So, you’ve found the one and you’re ready to pop the question. And while several rings have caught your eye over the last couple of weeks, the east west engagement ring trend is one that you keep coming back to.
There’s just one problem – You don’t know what to keep in mind when choosing the best option for your bae. Luckily for you, that’s where our east west engagement ring buying guide comes in.
Read on to know all the factors you should consider when making your choice.
To Begin With…What Is an East West Engagement Ring?
In short, while most engagement ring settings feature the gem studded vertically (facing north-south), the east-west engagement ring setting allows the center stone to do its best horizontal impression while laying perpendicular to your finger. This positioning makes the stone look bigger and your fingers longer.
Did You Know?
The history of the east-west rings can actually be traced back to the geometric forms that characterized the Art Deco movement. It was a rebellious departure from the flowery designs of French luxury jewelers in the early 20th century and served as a unique substitute for the intricate designs that were predominant during the Edwardian era.
Why Should You Consider an East West Engagement Ring for Your Partner?
1. Incredibly Bold
Featuring a gem placed horizontally across the ring band, this sparkler is all about being bold and starting conversations – just like your girl.
2. Modern Vibe
Is your girl someone who loves all things modern? If so, this ring is perfect for her!
Between the orientation of its setting and the unique shapes that lend themselves to the design, this ring is the epitome of modern style. Want to take it one step further? Swap out the conventional white diamonds for a colorful east-west engagement ring stone.
3. Better and Brighter
While the secret to a stone’s dazzling brilliance lies in undoubtedly the precision of its cut (facet angles, depth of the cut, etc.), it’s worth noting here that the east west setting, by design, invites more light to the party, creating an intense sparkle that’s hard to ignore.
What’s more, the elongated nature of the gem not only emphasizes its shape and facets but does so lengthwise, eliminating the need for accent stones to make your ring burn bright.
Some even say that the dark bow tie areas seen in elongated shapes are less harsh when laid horizontally. So, it’s not just a ring; it’s a strategically lit work of art.
4. Illusion of Larger Gems
Want your sparkler to look supersized without breaking the bank? An east-west engagement ring is your secret weapon. All you need is a stunner between 1-2 carats to really maximize your size and spend.
Here, the horizontal orientation of the gem provides better finger coverage compared to its north-south facing counterparts. Not only that, but the longer sides make the finger appear slender, thereby boosting the illusion of a substantial stone.
Also Read: Guide To Buy Aquamarine Engagement Ring
How to Buy an East West Engagement Ring
1. The Gemstone Shape
NGL, when people ask us how to choose an east-west engagement ring, our first response is to focus on the shape of the gemstone (a stone’s outline when viewed face up). In the realm of east-west settings, elongated gems are considered to be the best fit as they accentuate the horizontal orientation of the piece. Here, your main options are as follows:
Emerald-Cut
If your sweetheart’s the kind of person who appreciates minimalism with a side of elegance, the emerald-cut is the way to go.
This rectangular beauty with cut corners boasts 49-58 linear, parallel step-cut facets (geometrically arranged flat surfaces) that create unique flashes of light. Pair that with the horizontal orientation of the east-west ring and you’ve got yourself a stunner that’s all about a larger-than-life table (the large flat facet present at the top of the stone) and easy-to-see clean, straight lines.
As an option for an east-west ring, the emerald cut’s versatility is its secret weapon. Here, a shorter emerald gives you room to play with side stones or a bezel setting, while a longer one screams solitaire chic.
Oval
Fun fact: Oval stones can appear almost 1.5 times the size of their round brilliant counterparts. Turn that bad boy sideways and you’ve got yourself a gemstone that really knows how to maximize its apparent size.
What’s more, the oval shape brings smooth curves to the party, lessening the risk of snagging or chipping. And in case you were worried about its shine, don’t be – With a brilliant facet structure, this shape is not only ultra-sparkly but also effortlessly reflects light when placed horizontally.
It’s basically an all-rounder… Just like your girl!
Also Read: Princess Cut Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Things to Consider:
Beware the Bow Tie
The bow tie effect refers to the dark shadows that can sneak into the middle of a stone, blocking light and dimming your stone’s sparkle. Ovals are particularly prone to this, so invest wisely in the clarity and color of the stone to keep the bow tie at bay.
Marquise
Is your significant other as classy as she is dramatic? If so, the marquise-cut is a fabulous choice for her engagement ring.
With a symmetrical shape practically tailor-made for the east-west setting, this cut not only satisfies the need for a balanced look but also extends its flair to cover more of the finger than its rounded counterparts. Plus, those sharp points at the ends of the stone? Protected and less likely to chip or snag on clothing!
Now that’s what we call a win for both – fashion and practicality.
Elongated Radiant or Cushion-Cut
With their brilliance and fire comparable to the round brilliant, these statement shapes are just what you need to proudly declare your love. Team them with the quintessential east-west engagement ring setting and you’ve got yourself an edgy yet romantic piece with an even bigger gemstone table span.
Want to know the best part? The facet arrangements ensure plenty of sparkle, making these cuts perfect for anyone who wants their ring to outshine even the brightest stars in the night sky.
So, if your darling is all about that ‘go big or go home’ vibe, you know which cuts/shapes to choose.
Pear
Is your girl someone who hates following the rules? If so, the pear shape is a great option for her!
Breaking away from symmetry, this shape is basically the odd one out in the east-west mix. The taper of the pear is both fun and graceful, offering a cool Art Deco contour and a stylish focal point, no matter which way the big body points.
Also Read: Guide To Buy hidden Halo Engagement Ring
Things to Consider:
The Bow Tie Effect
Much like the oval shape, the pear is not immune to the bow tie effect. To avoid this, we recommend going for a higher clarity and color grade.
The Setting
Choose a steady setting, like a bezel setting, to prevent the narrow end of the pear from chipping.
2. The Ring Metal
IMO, choosing the right metal for your east west engagement ring is like picking the perfect side dish for your main course – Crucial and a ton of fun. Here are your four options:
a) Yellow Gold
Crafted by mixing gold with a dash of silver, copper and zinc, this metal screams ‘tradition.’ Because nothing says ‘forever’ like the timeless glow of yellow gold.
b) Rose Gold
If your love story is written in the stars and sprinkled with fairy dust, go for rose gold. A copper-infused dream, this metal adds a romantic pinkish tinge to your ring, turning your proposal into a modern-day fairytale.
c) White Gold
Want your engagement ring to look as modern as your partner’s Instagram feed? White gold is the answer. A fusion of pure gold, silver, zinc, nickel and/or palladium with some much-needed rhodium plating, this silvery-white metal is the perfect choice for those who want their ring to shine as bright as their future.
d) Platinum
Strong, sturdy and silvery-white, platinum is a great option if you’re looking for a metal as tough as your partner. Need another reason to make it yours?
Also Read: Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Want to shop for an engagement ring but don’t know where to get one? Look no further than Angara! From simple sparklers to extravagant beauties, we’ve got plenty of options for you to choose from.
Up Next: Which Hand Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring On?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the best tips for choosing an east west engagement ring?
When choosing an east-west engagement ring, we highly recommend focusing on the shape of the stone and the metal of your piece.
Q2. Why is Angara the best place to buy east west engagement rings?
Angara is the best place to buy your east-west engagement rings from. Here, not only do we have several options for you to choose from, but you can also customize the quality grade and carat weight of the gemstone along with the metal used. This ensures that you wind up with a piece that you’re 100% happy with.
