Cluster Engagement Rings Are Trending—Here Are the Need-to-Knows

While classic diamond solitaires offer a timeless appeal that will simply never go out of style, more and more couples and proposers are searching for unique engagement rings. Enter: the cluster engagement ring. "Cluster rings are perfect for the bride who doesn't want her ring to look like her friend's ring," says Melanie Casey, a talented jewelry designer especially known for her range of cluster styles. "They are often unique and sometimes one-of-a-kind, particularly if they incorporate gemstones. People choose cluster rings because they want something that isn't typical or expected." Each cluster design is as uniquely rare as the stones set inside it. "Cluster rings can be particularly hard to execute at the jewelry bench and usually require expert stone setting work," Casey says. For this reason, "it is really important to choose your jeweler carefully if you want a cluster engagement ring and to make sure they are well trained in that style. If an untrained jeweler attempts to set a cluster ring, it can often look jumbled and haphazard instead of intentional and full of movement." Here, Casey provides more insight into the stunning style—and we round up nearly a dozen versions to shop right now.

In this article:

• What Is a Cluster Engagement Ring?
• Cluster Diamonds vs. Solitaire Diamonds
• The Best Cluster Engagement Rings to Shop Now

What Is a Cluster Engagement Ring?

There are two main types of cluster engagement rings, Casey explains. "Some cluster rings are composed of many small stones—diamonds or other gemstones—clustered together in symmetrical or more organic, movement-inspired settings," she says. "Other cluster engagement rings feature a focal stone like a traditional solitaire engagement ring, with clusters of smaller stones on the band or surrounding the focal stone to enhance it." The former are typically unique design masterpieces; the latter can be seen in more familiar styles like pavés or halos.

Cluster Diamonds vs. Solitaire Diamonds

The choice between diamond cluster vs. solitaire is based on personal style and preference. When doing your research, there are some key differences to consider.

Structure: Creating a cluster engagement ring presents a unique and exciting challenge for jewelry designers; it's one that Casey enjoys immensely. "I love designing cluster engagement rings—it's a fun design challenge every time," she says. Of course, there are countless ways to create it. "My cluster design work is focused on leveled accents so that the composition has movement and intention. I have seen too many cluster rings where the stones are all bunched at one level, only separated by prongs; I think this results in a flat finished product. So I ensure that my designs are complex in height, and unexpected variances in stone size and shape are important."

Price: Often, a diamond cluster engagement ring is actually less expensive than a solitaire. "A cluster engagement ring that features all smaller stones, where the cluster itself is the focus, is less expensive than a solitaire because you aren't paying for a diamond that is a full carat or two," Casey says. While the total carat weight is lower, though, the clustering of smaller stones can easily be perceived as larger; there's a definite bang-for-your-buck benefit here.

That said, not all cluster styles are less expensive. "It all depends on the design," Casey clarifies. "If you want a focal stone alongside a cluster motif, you will be paying more than you would for a solitaire because of the additional material costs for melee (accent) diamonds and gold, plus the time at the bench. It's much quicker to set a single solitaire stone than a full cluster."

Symbolism: Diamonds have been said to represent strength and love, and colored gemstones are imbued with similar symbolism. Cluster rings can have special meanings, too. "One of my favorite things about jewelry is the way it speaks differently to different people, just like other fine art," Casey says. "Sometimes, the number of stones in a cluster represents the number of children the couple has or the number of dates before they said 'I love you.' I love all of the meanings and all of the ways our clients use jewelry to tell their own stories."

The Best Cluster Engagement Rings to Shop Now

While the idea of cluster rings brings to mind a grouping of smaller stones as the focal point, there is a wide variety of cluster styles, as Casey mentioned (and she uses a variety of styles in her own designs). There are clusters with focal stones, floral cluster engagement rings, vintage-inspired or antique cluster engagement rings and rings that are entirely one-of-a-kind, just like your love. Here, we've rounded up a diverse array of styles for your romantic marriage proposal, including a few of Casey's personal favorite designs.

Melanie Casey Stars at Eventide Ring

Photo: Melanie Casey

"For those wanting a cluster engagement ring that is a 'true' cluster look—without an obvious focus in the center—I love the Stars at Eventide," Casey says. "The asymmetrical cluster is very hard to get just right from a design perspective, but I think the combination of the round cut and the pear cut stones' angled placement makes this cluster flow beautifully." (Psst, this ring has a sister style crafted with colored gemstones in place of diamonds that is equally stunning.)

Angara Classic Double Floral Halo Diamond Ring

Photo: Angara

A flower cluster engagement ring typically features a main center stone, with smaller diamonds clustered around in a petal formation. This one—available with lab-grown or natural diamonds and in varying carat weights—has the clustered diamonds set lower than the center stone, creating a halo effect and visually enhancing the overall perceived diamond size.

Bario Neal Sway Cluster Diamond Ring

Photo: Bario Neal

A pear cluster engagement ring is the best of both worlds: This one has a 0.75-carat pear-shaped focal diamond with smaller round diamonds clustered around it. Plus, it comes from Brooklyn-based, women-owned jewelry label Bario Neal, where ethical sourcing and sustainable production practices are top priority.

Melanie Casey Toi et Moi et Le Reste Cluster Ring

Photo: Melanie Casey

A trending style gets the cluster treatment in this toi et moi ring with additional accent diamonds. The style is already rife with symbolism—it translates quite literally to "you and me" and thus makes a perfect engagement ring; adding on accents in some meaningful number only amplifies the significance (and beauty!).

Ring Concierge Baguette Cluster Eternity Band

Photo: Ring Concierge

Cluster styles aren't just for the main event; the design style can be used on a wedding band, as well. This eternity band from Ring Concierge is a beautiful example, featuring alternating baguettes and round stones fitted puzzle-like into platinum.

Shane Co. Yasmin Green & Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring

Photo: Shane Co.

In this round cluster engagement ring, the accent stones aren't just diamonds, they're green and blue sapphires. The marquise shape of the sapphires gives them a leaf-like appearance around the center stone; it results in an organic, nature-inspired look we love.

Melanie Casey Snowdrift Ring

Photo: Melanie Casey

This cluster oval engagement ring is one of Melanie Casey's most popular and requested designs; it's part of her core collection for that reason. "We offer it in many different focal diamond cuts and the design just works for all of them," she says. "My challenge in designing Snowdrift was to get the side clusters to be placed at intentionally varying heights so that there is visual interest in the cluster itself."

Artemer Marquise Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring

Photo: Artemer Studio

Marquise cluster engagement rings often have an antique art-deco vibe, and this one proves that's a beautiful thing. Here, a dozen marquise diamonds in varying sizes are mirrored around square gray diamonds at the center line for a unique effect that harkens back to the 1920s.

Helzberg Diamond Composite Engagement Ring in 10K White Gold

Photo: Helzberg Diamonds

Halos are designed to make a small stone look bigger, and clusters have the same effect. So, halo cluster engagement rings? They offer the full effect two times over. This wow-worthy piece features not one halo layer but two, plus pave diamonds halfway down each side of the band. It's a more-is-more look we can get on board with.

Melanie Casey Fringes Ring

Photo: Melanie Casey

Another one of Casey's favorite clusters is actually a deceptive design, she says. "From the top-down view, the Fringes ring looks like a classic solitaire engagement ring. But I brought in clusters of tiny diamonds under the focal stone, visible from the side view. This 'below the surface' cluster design is something I have been exploring more and more in my work. I love the idea of a special surprise view for the wearer, and tiny hidden clusters are a great way to offer that extra sparkle."

With Clarity Round Cut Milgrain Flower Halo Engagement Ring

Photo: With Clarity

If you're looking for vintage cluster engagement rings, opt for something with a milgrain detail; the beaded border technique gained popularity in the art-deco era and gives modern rings a special, antique feel. It works beautifully in this floral-inspired cluster engagement ring, which features diamonds totaling 2.33 carats.