Engagement Rings & Weddings
By Jill Newman. May 13, 2025
Six Reasons Why the East-West Ring is Today’s Hottest Style
The east-west diamond ring setting is on the rise — and it’s got broad appeal.
Credit: Instagram @ joeyking
The east west ring setting offers a fresh, gender-neutral take on traditional diamond styles, making it a versatile choice for both men and women. By turning elongated diamond cuts—like emerald, oval, pear, and marquise—horizontally, this setting transforms classic stones into something modern and unexpected. Couples searching for commitment or engagement rings are increasingly drawn to designs that express their individuality while still offering the timeless elegance of a natural diamond ring meant to last a lifetime—or at least a few decades.
Meet the Expert
- Jill Newman is a jewelry authority, editor, and storyteller with over 25 years of experience, having reported from diamond mines in Africa, cutting workshops in India and Belgium, and ateliers around the world.
- She serves as Editor-at-Large for the Natural Diamond Council, with additional bylines in The New York Times, Town & Country, Elle Décor, and Robb Report.
Most recently, Zendaya made headlines with her east west ring, revealing her engagement to actor Tom Holland at the 2025 Golden Globes. She debuted a 4-carat east–west–set elongated cushion cut natural diamond engagement ring in a Georgian-style button-back setting.
What Is an East West Ring?
The east west ring setting takes a classic diamond shape and gives it a subtle yet striking twist—by turning it on its side. Instead of being set vertically along the finger, elongated cuts like emerald, marquise, oval, and pear are placed horizontally across the band. The style first appeared in the early 20th century, surfacing in Art Deco and Retro designs, but has seen a powerful resurgence in recent years as modern couples look for rings that balance timeless elegance with a hint of individuality.
Why East West Rings Are Trending Now
Over the years, the east west ring has caught the attention of a number of celebrities looking to express their sense of style with a unique engagement ring. Kate Beckinsale married Len Wiseman with an emerald-cut diamond flipped on its side, and Portia de Rossi wed Ellen DeGeneres with a horizontal marquise-cut ring on a twisted band covered in diamonds in 2008. Catherine Zeta-Jones wears a stunning east west marquise diamond ring given to her by husband Michael Douglas. French businessman Antoine Arnault proposed to supermodel Natalia Vodianova with a pear-shaped east west engagement ring.
Actress Joey King told Only Natural Diamonds all about how her husband, Steven Piet, decided on her horizontal-set diamond ring. “He had found Mociun and he was curious if I liked the design direction because it was very unique and less traditional,” she explained. “I was obsessed.” These days, the east west ring has broad appeal and is featured by jewelers around the world at every price point.
Here are six reasons why east west rings are hot right now:
1. The East-West Diamond Ring is Modern & Fresh
“People are looking for designs that are more pure and modern, and ways of wearing diamond jewelry that feel personal and unique,” says Valérie Messika, founder and creative director of Messika Paris, musing over the appeal of the east-west engagement ring. “I like this new generation of design that challenges the traditional codes of high jewelry, and we know perfectly well how to break the codes.” Messika’s new collection features Toi et Moi rings with east west–set pear-shaped diamonds.
2. The East West Diamond Setting Is Understated Yet Elegant
“I personally love the east west ring because it’s a little more casual and wearable for every day,” says Eve Goldberg of William Goldberg, a family-owned diamond company that creates some of the world’s most magnificent diamond jewels. She explains, “I love this style ring because it’s different, clean, and modern looking.”
I love this style ring because it’s different, clean, and modern looking.
3. The East West Ring Setting is Surprisingly Versatile
Whether it’s used to showcase the geometry of large stones in minimalist bands or to create delicate settings with smaller diamonds, the east west ring is incredibly adaptable. Designers like William Goldberg and Kwiat highlight its bold elegance, while Anna Sheffield and Jewels by Grace offer more artisanal interpretations. For a totally different twist on east-west, London’s Glenn Spiro takes it to the next level by setting east west diamonds in wood, bronze, and gold.
4. It’s Perfectly Androgynous
The sleek, minimalist ring style of the east west ring is easily adaptable for men’s ring styles. David Yurman is one of the many designers offering modern rings for men with diamonds discreetly set horizontally in wide gold bands. Clearly, many men want to wear diamond jewelry but prefer a more understated look.
5. It’s Classic with a Twist
For couples seeking a diamond ring that feels unique without abandoning tradition, the east west setting is the perfect middle ground. By flipping a stone horizontally, the design adds just enough edge to make a statement, without sacrificing timeless appeal.
6. The Perfect Diamond Setting to Redesign Your Heirloom
If you inherited a family diamond ring, it’s easy to reset the central natural diamond in a newly created east-west design. It’s about highlighting the beauty of the stone—its sparkle and diamond shape—in a new design that celebrates the heirloom while making it all your own.
It may not be new, but the East-West setting is one of the hottest styles today
“The east-west ring has always been a great option,” says Goldberg, who showed oval diamonds set sideways several years ago. Still, there is no denying its time has come, as women desire individuality and understated elegance. “Today, women aren’t looking for jewelry to keep in the vault, but pieces they can wear every day, and the east-west style ring just works.”
Shop East West Rings
Get inspired by a variety of east west ring styles from some of our favorite designers. From minimalist settings to statement-making silhouettes, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Thelma West Sugarcane Oval Ring, price upon request, thelmawest.com
Kwiat East West Ashoka Cut Ring, price upon request, kwiat.com
Single Stone Leah Ring, $19,000, singlestone.com
Henri Daussi East West Diamond Eternity Band, price upon request, henridaussi.com
Jacquie Aiche Marquise Center Pavé Diamond Dome Ring, $5,795, jacquieaiche.com
Darius Jewels Antique Pear Signet ring, $22,450, dariusjewels.com
Material Good East-West Oval Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring, price upon request, materialgood.com
Ashley Zhang Sutton East West Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, $18,550, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
Jade Trau Mariam Oval Ring, $12,200, jadetrau.com
Jennie Kwon East West Champagne Diamond Deco Ring, $8,075, jenniekwondesigns.com
