Finding the perfect engagement ring starts with knowing what speaks to your style and story. At Paul Bram, Melbourne’s premier destination for fine jewellery, you’ll discover a world of exceptional styles, shapes, and stones that bring meaning and beauty together in every exquisite detail. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each key element of engagement ring design so you can choose your perfect ring with clarity and confidence.

Engagement Ring Styles

When choosing an engagement ring, it helps to understand the difference between styles and settings. Styles refer to the overall look and design of the ring, while settings focus on how the diamond is secured in place. Paul Bram’s collection of about 150 engagement ring styles ensures you find a piece that not only reflects your unique taste but also beautifully showcases the brilliance of your diamond.

Solitaire

A solitaire features a single, stunning stone as its centrepiece. This timeless style exudes elegance and simplicity. Whether set with a classic diamond or a vibrant coloured gem, the solitaire design puts the spotlight on the stone itself, uncluttered, bold, and forever stylish.

Halo

A halo design features a circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones that frame the centre stone in radiant brilliance. This setting enhances sparkle and creates the illusion of a larger centrepiece, perfect for those who love a bit of extra dazzle. Whether paired with a plain band or diamond-set shoulders, halo rings are glamorous, eye-catching, and undeniably elegant.

Three-Stone

Also known as a trilogy ring, this design features three main stones, often a larger centre stone flanked by two smaller gems. Symbolising the past, present, and future, the three-stone ring is rich in meaning and romance. Whether the stones are matching or varied in size, this style offers balanced elegance with emotional depth.

Side Stones

Side stones feature a central stone accented by smaller gems on either side of the band. The side stones add extra sparkle, depth, and visual interest without taking attention away from the centrepiece. Whether they’re diamonds or coloured gems, side stones elevate the overall brilliance of the ring. It’s a refined choice for those who love a touch of glamour with graceful balance.

Toi et Moi

French for "You and Me," this romantic design features two main stones set side by side. Symbolising the union of two souls, the Toi et Moi ring represents love, partnership, and balance. The stones can be identical or contrasting in shape, colour, or size, making this style deeply personal and expressive. It’s a poetic choice for those who want their ring to tell a love story.

Engagement Ring Shapes

When choosing an engagement ring, the shape of the stone is just as important as the style. At Paul Bram, our team will guide you through every detail, helping you choose a shape that reflects your style. A general awareness of diamond shapes is key to finding a ring that speaks to your story. This section of our engagement ring guide breaks down the most popular and timeless shapes available at Paul Bram Australia.

Round

The round brilliant cut is the most iconic and sought-after diamond shape. Perfect for traditional romantics, it offers maximum sparkle thanks to its 58 precisely cut facets. Its symmetry and classic appeal make it a versatile choice that suits nearly every ring style, from solitaire to halo. At Paul Bram, we only select round diamonds that meet our exacting standards for fire, brilliance, and cut quality.

Oval

Sleek and sophisticated, oval diamonds offer the brilliance of a round cut with an elongated silhouette. Why we love it: This flattering shape can make the finger appear longer and slimmer, a favourite among modern brides.

Emerald

Defined by long, step-cut facets and a striking rectangular shape, the emerald cut offers vintage charm and mirror-like clarity. Unlike brilliant cuts, emerald shapes offer a subtle, reflective sparkle known as a "hall-of-mirrors" effect. This shape is ideal for those who love understated glamour and clean lines.

Cushion

The cushion cut combines soft, rounded corners with a square or rectangular outline, offering an elegant blend of old-world romance and contemporary sparkle. Also called a "pillow cut," this shape is ideal for vintage-inspired settings and has a dreamy, romantic feel. Cushion cuts at Paul Bram are chosen for their depth of sparkle and unique character, making each ring as individual as the wearer.

Pear

Also known as the teardrop shape, the pear cut is distinctive and dramatic. It combines the brilliance of a round cut with the tapered elegance of a marquise. This asymmetrical shape makes a statement and elongates the finger beautifully. The pear cut is ideal for those who love bold individuality with timeless elegance.

Engagement Ring Stones

While diamonds remain the most iconic and timeless choice for engagement rings, couples are increasingly drawn to a more personalised approach. At Paul Bram, we offer a curated selection of precious stones that allow you to express individuality, tradition, and emotion through your ring. We at Paul Bram believe the choice of gemstone plays a defining role in the overall impact of your ring. Here, we explore the most meaningful and stunning stones available at Paul Bram.

Diamond

A diamond is the traditional and enduring symbol of forever, known for its unmatched brilliance, resilience, and timeless appeal. Graded by the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat), a high-quality diamond offers dazzling light performance and can elevate any ring design. At Paul Bram, our diamonds are ethically sourced and hand-selected for their exceptional fire and brilliance, ensuring your centre stone shines with timeless perfection.

Argyle Pink Diamonds

One of the rarest and most coveted gems in the world, Argyle pink diamonds are uniquely Australian, mined exclusively from the now-closed Argyle Mine in Western Australia. Their delicate blush tones range from soft rose to deep magenta, making each stone truly one of a kind. With their dwindling availability, Argyle pink diamonds have become treasured not only for their beauty but also as highly collectible investment pieces.

Sapphire

Traditionally associated with loyalty, wisdom, and nobility, sapphires are a regal alternative to diamonds. While deep blue is the most recognised shade, sapphires also come in a rainbow of hues, including pink, yellow, and teal, allowing for colourful, modern interpretations of the engagement ring. Their durability makes them suitable for daily wear.

Ruby

A stone of deep passion and power, the ruby has long been associated with love, vitality, and courage. With its intense red hue, a ruby adds boldness and drama to any engagement ring setting. These fiery gemstones are not only captivating but also durable, making them perfect for everyday wear.

Emerald

Known for its lush green colour, the emerald symbolises renewal, growth, and lasting harmony. Its slightly softer nature requires care, but its beauty and depth are unparalleled. Favoured by those who appreciate vintage elegance and striking colour, emeralds offer an alternative that’s both meaningful and luxurious.

Bespoke Engagement Rings

Your love story is one of a kind, your ring should be too. Every Paul Bram bespoke engagement ring is handcrafted in Melbourne by master jewellers, using only ethically sourced materials. Whether you prefer a unique shape, a rare gemstone, or heirloom inspired design, our custom process brings your vision to life.

Find Your Forever Ring with Paul Bram

An engagement ring is a lasting symbol of your love, your future, and your unique style. Let this guide support your journey in finding a ring that truly represents your love story. At Paul Bram, you’ll find exquisite craftsmanship coupled with expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you're just starting your search or ready to create something truly yours, we will help you find the perfect ring to say “forever.”