Engagement rings are subject to trends just like anything else. In fact, the trend of one stone flanked by side stones as well as the pavé band, which literally means “paved” (in this case you’re paving the way with diamonds!) has been popular for so long that lately I’ve been wondering when another style might emerge as the latest “it” engagement ring style.

Still, I was a little surprised when I saw how frequently Pinterest users pinned the simple engagement ring I featured in a recent engagement ring roundup. They wrote captions to their pins such as “classic,” “simple” and “beautiful.” But it makes sense — after a period of more elaborate rings being popular, of course we’d come back around to rings that are more simple, like the square solitaire diamond above and the emerald-cut one below.

While accent stones and pave bands certainly add oomph to the center diamond, there’s also something nice about these simpler styles where you can see just how lovely that diamond is. (Not to say an engagement ring has to be a diamond. We’re starting to see them with all sorts of stones in recent years.)

Stunning, no?

If you’re on the hunt for a ring, check out a local jeweler near you and our article on engagement ring terms.

Photos by Renai Photography