There you are—you’ve finally decided to pop the question. All that’s left is to purchase the perfect ring and plan your proposal.

You might have thought committing to the relationship was the hard part. But then, you step into a jewelry store, look at the showcases, and realize just how many choices you have. The first question a jeweler will ask is, “What style or setting are you looking for?”

It sounds simple, but the sheer variety of options can quickly feel overwhelming. To find the perfect ring, you first need to choose the setting (the metal structure that securely holds the gemstone) and then select your preferred diamond cut and shape.

To make this magical milestone smoother and easier, we’ve broken down the most popular engagement ring styles and settings below.

Prong Setting

Prongs are small metal claws that grip the diamond to hold it securely in place. They come in various shapes—including round, pointed, flat, and V-shaped—and typically feature a four- or six-prong configuration. As the most traditional and classic option, the prong setting beautifully showcases a single stone with timeless elegance.

• Consideration: Over time, prongs can snag or loosen. This style requires occasional maintenance checks to ensure your diamond remains perfectly secure.

Tiffany Setting

The Tiffany setting is a specific, trademarked six-prong solitaire design. Because of its trademark, an official Tiffany setting can only be purchased directly from their boutiques. However, you can find many beautiful, classic six-prong variations at independent jewelry shops that offer a similar iconic silhouette.

Pavé Setting

Derived from the French word “to pave,” a pavé setting features a band literally paved with tiny diamonds. This technique creates a continuous trail of endless sparkle. It is an excellent choice if you want maximum brilliance and a high-impact look without relying solely on a massive center stone to deliver premium shine.

Halo Setting

Exactly as it sounds, a halo setting features a frame of smaller accent diamonds encircling the center stone. This is a brilliant strategy if you are working with a modest center diamond; the surrounding halo visually accentuates the center stone, making it appear significantly larger and maximizing its carat weight footprint.

Channel Setting

In a channel setting, diamonds are set flush into a groove between two parallel walls of metal. Because there are no prongs separating the stones, it creates a sleek, snag-free surface and a continuous row of brilliant sparkle along the band.

Bezel Setting

A bezel setting completely or partially surrounds the perimeter of the diamond with a custom rim of metal. This creates a smooth, modern edge that keeps the gemstone exceptionally safe from chips and scratches. It is a highly popular, contemporary choice for individuals with an active lifestyle.

Tension Setting

This striking design uses the spring pressure of the metal band itself to firmly grip the diamond, making the stone appear as though it is floating in mid-air. Jewelers use advanced techniques to calibrate this pressure, often adding subtle, hidden support structures beneath the stone for an extra layer of security.

Cathedral Setting

Inspired by the sweeping arches of classic architecture, a cathedral setting uses elegant metal slopes to elevate the center diamond high above the band. This dramatic framing makes the diamond the undeniable focal point of the ring, exuding a sense of grace and grandeur. A cathedral profile can be combined with prongs, bezels, or pavé bands.

Bar Setting

Similar to a channel setting, a bar setting places diamo

nds in a row along the band. However, instead of enclosing the stones on all sides, it uses short metal bars perpendicular to the band to secure them. This leaves two sides of each diamond exposed to light, boosting brilliance while maintaining excellent security.

Flush Setting (Gypsy Setting)

Perfect for men’s wedding bands or highly active individuals, a flus

h setting involves drilling a small recess into the metal so the diamond sits completely flat within the surface. It offers the ultimate level of protection against snagging or losing a stone.

• Consideration: Because the diamond is embedded within the metal, light entry is reduced, which slightly tones down the stone’s overall fire and brilliance.

Three-Stone Setting (Trilogy Ring)

The three-stone setting carries deep romantic symbolism, with the trio of gems traditionally representing a couple’s past, present, and future (or friendship, love, and fidelity). This style offers incredible versatility; you can mix and match different gemstone shapes, or pair a center diamond with colorful sapphire side stones to create a vibrant, customized look.

Vintage / Antique Setting

Designed to evoke the craftsmanship of specific historical eras (such as Edwardian, Art Deco, or Victorian), these rings feature delicate metalwork, intricate milgrain detailing, and hand-engravings. This style possesses a certain je n

e sais quoi—offering timeless character, romance, and artistic elegance.

Cluster Setting

A cluster setting groups several smaller diamonds closely together to create the optical illusion of one large, cohesive gemstone. This is a highly creative and budget-friendly design strategy, allowing you to achieve a substantial, high-sparkle look at a fraction of the cost of a single large solitaire.

Split Shank Setting

While the setting holds the diamond, the shank refers to the actual band of the ring that wraps around the finger. In a split shank design, the band divides into two or more strands as it approaches the center stone, framing the diamond beautifully and adding a unique architectural element to the ring’s silhouette.

Great proposals are all about the two people getting engaged. What is amazing for one couple is simply not going to work for the other. While it is possible to go over the top with just about any proposal, it is always better if it means something and relates to the history of the couple. Tailoring a proposal is all about customizing the proposal instead of using the one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone has heard about the dinner proposal or dropping the ring in her drink approach. Those are fun, but they are the same as everyone else. This is a story that is going to be told for decades to children, family and relatives over and over, so it is important to make it as special and unique as possible. Of course you must first be 100% certain your are ready for enagement and marriage.

Ready to get engaged? Make it a special event! Here are a few suggestions as to when and how to pop the question…

1)     Make it a surprise!  Everyone loves a surprise and your gal is probably no exception! This may or may not help you to decide to do it on Valentine’s Day, or her birthday, your anniversary of your first date, etc. If you feel that she strongly suspects it on a certain day; perhaps do it a week or a day early.

A proposal is all about surprising the other individual. If they see it coming, it ruins part of the fun. One individual can say they are going on a business trip and have to leave for a week or longer. After a few days, the person staying at home needs to receive a phone call, asking if they’d like to do just about anything (it doesn’t matter what) with a friend. The friend then drops the person off in a park at night but only sees the flickering of torches. When they approach, they can see the other person, standing at the end of the torches, music playing while they stand on a carpet, waiting for the individual to walk to them so they can propose.

2)     It is important to decide the “flavor” of the proposal. You want this to be memorable for both of you; how do you want those memories to feel? Intimate? Large, loud and proud? Wild and crazy? Warm and fuzzy? Think about the best times in your relationship and take a cue from that.

3)     One thought is returning to the scene of your first date.  If it was a restaurant; try to arrange for the same table. If your first date was at a sporting event with 60,000 other people and you want an intimate proposal; then scratch this idea.

4)     Looking for an idea that is very romantic and yet fun? Take a romantic walk in the city; first arrange with a street artist to meet at a certain location and time. Have a romantic drawing done; when he shows it to you both there are two word bubbles. Yours reads “Will you marry me?” Hers is blank waiting for her answer.

5)     Do you want the proposal to be noticed by everyone in the place? Take her out dancing but speak to the DJ ahead of time. Arrange that during “your song” he will pass you the microphone so you can “pop the question” while everyone turns and stares.

6)     Prefer the other extreme? Do it at home just the two of you. Perhaps turn out all the lights and have a trail of candles and rose petals lead her to you.

7)     Playful? How a about a game of charades? Or hangman? The answer of course being the question “Will you marry me?”

8)     Jokingly? You could get a ring sizer. Ask her to check her size. She will already be thinking “I guess he is getting ready to shop for a ring” but of course she won’t expect a ring at that moment. When she says “I think this one fits”; say “Here’s another one to try on.”

9)     Romantic? Take a late night walk on the beach. Arrange to find a message in a bottle along your walk with your proposal inside. Extra points if you can write it as a love poem.

10) Social media proposal? Video your proposal and post it on YouTube. You can even get family and friends involved; have them leave well wishes on the video before you show it to her.

11) The movie loving couple is the couple that just likes to get out and see everything that hits the theater. Regardless of what it is, they are the couple who knows the plot line of every movie and what is coming out soon. It also makes for the perfect proposal location. To do this, the person proposing needs to reserve the theater for just the two of them. There are a few ways to go about doing this. They can pay the purchase price to buy out the theater, or they can find out if there is a block opening in between showings and try to work something out here. The individual then needs to create his or her own little movie trailer of the two of them. It is best if it includes the green “Approved for All Audiences” tag at the beginning of it, so it looks authentic. So, when the couple sits down and nobody is in the theater, then a trailer or two plays before the created one, it is truly going to take the other person by surprise and be an incredible story to tell.

Gentlemen; whatever way you go with your proposal; remember a couple of things. First, ask for permission from her father. I don’t care what your ages; respect goes a long way! Secondly, even if you go with an outrageous proposal in front of a stadium full of people; remember the romance! Get down on one knee, pull out the diamond engagement ring and speak sincerely from the heart. And arrange for someone to take pictures; doesn’t need to be professional. The staged “engagement photos” can come later; get some candid natural shots…

AUGUST BIRTHSTONE COLOR

It is sometimes called the evening emerald for its light green color.

It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele.

BIRTHSTONE FACTS & FOLKLORE

Peridot has been found in volcanic lava in Hawaii and in meteorites that have fallen to Earth.

In the 1700s, a meteorite that landed in Siberia contained many peridot crystals that were large enough to be used for jewelry.

When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the wearer from nightmares.

Peridot is believed to help depression. If you dream that you find a peridot while digging in the garden, you will have an unexpected visitor.

PERIDOT GEMOLOGY

Peridot is a rare gemstone that only occurs naturally in one color. It is a form of Olivine (think olive green), a mineral composed of magnesium and iron. With the inclusion of outside elements, certain gemstones can occur in every color of the rainbow. The August birthstone, however, only comes in subtle shades of green. It will never be blue, red, purple, orange, or anything else! It is unique in its specificity.

All peridots came to exist on Earth in one of two ways: they either formed deep underground at high temperatures or caught a ride on flaming meteorites (called pallasite meteorites). Peridot from asteroids is extremely rare and valuable, but lucky for us, the United States has a steady supply of peridots made underground. Brilliant Earth sources our stunning peridots from the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona, where Native American community members revere the land and use low-impact mining techniques. These gemstones provide Native Americans with safe, secure livelihoods in an otherwise isolated area.

PERIDOT BIRTHSTONE HISTORY AND MEANING

Peridots have been steeped in myth for thousands of years. Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), an ancient naturalist, first recorded the existence of peridot on a small island off the coast of Egypt. He originally called the stone “topazios” and described it as a gem that was commonly green but also occurred with yellowish tones. He named that island Topazios, after the gem, but it was later renamed St. John’s Island or Zabargad. This island was closely guarded by the ancient Egyptians because it was thought to be the site of priceless treasures. It is widely believed that some of Cleopatra’s famous emeralds were actually peridots!

The Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” and some thought that it protected against nightmares. It was also believed to bring the wearer confidence, power, and general good luck and health. Peridots are also closely connected to the Hawaiian culture—they are thought to be the tears of the volcano goddess Pele. The sand on the Big Island’s Papakolea Beach is a rare and beautiful green hue due to a high content of crushed olivine.

AUGUST BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY

Peridot ranges in color from yellowish lime green to deep, earthy olive tones, making them a very sought after jewelry choice. These gemstones are a wonderful option for those who love green gemstones but are looking for an option at a lower price point than emeralds. Certain shades of peridot can easily be confused with emeralds! When set against lustrous sterling silver, peridots can show off their fresh, vibrant sparkle.

If you are looking for a piece of unique jewelry for someone born in August (even if that’s you!) consider our Silver Peridot Twist Pendant or our Silver Peridot Stud Earrings.  One famous fan of peridot earrings is the Duchess of Cambridge, or Princess Kate, who has frequently been seen in a pair of peridot, blue topaz, and diamond earrings.

VINTAGE PERIDOT JEWELRY

Vintage peridot jewelry is frequently found from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Nouveau eras. King Edward VII (for whom the Edwardian era is named) declared it his favorite gemstone, which made it a popular choice for his subjects. Art Nouveau era jewelers favored colorful, semi-precious stones such as peridot.

CARING FOR PERIDOT

Peridot is durable enough for everyday wear in jewelry, but should be treated with care to avoid scratching. Clean your peridot with mild soap and warm water.