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East West Engagement Rings 


A Guide to Sideways-Set Engagement Rings


Are you hunting for an engagement ring that stands out from the crowd, challenging tradition with a touch of unconventional flair? 

If so, you're in the right place! Discover the allure of East-West engagement ring settings—an exquisite blend of sophistication and non-conformity that captivates those seeking a timeless yet unexpected piece of jewellery.

At Serendipity Diamonds, we create various two-stone designs, from classic selected styles to unique bespoke designs with expert guidance at every step of your journey towards the perfect engagement ring. 

Bespoke East-West engagement ring suitable for men and women

What is an East-West engagement ring?


East-West engagement rings differ from a traditional setting by positioning the diamond or gemstone across the finger. In contrast, most engagement rings place the diamond along the finger lengthways. 

Variations exist to describe this type of engagement ring. Horizontal engagement rings, sideways set engagement rings, landscape and lateral settings all describe the same east-west style rings. 

Most diamond engagement rings feature a 'portrait' orientation running North-South along the finger.

So, what sets East-West engagement rings apart? Picture a classic silhouette, redefined by a horizontally placed elongated stone across the band. This ingenious placement, flipping the stone sideways to sit perpendicular to the finger, creates the illusion of a larger, more impactful centerpiece. This modern twist, a 90-degree rotation, maintains a connection to tradition while infusing your ring with contemporary personality.


Origins and history


The roots of the East-West engagement ring style delve into the geometric forms of the Art Deco movement. Serving as a unique alternative to the intricate designs of the Edwardian period, these rings emerged as a powerful departure from the flowery iterations of French luxury jewelers in the early 20th century.


Examples of East-West diamond ring settings


We have assembled a selection of East-West horizontal ring designs that all share a common feature. The following designs include a diamond or gemstone running across the band. In addition to the designs you see below, we offer a complete bespoke design service, to create the perfect custom made diamond engagement ring

East West Marquise Engagement Ring


We created the Ursa ring design as a completely unique signature ring style. This spectacular solitaire design won us Finalist in the CanadaMark design competition a few years ago. Our exclusive design features an elegant setting to embrace the Marquise cut diamond. 

East West Three Stone Engagement Ring


Crafted through our bespoke design service, this captivating Trilogy ring features an Oval brilliant-cut diamond between two blue Sapphires. Taking around 5 weeks to complete, we worked closely with our client to ensure the perfect design and an incredible engagement ring, finished to perfection. 



Two Stone East West Engagement Ring


In contrast to sideways-set solitaire designs, we offer alternative two stone engagement ring styles. The Twirl engagement ring design includes a twist engagement ring setting, featuring a choice of carat weights, arranged across the band. 

East West Oval Engagement Ring


The Ursula East-West oval engagement ring design features a sparkling sideways-set Oval brilliant cut diamond, held within a tension-style setting. Crafted with a wedding-ring-friendly setting, this design offers a sleek minimalist look and is available in many diamond and precious metal options. 



East-West Baguette Engagement Ring


The Brooke engagement ring design, features a Baguette cut diamond in an East-West setting across the band of the ring. With a very contemporary appearance, we create this design with an optional mirror polish, or combination finish with a matte-band contrasting with the polished bezel setting. 

Stone choices, precious metals and settings


A variety of classic elongated stone shapes provide endless options for design—think ovals, pears, marquise, and emerald cuts. Each stone, when oriented East-West, brings its own character to the design. An emerald cut offers a linear look, while an oval provides a softer feel. Marquise cuts add an elegant take on an antiquated design, and pear cuts introduce striking asymmetry.

Bold choices include the long emerald for a statement-making impression, and radiant elongated cushion cuts that complement both narrow and chunkier bands. Pavé settings, with additional brilliance and scintillation, are showstoppers for couples seeking a touch of glamour.

The versatility of East-West settings extends to the choice of gemstones, from lab-grown and natural diamonds to glistening emeralds and luscious sapphires. Selecting a gemstone is a personal choice, symbolising the unique love shared between partners. Pairing well with these stones are metals like 18ct yellow, rose, and white gold, along with platinum for an icy cool, contemporary finish.

Celebrity Style. Who Wears East-West Rings?


Join the global trend embraced by celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Portia De Rossi, and Kate Beckinsale. These A-listers have chosen East-West rings for their unique ability to subvert classic design codes, offering a fresh perspective on tradition.

Catherine Zeta-Jones' stunning East-West ring, inspired by the lips of King Louis XV of France’s lover, Madame de Pompadour, exemplifies a vintage-inspired design with a slight avant-garde twist. Portia De Rossi's organic and fluid ring, featuring a twisted pink diamond pavé band, adds a touch of whimsy to the classic marquise diamond. Even actress Kate Beckinsale embraced the trend with a rotated emerald-cut diamond ring.

Create the perfect ring


Are you ready to elevate your celebration of love in a truly distinctive manner? Immerse yourself in our exclusive collection of exquisite engagement rings, where the allure of East-West designs awaits. Discover the perfect ring that not only captures your individuality but also serves as a tangible embodiment of the love that unites you and your partner. At Serendipity Diamonds, we invite you to explore the artistry that transforms tradition into timeless expressions of devotion.