A halo engagement ring surrounds the central diamond with a swirl (or two) of smaller, pavé-set diamonds. A forever classic, the halo setting gives the illusion of a larger ring without requiring you to break the budget. It also provides the center stone with added protection against the knocks it is likely to receive throughout everyday wear. A further advantage of the halo setting is the extra sparkle that comes from the light dancing off the facets of all those smaller gemstones in addition to the central sparkler. Today, the halo setting is used to complement many different diamond shapes, from round and oval to fancy cuts.

If you are looking for an engagement ring that will subtly stand out from the rest, then an east-west setting could be your perfect match. The choice of supermodel Natalia Vodianova in her betrothal to LVMH’s Antoine Arnault, an east-west style features a stone set horizontally—as opposed to vertically—on the band. The setting, ideal for a pear-shaped, marquise or emerald-cut diamond, has directional appeal for the contemporary bride, and also a timeless elegance for a more traditional happy forever after.

The first rule of engagement rings: there are no rules. Gone are the days of the cookie-cutter diamond solitaire. The newest diamond rings come in wildly different settings that a purist might eschew as ‘cocktail rings,’ but the new generation is embracing as emblems of their own personal style. And why be boring? Animal shapes, multi-finger rings, mixed materials like diamonds with color-treated gold…anything goes for the unconventional bride.

One of the hottest ring styles is the gypsy setting where the diamond is set flush with the gold band, resulting in a look that is bold, solid and weighty. Any cut of diamond can be made into a gypsy setting: It enhances smaller diamonds with a rich gold setting and also gives larger stones a more subtle appearance since it’s set into the gold, rather than elevated. The gypsy setting portrays a cool seventies vibe, although it was originally a product of the Victorian era. Added bonus: typical prong settings can leave the diamond precariously open to mishaps, but gypsy settings protect the stone from a lifetime of wear.

The classic eternity ring features diamonds set neatly in a never-ending circle of gold, a symbol of eternal love. A traditional style that has been remixed and reinvented by today’s designers, over time the cut of the stones has evolved, linking together heart-shaped diamonds or stair-stepped baguettes. New styles feature wider bands set with a mosaic of diamonds or thread-thin bands with pavé diamonds. Once just a sidekick to the solitaire ring, the new eternity bands are strong enough to stand on their own.

If you love the color pink, blue or yellow, look for a fancy-colored diamond ring—just be sure to keep in mind that any intense colored diamond is going to be more expensive than a colorless stone. The bonus is that colored diamonds are collectible and have proven to be a good investment. To stay within budget, look for smaller fancy colored diamonds, which are dainty and understated, or less intense colored diamonds. In addition to the precious pastel colors, there are more affordable black-, brown- and champagne-colored diamonds, which range from medieval to modern-looking.

A classic solitaire, pear-shaped or emerald cut ring on a simple band or flanked by side stones is a forever favorite. When you consider that you will likely wear this ring for decades to come, it really makes sense to select something that will never grow old or tired. So even if you are tempted by the latest jewelry trends, make sure your engagement ring has lasting appeal and reflects your sense of style. There’s a reason the classic round diamond remains the top selling diamond for 50 years and counting.

Simple, sleek diamond ring designs express a sense of relaxed, lived-in luxury. If your style leans modern, there are endless diamond ring choices, from understated designs to bold, graphic and streamlined. Here, the diamond is usually integrated into the design rather than the focal point. This unconventional direction is becoming more popular among brides who want diamond rings that suit their more casual lifestyle and modern sensibility.