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Unique Design Elements To Make Your Engagement Ring Stand Out

July 5th, 2025

A white gold halo sapphire engagement ring on a white background

Creating an engagement ring that truly reflects your unique love story requires thoughtful attention to detail and a touch of artistic vision. At Exclusively Diamonds in Mankato, Minnesota, we believe that personalization is what transforms a beautiful ring into a lasting heirloom. From gemstone pairings to unexpected setting styles, there are countless ways to make your ring unlike any other. If you're ready to step beyond tradition, explore our favorite ways to design an engagement ring that turns heads and celebrates your individuality.

Combine Gemstones with Classic Diamonds

Pairing gemstones with traditional clear diamonds introduces vibrant contrast and personal symbolism to a design. Sapphires, rubies, or emeralds can be used as side stones or halos, adding depth and personality. For example, deep blue sapphires flanking a brilliant round diamond exude a timeless yet striking appearance. Alternatively, pink or yellow diamonds add a touch of romance and warmth. With thoughtful placement and color coordination, gemstone accents help highlight your center stone without overwhelming the design. 

A mixed metak halo engagement ring with diamonds encrusted along the band

Explore Unique Diamond Shape Pairings

Combining different diamond shapes in one ring creates a captivating visual contrast. Pairing a marquise center stone with baguette accents, for example, introduces angular elegance to a graceful silhouette. Mixing round and pear shape diamonds in a cluster or halo format can achieve a whimsical effect. These shape combinations often make the central diamond appear larger and more impactful, turning a simple setting into something dramatic. Such inventive pairings allow you to enjoy the brilliance of multiple cuts in one ring.

Personalize with Engraved Details

Engraving adds a deeply personal touch to your engagement ring. From special dates or initials to meaningful quotes, these hidden messages become cherished secrets shared between partners. Engravings can be etched along the inner band or creatively displayed along the exterior if the design permits. Script styles, typefaces, and even symbolic motifs such as hearts or infinity loops are all options. It transforms the ring from a beautiful object into a heirloom-worthy piece with heartfelt significance.

A yellow gold split shank halo ruby engagement ring on a wooden surface

Choose a Distinctive Setting Style

Unusual setting styles elevate engagement rings beyond the conventional. A tension setting, for example, creates the illusion of a floating diamond, delivering a distinctive, architectural look. A bypass or split-shank design adds fluidity and movement, framing the center stone with the unique use of negative space. Hidden halo settings offer a secret shimmer visible only from the side, giving your ring dimension and intrigue. These creative styles not only affect how light interacts with your diamond but also enhance comfort and individuality.

A rose gold ring featuring a square halo of diamonds surrounding a central emerald-cut diamond, flanked by two pear-shaped blue sapphires framed in diamond-studded marquise settings.

Make Your Engagement Ring Stand Out with Exclusively Diamonds

At Exclusively Diamonds in Mankato, Minnesota, we consider it a privilege to guide our clients through the engagement ring custom design journey from start to finish. For more than 20 years, our showroom has been home to expert designers, GIA-trained professionals, and in-house jewelers ready to bring your dream engagement ring to life. Whether you want to enhance your ring with gemstones or intricate settings, we will gladly assist you throughout the process. For more information, do not hesitate to contact us.