Jessica McCormack

East-West Engagement Rings Are Going To Have A Huge Moment In 2025

By Charlie Colville

11 hours ago

Zendaya kicked the trend off earlier this week

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This week, you likely will have heard (or seen) plenty of chatter around one particular engagement ring style: east-west settings. While jewellery brands have been pitching the design as a burgeoning trend for a while now, it seems the setting has well and truly hit the mainstream. And who do we have to thank? Zendaya, of course.

When Zendaya stepped out on the 2025 Gold Globes red carpet, it wasn’t her gorgeously curled bob or sleek Louis Vuitton gown that caught headlines – it was the elegant diamond ring decorating the fourth finger on her left hand. Days filled with media speculation have gone by with not a single word of refute from the star or her supposed fiance, Tom Holland. It can only mean one thing: the pair really are engaged. (Congrats!)

Zendaya wearing orange dress and engagement ring

And with their ring choice, the couple have cemented their role as trend setters rather than followers. (After all, if there’s anyone that can revive a vintage jewellery trend, it would be these two.) Here’s everything you need to know about east-west engagement rings, plus where to shop some of the loveliest styles today.

A Guide To East-West Engagement Rings

What Is An East-West Setting?

Sitting 45 degrees away from your typical stone setting, an east-west engagement ring lays the diamond horizontally and perpendicular to the finger. ‘When you think of a traditional solitaire engagement ring, the diamond is usually set “north-south” – or vertically,’ explains jewellery designer Rachel Boston. ‘An east-west engagement ring features a stone that has been set horizontally, with its most elongated side set parallel to the ring band. It’s a simple way to give a traditional solitaire a modern twist; this is a minimalist and very elegant setting style.’

The stone itself is also usually an elongated shape. ‘An east-west engagement ring can be crafted from any elongated stone cut, so think emerald-, oval-, marquise- and radiant-cuts,’ notes Eliza Walter, designer and founder of Lylie Jewellery. ‘These shapes are all set horizontally across the finger, contradicting the more traditional look.’

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Where Did They Come From?

They might seem like a fairly new trend, but East-West engagement rings actually have a pretty storied past. ‘The East-West engagement ring can be traced back to the 15th century, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that the setting really grew in popularity,’ notes Rachel. ‘The geometric designs of the Art Deco era were a perfect fit for a setting like this, one that celebrates innovation and breaking away from tradition.’

Although in the decades since the 1920s, the setting fell out of favour. East-west rings are typically a less popular choice, with many citing that a vertical setting can better elongate the finger (as well as create the optical illusion of a bigger gem). But that’s not to say it doesn’t still make for a lovely engagement ring.

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And now, it seems that more people than ever are finding their heads turned by the allure of the east-west setting. ‘It might have been more unusual a few years ago, but these days we find quite a few of our clients asking for this style,’ Rachel tells us. ‘Some pieces from our permanent white diamond collection actually feature an east-west set diamond, reflecting how popular this style has recently become.’

The Modern Take

It’s likely this idea of scarcity that makes an east-west engagement ring so appealing; they feel more unique than a classic ring, but aren’t so far from tradition to be unrecognisably bridal. ‘Oval and emerald-cut stones set east to west adds an unusual edge to an otherwise classic diamond engagement ring,’ emphasises jewellery designer Jessie Thomas. ‘It’s often just enough of a hint of individuality whilst remaining steadfastly classic and timeless.’

‘East-west engagement rings are a great choice for people looking to break from tradition and represent a modern couple (like Tom and Zendaya) perfectly,’ adds Eliza. ‘Personal expression and individuality are celebrated through the stone’s cut, and they often have sleeker cleaner lines compared to more floral traditional designs.

‘The east-west setting also enhances the natural beauty of the stone,’ she adds. ‘For instance, the emerald cut’s long lines and step facets are showcased beautifully in a horizontal position, while an oval cut’s softer curves and brilliant sparkle are amplified. The unique orientation gives the ring a fresh, distinctive elegance.’