Why East/West Settings Will Continue to Trend in 2026

In the ever-evolving world of engagement ring design, trends come and go - yet some endure because they offer both style and substance. 

One of the most compelling shifts in recent years has been the rise of east/west settings. 

Once considered unconventional, this approach has steadily gained favour as couples look for ways to personalise their rings without sacrificing elegance or timeless appeal. 

And as we move into 2026, there’s every reason to believe the East/West trend is here to stay.

At Simon West Fine Jewellery, we’ve seen this trend reflected in real design choices. 

Couples who once favoured traditional vertical solitaires are now exploring horizontal diamond placements. 

Why? Because East/West engagement rings feel both modern and refined. 

They tell a story of individuality while retaining the classic qualities that make engagement rings enduring.

Let’s explore why East/West settings are resonating so strongly with today’s couples - and why we expect this trend to continue.

A Fresh Take on a Timeless Classic

The traditional solitaire engagement ring - where the diamond sits vertically, North-to-South - remains beloved for its simplicity and symmetry. 

East/West ring settings flip this script. Instead of a vertical alignment, the diamond lies horizontally across the finger.

This subtle shift changes how the diamond interacts with light and the eye. A horizontally set stone feels wider and more expansive on the hand. It can enhance the natural width of the finger and create a sleek, contemporary silhouette that still honours the essence of a classic solitaire.

For many couples, this blend of old and new is exactly what they want - a ring that feels both familiar and distinctly personal.

Why Aesthetic Diversity Matters

One of the strongest drivers behind the East/West trend is the modern appetite for aesthetic variety. 

Today’s couples are more informed and more expressive about their design preferences. 

They’re not just buying a ring - they’re choosing an extension of their personality.

East/West settings offer that expression. They:

• Celebrate sideways symmetry.

• Create a fresh visual rhythm on the finger.

• Look equally stunning with both coloured stones and diamonds.

• Provide a subtle alternative to mainstream designs without being overtly avant-garde.

For those who love tradition but also want distinction, this orientation strikes the perfect balance. It’s effortless refinement with a contemporary edge.

A Natural Fit with Minimalist and Modern Design

Minimalism continues to shape jewellery trends. 

More couples are choosing rings that reflect clean lines, purposeful forms, and thoughtful craftsmanship. 

East/West settings dovetail beautifully with this trend. Their horizontal diamond placement complements sleek bands and understated profiles.

This makes them ideal for people who favour:

• Understated elegance over extravagance

• Restrained design over ornate detailing

• Versatility—a ring that can be worn casually or formally with ease

We see many clients pairing East/West settings with plain bands, micro-pavé detailing, or subtle side stones. 

The result is an engagement ring that feels modern, intentional, and elegantly crafted - timeless jewellery that won’t feel dated in years to come.

Versatility With Every Stone Type

While East/West settings are often associated with diamonds, the trend extends comfortably into coloured gemstones too. 

Couples seeking a unique twist on tradition are choosing sapphires, emeralds, or rubies set horizontally.

Why does this work so well?

• Colourful stones have a broader visual footprint when placed east/west.

• The orientation showcases the stone’s shape and depth.

• Horizontal settings offer fresh design opportunities for halo or side stone detailing.

For example, a horizontal sapphire solitaire ring exudes both contemporary style and regal grace. In a halo design, it reaches a balance of sparkle and character that feels fresh without being faddish.

Whether you’re choosing a traditional brilliant cut diamond or a coloured gemstone, east/west settings enhance the stone’s presence while staying grounded in elegance.

Personalisation Without Complication

One of the reasons engagement ring trends rise and fall is because personal taste evolves. Couples today want to feel seen in their rings - they want something that feels uniquely theirs.

East/West settings are perfect for this because they:

• Provide distinction without being overly bold

• Allow customisation (e.g. metal choice, halo, side stones)

• Work beautifully with modern and vintage-inspired elements

• Can be tailored to suit lifestyle and personality

At Simon West Fine  Jewellery, many of our bespoke designs incorporate East/West orientations in ways that reflect each couple’s story. 

Whether it’s a romantic halo surrounding a horizontally set centre stone or a simple cathedral band that complements the stone’s length, the design possibilities are rich and flexible.

Why the Trend Is Here to Stay in 2026

So what makes east/west settings more than a fleeting moment? Why will they continue to resonate through 2026 and beyond?

1. They offer a modern twist without rejecting tradition.

2. They align with minimalist, refined aesthetics that many brides prefer.

3. They accommodate a wide range of stones and design preferences.

4. They allow for meaningful customisation while remaining timeless.

5. They speak to an emerging design philosophy: less flashy, more thoughtful.

These rings are not polarising or loud. 

They are elegant, understated, and deeply wearable. 

That’s the essence of what “less is luxe” means in today’s jewellery landscape. A great ring should feel right - not just now, but for decades to come.

Authenticity Matters

As engagement ring trends continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: authenticity matters. 

Couples are choosing pieces that feel personal, considered, and enduring. 

East/West settings offer all that and more. They bridge classic tradition and contemporary design in a way that feels natural, distinctive, and deeply stylish.

At Simon West Fine Jewellery, we celebrate this trend and the thoughtful design choices it represents. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a bespoke east/west engagement ring or simply exploring modern interpretations of timeless jewellery, we’re here to guide you with expertise, care, and an appreciation for both heritage and innovation.

Because great design doesn’t just sparkle—it speaks.