Engagement Ring Design Guide

A Jewellery Design Consultation With Dianne Guthrie

About Our Ring Design Guide

We place great value on crafting an engagement ring that is special to you. This engagement ring design guide informs you of the finer details in selecting the perfect design for you. 

When it comes to choosing your design it’s important to remember less is more, and to keep your design timeless. With that being said small details can go a long way, we discuss some of the options below.

Note: One of the key elements in the design of a ring is the shape of diamond or gemstone, we’ve created a separate guide for this which you can view here.

Solitaire Designs

Starting with the most classic of designs a solitaire or a single stone design is the most timeless popular option for most engagement rings.

Solitaire’s are a great option for client’s with delicate hands and long fingers, matched with the right shape of diamond such as oval or pear these designs can really elongate the finger.

To add a special touch to these designs we suggest matching this with a unique diamond shape, such as an emerald or marquise. Alternatively some clever detailing in the setting can add a personal touch.

View Solitaire Designs View Diamond Band Designs

Four claw solitaire with diamond band
Four Claw Solitaire
A Generous Diamond Band Solitaire Crafted by Guthrie's using 7pt diamonds on the band.
Six Claw Solitaire

Three Stone Designs

Three stone designs are a timeless option with a point of difference. This style, while commissioned less frequently, has never gone out of fashion. 

If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring, the three stone settings are a great option for clients with larger ring finger size. A three stone ring also gives an increased total diamond weight, in three separate Diamonds. This is a clever way to acquire the increased overall diamond carat weight. Delivering both the superb visual impact of your three stone design and also gives excellent value for money.

Our classic three stones designs have a point of difference so we recommend keeping your design classic. The less is more approach, although you may want to consider adding a unique touch to the setting detail, such as claw shapes.

View Three Stone Designs

Model Wearing Our Chelsea Setting, a Three Stone Engagement Ring Design
Our Chelsea Setting Uses Three Evenly sized Diamonds
A Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring Design, Crafted by Guthrie's Jewellers
Marquise Sapphire Commission With Pear Cut Side Stones

Shoulder Stone Designs

A shoulder stone design is a solitaire with two accenting diamonds or gemstones.

The addition of side stones, whether these are diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds to name a few – will take your engagement or special occasion ring, to the next level of luxury.

These designs can feature many different shapes of shoulder stones, however our two particular favourites are baguette diamonds, and pear shape diamonds.

Whether your hand is petite, or you are blessed with long fingers – the three stone design is flattering to all.

View Our Bowery Setting View Our Martel Setting

Our Bowery Setting Using is an Emerald Cut Engagement Ring Design featuring two tapered baguettes
Our Bowery Setting Uses an Emerald Cut With complimentary Baguettes
Oval & Pear Three Stone Engagement Ring Design, Crafted by Guthrie's Jewellers Auckland
Oval Engagement Ring With Pear Cut Side Stones

Halo Designs

A halo design features a ‘solitaire’ stone set within a ‘halo’ of smaller stones. This setting is a great way to compliment a single stone. 

Placing a ring of smaller diamonds around a centre stone has the added benefit of protecting the centre stone, which is particularly advantageous for softer gemstones such as an emerald, or a pear cut diamond which can be prone to chipping on impact.

It is important to note that halo settings require expert consideration in design, to result in the correct proportions to centre stone within the halo. A perfectly proportioned ring is essential.

Browse Halo Designs

18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Dress Ring Crafted By Guthrie's Jewellers
Halo Ring Commission
A Ruby Halo Engagement Ring Design Crafted by Guthrie's Jewellers in Auckland.
Ruby Hlo Ring

Further Engagement Ring Design Options

Of course, there are many designs that don’t quite fit into the above categories, however are still great option for your partner. You may wish to consider an art deco design, or a rub over.

It’s best to discuss more bespoke designs in store with our friendly team, remember you don’t need to be an expert or have a clear cut design in mind, this is a process that is unique to each couple.

A Bespoke Solitaire Engagement Ring Design Using an Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond
Elongated Cushion With Curved Band
Our Affori Setting Using an Elongated Emerald Cut
Our Affori Setting