of the engagement ring, the center stone of an east-west setting is greater protected. There is less opportunity for the diamond to become loose and be pried off of the setting. This can also help to prevent chipping of the center stone.
4. Better shows off the wedding ring
A wedding ring is typically worn underneath the engagement ring, and when the engagement ring’s center stone is vertical, it can cover up part of the wedding ring. Not with an east-west engagement ring though! This way, the center stone runs flush against the wedding ring, letting both styles shine through!
Visit us!
Our engagement ring Nebraska experts would love to help you find the perfect east-west setting from our collection! We can also help you to design a completely custom piece. Just contact us to learn more!
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