Marquise diamond engagement ring from Kimaiwith prongs and thin pavé band

Cool-Girl Engagement Rings: East-West, Marquise & Bezel Settings You’ll Actually Wear

September 9, 2025

If traditional solitaires feel a bit…expected, then keep reading. Think exciting shapes, different orientations, low-profile settings, and pieces that look just as good with a white tee as they do with a LBD! Below, I’m breaking down the “cool-girl” ring styles I’m loving right now - plus how to style them, what to ask your jeweller, and tips to get maximum finger-coverage without maxing out your budget.

What makes an engagement ring feel “cool-girl”?

Effortless, not fussy: Low-profile settings you don’t have to worry about.
Exciting shapes: Ovals, marquise, emerald cuts, kites, shields - all strong silhouettes.
Unexpected orientation: East-west settings, leaning, different pairings.
Stacks beautifully: Works with cigar bands, thin pavé bands, or even a signet.

The Edit

1) East-West Everything (AKA: Horizontal Magic)

Best shapes: Oval, emerald, marquise, pear.
Why it works: More finger coverage across the hand, super modern, and easily stackable.

Styling ideas:

Pair an east-west oval with a slim diamond band for a sleek, everyday set.
Add a chunky gold cigar band on the other hand for balance.
Consider a half-bezel east-west emerald for a structural, architectural look.

Ask your jeweller:

Can we keep the setting low and snag-free?
Do we want rounded corners or sharp, talon prongs to emphasise the diamond's shape?

2) Marquise (The Cool, Pointed Classic)

The marquise is having a quiet, very chic comeback. It elongates the finger & looks big for its carat weight.

Best settings:

Bezel for a smooth, modern look.
East-west marquise for a real moment.
North-south with ultra-fine claws for a vintage look

Pro tip: Ask about the stone’s length-to-width ratio - a slightly elongated marquise (around 1.9–2.1) gives that elegant, finger-skimming look.

3) Bezel Set (Low-Profile, Gym-Friendly, Timeless)

A thin rim of metal hugs the diamond, keeping it protected and sleek. Perfect if you’re active, work with your hands, or just love a clean line.

Variations:

Full bezel: Maximum protection but still minimalist.
Half bezel: Open sides to let in light.
Bezel with hidden halo: Secret sparkle without too much fuss.

Stacking tip: A bezel center with a knife-edge or flat band looks ultra modern. Add a pavé whisper band for even more impact.

Budget Considerations (No Gatekeeping!)

Natural vs Lab-Grown: Both options offer the same beauty and wear. Natural is rare by origin; lab-grown gives more size for your budget. Choose what aligns with your values - there’s no wrong answer.
Shape illusions: Marquise, oval, and emerald cuts often face up larger than round at the same carat weight. Use this to your advantage!
Metal matters: Yellow gold warms a stone to the naked eye; platinum/white gold makes whites crisper. Gold is at an all time high so considering 9k or 14k (in the place of 18k) could offer more wiggle room.

How to Choose (3 Quick Steps)

Lifestyle first: If you’re hard on your hands, consider bezel or flush settings and/or lower profiles.
Silhouette test: Screenshot your favourites, try on as many shapes as you can - you might surprise yourself!
Stack plan: Decide your wedding band vibe now (slim pavé, cigar band..) so your engagement ring sits perfectly. Ask your jeweller for advice here.