Blog

More and more couples are pivoting to rings that flip elongated stones horizontally, which is a layout that has resurfaced in recent years as shoppers hunt for designs that feel familiar yet different. The style—also known as the east-west engagement ring—shifts marquise, oval, or cushion cuts across the finger instead of up and down.

Zendaya's own cushion-cut diamond, first glimpsed at the 2025 Golden Globes and traced to British jeweler Jessica McCormack[1], gave the look major celebrity cred and pushed the trend into headlines and Instagram feeds alike.

Zendaya’s choice not only captured attention but also highlighted the elegance of the east-west style. So, what exactly makes her ring stand out?

What is an East-West Engagement Ring?

An east-west engagement ring sets an elongated diamond or other gemstone horizontally across the band instead of vertically. Traditional North-South settings aim that length toward the fingertip and visually elongate the hand. Hence, rotating the stone sideways creates a noticeably different silhouette.

The sideways spread can trick the eye into seeing a larger stone while keeping a low, comfortable profile for daily wear. People who like understated contemporary design enjoy the subtle twist because it feels distinctive without looking flashy.

Zendaya's East-West Engagement Ring

Zendaya's engagement ring sits horizontally across her finger in a Georgian-style "button-back" mount that blends 18-karat yellow and white gold[2], a calling card of London jeweler Jessica McCormack. This sideways layout is what makes the piece an east-west engagement ring. Slim cut-down prongs minimize metal, so the diamond stays front-and-center from every angle.

At the center is an elongated cushion-cut diamond of about 5.02 carats, the same size listed for McCormack's model that fans matched to Zendaya's ring. The horizontal orientation lets more light reach the facets. Thus, the stone looks even larger on the hand. Jewelers peg the ring's value in the $150,000-$200,000 range[3]. Yet, it depends on the diamond's exact color and clarity.

Why East-West Rings Are Gaining Popularity

While Zendaya helped put it in the spotlight, the east-west engagement ring was already on its way to becoming a modern classic.

Modern, Sideways Look

Turning the stone horizontal gives even classic cuts a fresh silhouette that feels very 2025. Jewelers note that the layout pairs well with clean, narrow bands many modern buyers like. Because of that, the east-west engagement ring tops most 2024-25 trend lists. 

Celebrity Spark

Zendaya's sideways oval at the Golden Globes brought the style to millions overnight. Portia de Rossi and Catherine Zeta-Jones wore similar east-west settings years earlier, keeping the look in view. When stars flash a ring on red carpets and social feeds, many couples copy it. 

Balance and Harmony

A horizontal stone reads as two lives moving side-by-side, not one above the other. Designers say that symmetry speaks of mutual respect and steady partnership. For many individuals, choosing an east-west diamond ring makes that idea visible every day. 

Fits Many Hands

The sideways spread visually lengthens fingers, flattering both petite and wider hands. Oval, marquise, and pear stones show more surface when set east-west, which gives presence without extra height. Slim bands and low profiles also keep the ring comfortable for daily wear.

How to Choose the Perfect East-West Engagement Ring

With their growing appeal, it's no surprise that more couples are considering east-west rings for their big moment. But how do you choose the one that’s truly right for you?

Stone Selection

• Choose elongated shapes (oval, marquise, emerald, pear, radiant) that suit east-west orientation.
• Prioritize excellent cut symmetry for a balanced horizontal look.
• Use durable diamond, sapphire, or moissanite to resist edge wear.

Setting Design

• Opt for a low-profile setting to prevent snagging in everyday wear.
• Use bezel or V-tip prongs to guard pointed ends.
• Secure horizontal prongs or a full bezel for stability.
• Consider an east-west halo that can add sparkle and extra protection.
• Include hidden pavé or gallery accents to add understated brilliance.
• Design a basket/cathedral so a wedding band can sit flush.
• Confirm that ring size accommodates extra horizontal spread.

Metal & Proportion

• Keep metal minimal for a sleek, contemporary silhouette.
• Match metal color to stone tone (white for icy, yellow/rose for warm).
• Select hard platinum or 14 k/18 k gold for strength.
• Balance bandwidth with the stone length for proportion and support.
• Consult a custom jeweler to refine proportions for comfort and lifestyle.

The east-west ring is all about subtle drama and modern elegance—choosing the right combination of stone, setting, and metal ensures your ring feels just as timeless as it looks unique.

Discover Custom Engagement Rings at Romalar

If you're drawn to the east-west look but want a ring that truly reflects your story, custom design is the way to go. It gives you control over every detail—from stone shape to setting height—to ensure the final piece feels perfectly yours.

At Romalar, we love working with couples to create custom engagement rings that tell their story. We make designing your own engagement ring simple and personal, guiding you through seven clear steps—style, gemstone, cut, setting, metal, color, and size. Before crafting the final piece, we’ll share a 3D preview so you can see exactly how it looks. Already have a stone you love? We’re happy to work with it.

Whether you envision a horizontal gemstone ring or a fully custom east-west engagement ring, we can bring it to life. Explore our vintage, halo, and nature-inspired styles to find what speaks to you. Start with our most-loved styles—from vintage to halo—and customize them directly on our site, or book a design consultation today.

References

[1].Zendaya Reportedly Has an East-West Engagement Ring from Tom Holland. What Does That Mean? Available at: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/a63351493/zendaya-engagement-ring-details-explained/. (Accessed on May 29, 2025. )

[2].All We Know About Zendaya’s East-West Diamond Engagement Ring From Tom Holland. Available at: https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a63350914/zendaya-tom-holland-diamond-engagement-ring-details/. (Accessed on May 29, 2025. )

[3].All the Details on Zendaya's 5-Carat Engagement Ring from Tom Holland (and the Subtle Hint She Dropped About It 2 Years Ago!). Available at: https://people.com/all-about-zendaya-engagement-ring-8773944. (Accessed on May 29, 2025.)