East-West Engagement Rings: The Sideways Setting Explained
Turn an oval, emerald or marquise ninety degrees so it runs across the finger instead of along it, and you have an east-west engagement ring. It is a small change with a big effect: the ring suddenly looks modern, architectural and a little unexpected. Here is what to know before you choose one.
What is an east-west setting?
Most elongated stones are set north-south, pointing toward the fingertip. In an east-west setting the stone is turned so its long side runs across the finger, parallel to the band. Sideways-set stones appear in antique jewelry, so the idea is not new, but it has become one of the most talked-about settings of recent years.
Which shapes work east-west?
The setting only makes a difference with elongated shapes, because a round or square stone looks the same either way.
- Emerald: the long step facets run across the finger like a bar of light. Clean and architectural.
- Marquise: its two points reach toward the sides of the finger, dramatic and a little vintage.
- Oval: softer and more romantic, and the most popular choice.
- Pear: playful and asymmetrical, with the point facing one side.
- Radiant and elongated cushion: sparkle-forward and modern.
The pros
- A distinctive, modern look that still uses classic stone shapes.
- The stone's narrow side faces the wedding band, so a straight band can often sit closer than it would beside a north-south elongated stone.
- It shows the full outline of the stone to anyone looking at your hand, rather than to you.
- It works with minimal settings: a simple claw, a bezel or a split shank.
The cons
- It makes the finger look wider, not longer. If you want the slimming effect of an oval or pear, set it north-south.
- It is less traditional, which some people love and others don't.
- A very long stone set sideways can reach past the edges of a slim finger, so check the millimetre size against your finger width.
Choosing the size
Because the stone runs across the finger, its length matters most. A stone of around 7 to 10 mm long sits comfortably across most fingers; longer stones make a bold statement. Every listing gives the stone size in millimetres, and our size chart helps you picture it.
Pairing a wedding band
A plain or pavé straight band usually suits an east-west ring well, because the stone's narrow side faces the band. For an exact match, look at the side view of the engagement ring first; if the setting sits low, a slim band will sit closest.
Our east-west designs
See them all together in our east-west engagement rings collection:
- 2 CT emerald moissanite, east-west setting
- 4 CT blue emerald moissanite, east-west
- 2 CT marquise moissanite, east-west six-prong
- 3 CT pear moissanite, east-west split shank
- 2 CT radiant moissanite, east-west setting
- 5 CT criss cut moissanite
Each is made to order in 925 sterling silver or 10K, 14K or 18K solid gold, in yellow, white or rose. Want a different shape or stone set east-west? Tell us on our custom jewelry page.
Quick answers
Are east-west engagement rings in style?
Yes. They are one of the most popular modern twists on the solitaire, and they work with classic shapes, so they are unlikely to look dated.
Does an east-west stone look smaller?
Not smaller, but different. It looks wider across the finger instead of longer along it.
Which shape is best east-west?
Emerald and marquise give the boldest, most architectural look; oval is the softest and most popular.
Can I choose moissanite or lab grown diamond?
Our east-west designs above are moissanite. For other ideas, see oval vs round and our hidden halo guide.