Different Types of Rings: Popular Jewelry Options, Explained

Download Article

An in-depth guide to the trendiest rings around

Co-authored by Ariana Fox and Eric McClure

Last Updated: March 8, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Engagement Rings
|
• Wedding Rings
|
• Fashion Rings
|
• Gemstone Rings
|
• Ring Materials
|
• Ring Settings
|
• Video

|Show more |Show less

For such a seemingly simple piece of jewelry, there sure does seem to be a lot of different stuff involved when you’re buying a ring. Whether it’s an engagement ring, wedding ring, or just something you want to wear to dress up a fancy outfit, there are so many choices out there that it can be hard to figure out what you even want to buy. To help make sense of it all, wikiHow met with multiple jewelry experts to get the inside scoop on which rings you might want to consider, and how (and when) to wear them.

What are the different types of rings?

Rings are generally classified by what they’re for (weddings, engagements, etc.), or how they’re designed (infinity rings, mood rings, etc.). The most common types of rings include solitaires, bands, statement rings, and birthstone rings. The most common materials for rings are gold, silver, and platinum.

Steps

Section 1 of 6:

Types of Engagement Rings

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Solitaire rings Solitaires are probably the most “classic” style of engagement ring. They have a solid metal band and contain one central diamond or gemstone. They’re luxurious, simple, and classic.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Valeria Johnson is a professional jewelry designer and gemstone expert. She’s also the founder of Lela Lea Gems.

   Nicole Wegman is a jewelry professional and the CEO of the jewelry brand, Ring Concierge, who specializes in wedding and engagement ring trends.

   Ariana Fox is a professional jewelry maker and metalsmith, and the founder of the jewelry brand The Uncommon Fox.
2. 
   2
   Halo rings Halo rings are a fresh take on a variation of the solitaire ring. They also contain a large central stone, but the stone is surrounded by a series of smaller stones (usually the same type of stone, but sometimes not). This creates the effect of a “halo” glow around the central stone, ergo the name.
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Three-stone rings Three-stone rings have three central stones that sit on the band in an even row. Typically, the middle stone is the biggest and the two rings on either side are smaller, but there are also designs out there that are more symmetrical.

   • The three stones are often said to symbolize the past, present, and future of a relationship.
4. 
   4
   Vintage engagement rings Vintage (and antique) rings are a general category of engagement ring that simply refers to older rings. Typically, vintage rings are family rings that have been handed down over generations, although some people will seek out vintage rings to make their engagement a little more personal and unique.
5. 
   5
   Pavé rings Pavé rings are a highly sophisticated and fancy option. They have rows of diamonds that “pave” the way towards the central gemstone (almost always a diamond), creating the impression that the entire ring is made exclusively of diamonds.
6. 
   6
   Cathedral rings Cathedral rings, which are considered highly dramatic and elegant, have two shanks that arch over the band to support the central stone. They’re named after old European cathedrals, which often had similar architectural flourishes.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 6:

Types of Wedding Rings

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Classic wedding bands The classic wedding band is just a metal band. It’s symmetrical, wraps around the finger, and doesn’t feature any stones. They’re often made of gold or silver, although tungsten and wood have become popular options in the past few years.

   • How do you pick a wedding ring? Jewelry professional Nicole Wegman explains that the wedding band complements the engagement ring. “You always want to make sure that they look good together and that they pair well together.” She also recommends that you like how the band looks alone, “because if you're going to be traveling and you don't feel comfortable taking your engagement ring with you, you'll be wearing just your wedding band."
2. 
   2
   Diamond bands Diamond bands are a popular variation of the classic wedding band. They’re also simple rings in terms of the thickness and shape, but there are small diamonds embedded in the front of the band itself.

   • Classic bands are probably the most popular option for men, while diamond bands are mostly popular with women (although many women do prefer a classic band).
3. 
   3
   Eternity rings Eternity rings are a type of diamond band where the diamonds run all the way around the body of the ring. They occasionally come in slightly altered shapes, but they’re usually just simple bands covered in diamonds. They’re a convenient option if you tend to play with your rings, since the ring will shine regardless of how far you turn it around.

   • The eternity rings are meant to represent the everlasting love between the two people getting married.
4. 
   4
   Stackable bands These trendy rings come in sets. You can layer and “stack” the rings in different ways to create unique looks based on what you’re in the mood to wear. These are a great option if you’re a bit of a fickle person when it comes to accessories and you often want to change things up.
5. 
   5
   Curved ring These unique and modern rings don’t sit perfectly flat when you set them down. They have a curve or protrusion either in the metal or where the diamonds are set. The curve adds some unique attitude to the wedding ring, and it can help draw the eye down to your ring finger.

   • These rings can be a really fun non-traditional option if your relationship is a little atypical as well! This is a great way to honor a strange meet-cute, a storied relationship, or a quirky attitude you two have as a couple!
6. 
   6
   Anniversary rings Anniversary rings are a type of wedding band meant to celebrate big milestones in a relationship. They’re often designed to be worn alongside the old wedding ring or replace it entirely. Often, they’re inscribed with important dates or messages, and they may have atypical gemstones based on something personal to the couple.
Advertisement

Section 3 of 6:

Common Types of Fashion Rings

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Mood rings Mood rings are delightfully weird rings that change color based on how you feel. They’re a fun piece of nostalgic jewelry that was once deeply popular in the 70s, and you’re sure to turn some heads if you break out a mood ring these days!
2. 
   2
   Stone rings Stone rings have no metal in them; they’re made entirely of a stone, like jade, agate, or crystal. They come in a variety of different designs and styles, and they’re a fun way to accessorize with some color.
3. 
   3
   Claddagh ring The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring that depicts two hands holding a heart. They come with their own set of rules regarding which direction the heart faces, which finger you wear the ring on, and when you wear it. Historically, it’s used to indicate whether you’re single, engaged, or married, but tons of people today wear them for fashion reasons.
4. 
   4
   Promise ring Popular among grade schoolers, high schoolers, and younger couples, a promise ring is a romantic gift used to symbolize love and commitment without any commitment to marriage. They’re a sweet option if you want to show someone you really care about them without spooking them about marriage.
5. 
   5
   Evil eye ring Evil eye rings, or Nazar rings, depict the blue eye of protection—a popular folk remedy to ward off evil eye curses and negative energy. Today, they’re associated with holistic spiritual paths and “old world” cultural traditions. The designs are often really cool, too!
6. 
   6
   Adjustable ring Adjustable rings are a new invention. They are what they sound like—rings where you can manually adjust how tight they are. Jewelry maker Ariana Fox explains that they’re often called “open rings,” and that they’re becoming increasingly popular because people like gently adjusting how tight their rings are.
7. 
   7
   Two-finger ring The classic two-finger ring is visually striking, fashion-forward, and elegant. They wrap around two adjacent fingers to create the look of a single horizontal bar floating on top of your hand. They were popular statement pieces in the 60s and 70s, and they’re still popular today in the punk rock and hip hop subcultures.
8. 
   8
   Statement ring Statement rings are a general category of rings that describe big, flashy rings that are worn for their fashion appeal. Jewelry designer Valeria Johnson says that you typically want to wear statement rings on your middle or pointer finger, so that you can show them off while wearing other sentimental pieces.
9. 
   9
   Armor ring Popular with fans of the “viking” aesthetic, armor rings look like something a knight might wear into battle to protect their finger. They often contain layered pieces of metal that can be adjusted, and they sometimes double as a self-defense tool if you happen to get into a fight.
10. 
    10
    Class ring Class rings are designed and worn to honor your relationship to your alma mater. They’re less popular today than they used to be, but many class rings can carry intense personal value. A lot of them look quite good as statement rings as well!
11. 
    11
    Dome ring Dome rings are making a big comeback. These bulky, asymmetrical rings have thicker fronts where the band extends out past the finger, making it kind of look like a dome on your finger. They were popular in the early 1900s, and today they have a huge vintage flavor that is becoming increasingly popular.
12. 
    12
    Pinky/thumb ring Traditionally, rings are worn on the index, middle, or ring finger, but pinky and thumb rings are fun, alt-inspired options if you walk a different path. They tend to stand out as high fashion pieces, especially if you choose a vibrant or bright statement ring for one of those fingers. Johnson says she’s into them: "I'm a big fan of thumb rings. They’re uncommon. Same thing with the pinkies. Pinky rings [wear like classic pieces].”

    • Johnson notes that historically, men of a certain sort of status in society wore signature rings, which were commonly worn on pointer or pinky fingers.
13. 
    13
    Bypass ring Bypass rings refer to bands where the two ends of the band loop around different parts of the finger, kind of like a snake crawling up your knuckles. They are occasionally used to hold gemstones in a tension ring, although there are a ton of different, unique options out there.
14. 
    14
    Signet ring A signet is an embossed symbol that was historically used to seal the wax crest on letters. They were a kind of signature item based on a family crest, initials, or some important cultural icon. Today, signet rings are mainly worn for their aesthetic. They tend to be big, expressive, and personal, which makes them great gifts, too!
15. 
    15
    Cameo ring Cameo rings contain (you guessed it), cameos! A cameo is a carved portrait or image that is worn as a piece of ornamental jewelry, so a cameo ring is just a ring displaying a cameo. They’re associated with older (even Victorian) aesthetics, but they’re a fun option if you want something retro that makes a statement.
16. 
    16
    Spinner ring Spinner rings are bands where there’s a track running around the middle of the ring so that you can physically rotate part of the ring without taking it off your finger or irritating your skin. They’re super popular with people who love to fidget and neurodivergent people who want an inconspicuous way to stim without drawing attention to themselves.
Advertisement

Section 4 of 6:

Types of Gemstone Rings

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Diamond As the most iconic stone in the history of jewelry, diamonds are the premier stone for rings. They’re storied, historic, classic, and visually impressive. When it comes to rings, the cut of the diamond is extremely important to the core design. The cut is part of the “four Cs,” which also includes clarity, color, and carat.

   • How do you find the right diamond ring? Diamond rings are expensive, so it makes sense that you’d want to make a wise purchase. Wegman recommends focusing on what the ring looks like IRL. “My biggest advice to consumers is to focus on what the diamond actually looks like in person, and how it looks on your hand.”
2. 
   2
   Gemstone Gemstones are minerals or rocks that have impressive visual qualities. Most gemstone rings are worn purely as accessories, although you’ll occasionally find engagement or wedding rings with unique gemstones. Some of the most popular gemstones include:

   • Sapphire: A deep blue gemstone that also comes in subtle, rainbow shades.
   • Ruby: The classic red gemstone is iconic and beloved for its dramatic flair.
   • Emerald: This green gemstone has a dynamic quality that tends to dance in the light.
   • Morganite: Morganite is a popular rose gold companion since it has a similar champagne color.
   • Aquamarine: This stone is light blue and almost has a diamond-like quality when it reflects light.
   • Amethyst: A deep purple stone, amethyst is considered a more vintage option for rings.
3. 
   3
   Birthstone Many people opt for birthstone rings to reflect and honor the month when they were born. The concept of birthstones is actually quite fascinating. The concept goes back to the Bible when Aaron was gifted a breastplate with 12 gemstones in it, each stone representing one of the tribes of Israel. 500 years later, medieval historians made a connection between the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 months of the year. The following stones became associated with the 12 months:

   • January: Garnet
   • February: Amethyst
   • March: Aquamarine
   • April: Diamond
   • May: Emerald
   • June: Pearl
   • July: Ruby
   • August: Peridot
   • September: Sapphire
   • October: Opal
   • November: Topaz
   • December: Turquoise
Advertisement

Section 5 of 6:

Types of Ring Materials

Download Article

1. 1
   Silver Silver is a popular option for rings due to its classic sheen. It also happens to be generally cheaper than other precious metals, which definitely adds to its popularity.

   • What is sterling silver? Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, and the remaining 7.5% is a combination of other metals. Silver on its own is extremely soft and malleable, so sterling silver has all of the benefits of the material without the fragility.
2. 2
   Gold Perhaps the most iconic precious metal in the history of the planet, gold is an incredibly popular and iconic material for rings. It’s unique, classic, beautiful, and durable. It’s one of those fashion accessories that can be extremely flashy or profoundly subtle, depending on the jewelry and the accompanying outfit, making it a universally good choice for rings of all kinds.
3. 3
   Rose gold Rose gold is made by combining gold with copper. The yellowish gold mixes with the orange copper to create this very distinct pink hue. It’s a popular alternative option to gold for people with skin tones who don’t look best with yellow gold (which can look “off” on paler skin tones). It’s also a bit of a niche metal that has a huge cult following. People who love rose gold tend to really love rose gold.

   • It helps that it’s more affordable than pure gold, too!
4. 4
   White gold White gold is another gold alloy. It’s made by mixing gold with nickel or palladium to create a very bright, brilliant look. Visually, it’s similar to silver, but it has a much more reflective quality that a lot of people admire.
5. 5
   Platinum Pure platinum is a rare choice for rings because it develops a patina very quickly, but many people do seek platinum jewelry out for its distinct visual profile and durability. It has a really deep quality to its shine that makes it look dynamic and stunning. It’s also very good at holding a diamond!
6. 6
   Titanium Like rose gold, titanium has a huge cult following. It has this very deep, smokey sheen that other metals just can’t replicate. It’s also profoundly durable, and it happens to be hypoallergenic, which is perfect for people who have sensitive skin.
7. 7
   Tungsten Tungsten is the new kid on the block when it comes to rings, but it’s quickly growing in popularity—especially with men who want a unique wedding band. Tungsten is very lightweight, which makes it comfortable to wear. It’s also very durable, so if you work with your hands, it’s a great option.
Advertisement

Section 6 of 6:

Types of Ring Settings

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Solitaire prong The solitaire prong setting is probably the most popular for engagement rings. It’s a single stone set in a simple mount. It’s meant to highlight the stone itself without drawing the eye elsewhere.

   • Why is the setting so important? Wegman explains, “The most expensive component of any jewelry you buy is the single diamond itself.” So, she says that you want to select a setting that flatters it! Wegman recommends trying different rings on, making sure you like how the shape looks on your hand, and then designing a setting that not only flatters you, but the diamond shape.
2. 
   2
   Channel Channel settings have rows of gemstones that sit inside the band. They’re unique and tend to be popular among people seeking out a more elegant, subtle design that still has plenty of shine.
3. 
   3
   Bezel A bezel setting is where the band wraps around the sides of the gemstone. The stone itself sits on the same vertical plane as the surface of the band, creating a kind of unique look that isn’t very common for wedding or engagement rings. It usually has a kind of vintage aesthetic.
4. 
   4
   Basket The basket setting is a popular modern option that tends to be a bit more secure than a solitaire setting. The stones are elevated off the ring, but they have prongs that wrap around each side of the ring to hold the stone in place and support it. It’s a great option if you work with your hands and worry about losing your ring.
5. 
   5
   Cluster A cluster setting is a loosely-defined type of stone setting where a bunch of stones are set together using slightly different individual settings. Cluster settings tend to be best for elaborate rings with multiple stones of different sizes and shapes.
6. 
   6
   Tension Tension settings rely on the pressure of the band to hold a gemstone in place. These rings tend to be extremely modern (and often avant-garde), and they’re often stunning and arresting to look at. That said, they can be kind of expensive due to their difficult fabrication process, and they can be relatively fragile in the long run.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!