Zendaya's engagement ring taps into this rising trend
Although they are yet to personally confirm the news, the world is convinced that Zendaya and Tom Holland are engaged after the actress showed off her brand new sparkling engagement ring on the red carpet at the Golden Globes on Sunday night. On closer inspection, it seems that the ring is by the London jeweller and A-list favourite Jessica McCormack and is a cushion-cut east-west set ring, tapping into one of the most popular rising engagement ring trends of the moment.
The east-west setting is unique from most other engagement ring styles in the way the diamond rests on the band in a horizontal fashion.
"When you think of a traditional solitaire engagement ring, elongated diamond shapes such as emerald or oval cuts will be set 'north-south' or vertically," explains the jeweller Rachel Boston. "An east-west engagement ring features a stone that has been set horizontally, with its most elongated side set parallel to the ring band."
While Zendaya's diamond is an oval shape, east-west rings can also be created with rectangular diamonds, or any diamond that is elongated. This can be done with emerald, marquise and radiant cuts, explains Eliza Walter of jewellery brand Lylie.
Jessica McCormack east-west cushion cut
Jessica McCormack east-west emerald cut
Lylie Bianca ring
Rachel Boston Ines ring
"The east-west setting enhances the natural beauty of the stone," she adds. "For instance, the emerald cut’s long lines and step facets are showcased beautifully in a horizontal position, while an oval cut’s softer curves and brilliant sparkle are amplified. The unique orientation gives the ring a fresh, distinctive elegance."
In many ways, this subtle change to the positioning of the diamond makes a dramatic difference to the look of the ring, and can also help the stone to look larger than it is.
"There's a slight optical illusion," explains Boston. "Most stones will look larger set perpendicular to the finger, giving the ring an additionally dazzling effect."
The east-west setting is so unique that it makes for a much less traditional engagement ring, which is part of the reason it is becoming so popular with modern couples. However, its history actually dates all the way back to the 15th Century, while it also grew rapidly in popularity in the 1920s. "The geometric designs of the Art Deco era were a perfect fit for a setting which celebrates innovation and breaking away from tradition," Boston says.
And, perhaps one of the most touching facts to know about the east-west setting – and maybe why Holland decided it was the perfect ring for his bride-to-be – is that they are said to symbolise an even, equal relationship with two partners moving forward together.
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