Flipping the Script: The Beauty of East-West Rings

      If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching jewelry trend, East-West rings are sure to capture your attention. These rings, known for their unconventional setting style, offer a fresh and modern twist on traditional designs. In this article, we’ll explore the history of East-West rings, their distinctive characteristics, and why they’ve become a favorite among jewelry lovers. Whether you’re new to the concept or considering adding one to your collection, this guide will help you appreciate their charm and versatility.

What Are East-West Rings?

     East-West rings are characterized by their unique setting, where the gemstone is set horizontally (from East to West) rather than the traditional vertical (North-South) orientation. This simple change in direction creates a striking visual effect, making the gemstone appear larger and giving the ring a fresh, modern appeal. Whether it’s an engagement ring or a statement piece, an East-West setting can turn a classic design into something truly one of a kind.

The History and Evolution of East-West Rings

     The East-West setting was first seen in Art Deco jewelry during the 1920s and 1930s, a period known for its bold, geometric designs. This era celebrated innovation and breaking away from tradition, making the this setting a perfect fit for the times. However, it wasn’t until recently that East-West rings gained widespread popularity, as more people began to seek out unique and personalized alternatives to conventional ring styles.

     Today, East-West rings are celebrated for their ability to blend the classic elegance of traditional gemstones with a modern, unconventional twist. They offer a perfect balance of timelessness and trendiness, making them a popular choice for those who want their jewelry to stand out.

Characteristics of East West Rings

East West rings are not just about the orientation of the stone; they carry some unique features that make them highly sought after:

Modern Aesthetic: The horizontal setting offers a sleek, modern aesthetic that appeals to those looking for something different from traditional ring designs.

Enhanced Stone Appearance: Setting the stone horizontally can enhance its visual impact, often making it appear larger and more prominent.

Versatility: East West rings can feature various gemstone shapes, including oval, marquise, emerald, and pear. This versatility allows for a wide range of design possibilities, catering to different tastes and styles.

Customization: Many jewelers offer customizable East West rings, allowing clients to choose their preferred gemstone, metal, and setting style. This level of customization makes East West rings a popular choice for personalized jewelry.

Popular Gemstones for East West Rings

Oval Gemstones

     Oval-shaped gemstones are a popular choice for East West rings due to their elongated shape and elegant curves. The elongated shape of oval cuts naturally complements the expanded appearance of an east-west setting, making the stone appear even larger.

Teal Blue Sapphire Oval Ring, Azuri

Advantages of Oval East West Rings:

• Maximized Size: The oval cut's elongated shape enhances the visual size of the gemstone in an east-west setting.
• Smooth Curves: Rounded edges reduce the risk of snagging or chipping, ensuring durability.
• Brilliant Facet Structure: The facet arrangement of oval cuts reflects light beautifully, resulting in exceptional sparkle, especially in a horizontal orientation.

Considerations for Oval East West Rings:

• Balance: Ensuring the ring is well-balanced is crucial to avoid a lopsided appearance. While oval cuts are typically symmetrical, extra attention to balance is necessary.
• Bow Tie Effect: Be aware of the potential for dark shadows in the center of the stone caused by certain faceting patterns. These can block light and reduce sparkle. To minimize this effect, invest in high clarity and color grades.

Marquise Gemstones

The marquise cut is a stunning choice for an East-West setting, offering both balance and dramatic finger coverage. This cut’s elongated shape naturally lends itself to the horizontal orientation, creating a bold and sophisticated look that’s perfect for making a statement.

Advantages of Marquise East-West Rings:

• Ideal Symmetry: The marquise cut’s symmetrical shape provides a beautifully balanced look, making it an ideal choice for an East-West setting.
• Dramatic Finger Coverage: The elongated design of the marquise cut covers more of the finger, enhancing its visual impact and creating an elegant silhouette.
• Protected Points: Setting the marquise cut horizontally helps secure its sharp points, reducing the risk of them catching or breaking, ensuring both beauty and durability.
• Stable Prongs: The prongs in an East-West setting are less exposed, offering increased stability and protection for the gemstone.

Marquise Diamond Half Eternity Ring, Marcia

Emerald Cut Gemstones

Emerald cut gemstones, known for their rectangular shape and step-cut facets, look stunning in East West settings. This design highlights the gemstone’s sharp lines and understated sparkle, making it a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate modern, minimal aesthetics.

Octagon Natural Diamond Ring, Kali

Advantages of Emerald Cut East-West Rings:

• Linear Elegance: The emerald cut’s sleek, rectangular structure leaves a lasting impression when set horizontally, enhancing its sophisticated design.
• Minimal Aesthetic: With its understated sparkle and clean lines, the emerald cut complements the minimal and modern look of an East-West ring, perfect for those who favor simplicity.
• Enhanced View: The horizontal orientation offers a better view of the emerald cut’s straight lines and step-cut facets, showcasing the stone’s precision and clarity.
• Larger Appearance: When positioned sideways, the flat tabletop of the emerald cut appears larger, making the gemstone look even more impactful.

Pear Cut East-West Engagement Rings

For those who love a mix of elegance and playfulness, the pear cut is an excellent choice for an East-West setting. Pear-shaped gemstones combine the best of both worlds with their rounded bottom and pointed top. This asymmetrical shape offers a unique and graceful look, creating a distinctive and elegant ring. 

Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Ring, Malika

Advantages of Pear Cut East-West Rings:

• Asymmetrical Appeal: The taper of the pear cut provides a unique, graceful, and unconventional look in an east-west setting.
• Art Deco Contour: Whether the wider end points up or down, the pear cut creates a cool Art Deco contour, making it a stylish focal point.

Considerations for Pear Cut East-West Rings:

• Bow Tie Effect: The pear cut is prone to the bow tie effect, which can reduce brilliance. Choosing high clarity and color grades can help minimize this issue.
• Steady Setting: Ensure a secure and steady setting to prevent the narrow end of the pear from chipping. Proper prong placement and protection are crucial for maintaining the gemstone's integrity.

Popular East-West Ring Styles

Classic Solitaire: Featuring a single horizontally-set gemstone, the East West solitaire ring is a minimalist’s dream. It’s simple, elegant, and modern.

Octagon Emerald Ring, Geneva

Halo Settings: Surrounding the central horizontal stone with a halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones adds extra sparkle and sophistication.

Three-Stone Rings: With three horizontally-set stones, this style symbolizes the past, present, and future, making it a perfect choice for anniversaries or significant milestones.

Triple Turquoise Diamond Ring, Blu

Vintage-Inspired: Combining the East West setting with vintage design elements results in a ring that’s both timeless and trendy.

Diamond and Baguette-Cut Pink Sapphire Ring, Rosalind

Why Choose an East-West Ring?

There are several reasons why East-West rings have become a favorite among jewelry lovers:

1. Unique and Modern Appeal: The horizontal setting of the gemstone gives East-West rings a distinctive look that sets them apart from traditional rings. This modern twist is perfect for those who want something unique and eye-catching.

2. Enhanced Gemstone Visibility: By setting the gemstone horizontally, the East-West design often makes the stone appear larger and more prominent. This can be particularly striking with elongated gemstones like ovals, marquise, or emerald cuts.

3. Versatility: East-West rings are incredibly versatile, complementing both minimalist and elaborate designs. Whether you prefer a simple band or a ring with intricate detailing, an East-West setting can enhance any style.

4. Personalization: Choosing an East-West ring allows for a greater degree of personalization. You can select a gemstone that holds special meaning, choose a custom band design, or even incorporate mixed metals for a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

How to Style and Wear East-West Rings

East-West rings are versatile and can be styled in various ways to suit your personal taste:

• As an Engagement Ring: For those who want a modern yet timeless engagement ring, an East-West setting offers a unique alternative to the traditional vertical setting. It’s a choice that symbolizes both individuality and style.

  

  Teal Sapphire Engagement Ring with Diamonds, Lou

• Stacking Rings: East-West rings also make excellent stacking rings. Pair them with other bands or mix and match metals for a trendy, layered look.

Double Band Diamond Ring, Celeste

• Statement Pieces: If you’re looking for a statement piece, choose an East-West ring with a bold gemstone and a distinctive band design. It’s sure to be a conversation starter.

Baguette Peridot Signet Ring, Clarissa

• Everyday Elegance: The subtle yet distinctive nature of East-West rings makes them perfect for everyday wear, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Single Marquise Diamond Ring, Marcia

Conclusion: Embrace the East-West Trend

      East-West rings are a beautiful blend of classic elegance and modern innovation. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring that stands out, a unique addition to your jewelry collection, or a meaningful gift, an East-West ring offers a perfect combination of style and individuality. At Sarah Elise, we offer a stunning collection of East-West rings, each crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. Explore our selection today and find the perfect East-West ring that reflects your personal style and celebrates your unique story.