The Trending Engagement Ring Settings of 2024: East-West, Open Bridge, and Compass Settings

The design of an engagement ring is more than just the gemstone; it’s about how the stone is set, as the setting can completely transform the look and feel of the ring. In 2024, we’re seeing a rise in innovative, modern settings that are perfect for couples looking to break away from traditional styles. Among the most popular trends this year are the East-West, Open Bridge, and Compass settings—each offering a unique way to display the beauty of the gemstone while adding a contemporary twist.

In this blog, we’ll explore these trending settings, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your custom engagement ring.

What is the East-West Setting?

The East-West setting redefines the traditional engagement ring by rotating the gemstone horizontally, placing it across the band rather than the more common vertical alignment. This setting has gained significant popularity because of its modern, edgy look, while still maintaining the elegance of a classic ring.

Why It’s Trending in 2024

The East-West setting stands out for its fresh, contemporary aesthetic. In 2024, more couples are seeking engagement rings that feel unique and distinctive. This setting is perfect for those who want to step away from traditional styles without going too far into avant-garde territory. The East-West setting offers a modern, personalized touch that resonates with today’s brides and grooms.

Best Gem Shapes for East-West Setting

This setting works best with elongated gemstones like:

• Oval
• Emerald
• Marquise
• Elongated Cushion

These cuts highlight the length of the gemstone, making the ring feel more substantial and visually interesting.

Benefits of the East-West Setting

• Larger Appearance: The horizontal placement of the gemstone can make it look larger, especially with elongated cuts.
• Unique Appeal: It offers a fresh, modern twist that still retains timeless beauty.
• Versatility: The East-West setting can be paired with a variety of band styles, from minimalist to intricate designs.

The Open Bridge: A Sleek, Minimalist Favorite

The Open Bridge setting creates the illusion that the gemstone is suspended with no visible metal or prongs under the stone, allowing more light to pass through. The gemstone sits close to the finger, with minimal visible support from the shank. This design allows for maximum light reflection, enhancing the stone's brilliance while maintaining a sleek and minimalist look.

Why It’s Trending in 2024

The Open Bridge setting is gaining popularity for its modern, minimalist design that prioritizes the gemstone's appearance. The lack of a lower gallery and the open space beneath the stone allows for increased light exposure, making the diamond or gemstone appear brighter and more radiant.

Who Loves the Open Bridge Setting?

This setting is ideal for those who love contemporary design with a focus on simplicity. The open bridge creates a clean, elegant look that allows the gemstone to stand out as the star of the design.

Best Stones for the Open Bridge Setting

The Open Bridge setting is versatile and works beautifully with all gemstone shapes, making it an ideal choice for those who want a minimalist design that highlights the stone’s natural brilliance. Whether you're opting for a classic round diamond or a more unique shape, the open bridge design allows maximum light to enhance the sparkle and beauty of the gemstone.

Popular stone shapes for this setting include:

• Round Brilliant Cut: A timeless choice, perfect for maximizing sparkle.
• Oval Cut: Elongated shapes like the oval are perfect for drawing attention with a graceful look.
• Emerald Cut: The step-cut facets of an emerald-cut diamond benefit from the extra light exposure.
• Cushion Cut: The soft, rounded edges of cushion cuts complement the openness of the setting.

The Open Bridge setting enhances the brilliance of any gemstone shape, allowing light to pass through from all angles, making the stone the true star of the ring.

Benefits of the Open Bridge Setting

• Minimal Metal Visibility: The lack of metal under the gemstone allows it to float, making it the focal point of the design.
• Increased Light Reflection: The open space allows more light to enter the stone from underneath, enhancing the brilliance and sparkle.
• Modern Aesthetic: The open bridge creates a contemporary, minimalist appearance while emphasizing the stone's natural beauty.

Compass Setting: A Perfect Twist on the Classic

The Compass setting offers a subtle but distinctive twist on the traditional engagement ring. In this setting, the gemstone is placed with its corners pointing to north, south, east, and west, rather than aligning the stone with the band’s axis. This gives a fresh look to familiar cuts without drastically altering the overall design.

Why It’s Trending in 2024

Couples who want something classic with a slight edge are embracing the Compass setting. It offers a way to customize a traditional solitaire while adding a touch of personality and uniqueness. The Compass setting feels modern but isn’t too far removed from classic engagement ring styles, making it the perfect choice for those who want a bit of both worlds.

Benefits of the Compass Setting

• Subtle Uniqueness: The shift in orientation is noticeable but not overwhelming, making it a great option for those who prefer understated innovation.
• Personalized Aesthetic: It offers a new take on familiar cuts, allowing you to make a classic diamond or gemstone feel more personal.
• Maintains Tradition with a Twist: The Compass setting adds flair while keeping the overall look elegant and timeless.

Popular Stone Shapes for Compass Setting

• Princess Cut
• Square Cut
• Cushion Cut

These shapes look particularly beautiful in a Compass setting as their corners naturally align with the north-south-east-west orientation.

Choosing the Right Setting for You

Each of these settings—East-West, Floating, and Compass—offers its own unique appeal. When selecting the perfect setting for your engagement ring, consider both your personal style and how you want the gemstone to be showcased.

• East-West: Ideal for those who want a modern, attention-grabbing look that feels sophisticated and bold.
• Open Bridge: Perfect for minimalists who want a clean, sleek design that puts all the focus on the gemstone’s brilliance.
• Compass: A great choice for those who prefer a more traditional setting but with a subtle, personalized twist.

Gemstone and Metal Considerations

• Metal Choices: These settings pair well with metals like platinum, white gold, and yellow gold. The metal can either enhance the modernity of the setting or provide a beautiful contrast, depending on your choice.
• Gemstone Considerations: While diamonds are a classic choice, these settings also work beautifully with colored gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, offering endless customization options.

Why Bang Diep Offers the Best in Custom Engagement Rings

At Bang Diep, we specialize in crafting custom engagement rings that capture the essence of the latest trends, including the East-West, Floating, and Compass settings. Our expert team is here to help you bring your vision to life, ensuring that your ring reflects both your personal style and the 2024 trends.

Custom Design Process

We work closely with each client, offering a hands-on design process that ensures every detail of your ring is customized to your preferences. Whether you want a sleek floating setting or a bold East-West design, we will guide you through the process from concept to creation.

GIA-Certified Gemstones

We use only GIA-certified diamonds and gemstones, ensuring that every stone meets the highest standards for quality and authenticity. Our commitment to excellence means that your ring will not only be beautiful but also of the utmost quality.

Conclusion

The East-West, Open Bridge, and Compass settings are the top engagement ring trends of 2024, offering fresh, modern alternatives to classic styles. Whether you prefer the bold look of an East-West ring, the sleek elegance of a Floating setting, or the subtle twist of a Compass design, these settings provide endless opportunities for customization.

At Bang Diep, we are here to help you explore these trends and create the perfect engagement ring that reflects your unique love story. Book a consultation with us today and let us help you design your dream ring.

FAQs:

1. What gemstones work best with East-West settings?

   • Elongated cuts like oval, emerald, and marquise stones work beautifully in East-West settings, offering a modern and elegant look.

2. How do you care for a open bridge engagement ring?

   • Due to the minimal metal, it’s important to clean and inspect your floating-set ring regularly and ensure the prongs are secure over time.

3. Is the compass setting more secure than a traditional setting?

   • The compass setting is just as secure as traditional settings, as it uses prongs to hold the gemstone in place at the four corners.

4. Can I customize these settings with colored gemstones?

   • Absolutely! Each of these settings looks stunning with colored gemstones like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds, offering a unique and personal touch.

5. How much does it cost to create a custom engagement ring with these settings?

   • The cost varies depending on the gemstone, metal choice, and complexity of the design. Book a consultation with us at Bang Diep to get an estimate based on your custom design.