If you like it, put an east-west engagement ring on it

The 2025 Golden Globes took place last week and perhaps no topic resulted in more internet chatter than Zendaya’s rumoured engagement. The Challengers star arrived on the red carpet in a custom tangerine silk Louis Vuitton gown by Nicolas Ghesquière, a Bulgari high jewellery necklace embedded with a 31-carat oval Paraiba tourmaline and diamonds worth a whopping 48 carats, matching earrings, and a ring on her right hand. However, it was a smaller diamond ring that she wore on her left ring finger that sent fans into a frenzy and sparked speculation about her engagement to Spider-Man co-star and longtime partner Tom Holland.

A cushion-cut diamond in an unconventional east-west setting, the ring appears to be designed by London-based jeweller Jessica McCormack, who has a collection of similar button back diamond engagement rings listed on her website.

For those who need a bit more help navigating this style, the east-west setting is where the centre stone—typically a diamond—is placed horizontally on the band rather than vertically as in traditional pieces. These rings can be crafted from any elongated stone, such as emeralds, ovals, or diamonds in a range of cuts—marquise, emerald, or even oval and pear. “Setting a stone horizontally, rather than vertically, is an easy and elegant way to keep the overall feel of your ring classic and minimal while still adding an element of interest,” says London-based jewellery designer Rachel Boston. “I find that this works as well for a solitaire style like Zendaya’s as it does for more complex, multi-stone pieces. Just switching up the positioning of the central stone opens a world of endless design possibilities. It feels playful but still very grown-up and timeless.” Boston’s Aisling ring, which features a pear-shaped diamond set horizontally, is the perfect fit for those looking for a unique, asymmetric sparkler.

Zendaya isn’t the only (and definitely not the first) A-lister who’s got an east-west style engagement ring. Catherine Zeta-Jones has a 10-carat marquise diamond ring designed by Fred Leighton from her engagement to Michael Douglas in 1999. Kate Hudson has a light brown cushion-cut stone set in east-west style on a rose gold band from Lorraine Schwartz from her engagement in 2021. Actor Joey King, who got engaged in 2022, has double-layered ring that features a horizontally set, elongated oval centre diamond stacked with a diamond-encrusted crown by New York-based jeweller Mociun.

Should you get an east-west ring? Eliza Walter, founder of Lylie Jewellery, says the unique orientation is particularly suited to shorter fingers, while lending a fresh, modern feel as opposed to the typical north-south orientation. Even if you are someone who won’t stray too far from tradition and likes to keep things classic, jewellery designer Jessie Thomas believes the setting offers “just enough of a hint of individuality and an unusual edge whilst remaining steadfastly classic and timeless.”

Ashni Kothari, creative director and co-founder of Araya Fine Jewelry believes it’s a captivating style that presents the stone in a contemporary light. While solitaire stones look great, she adds that there’s no rule that says an east-west ring can’t accommodate more than one stone. “We take [the] modern aesthetic further by pairing elegant, fancy-shaped gemstones with our distinctive settings, creating a look which is classic yet modern,” says Kothari. The brand’s latest holiday collection includes rings featuring a single, slim, oval-shaped natural diamond framed by a band of tanzanites, emeralds, or rubies. All you have to do is choose your colourway.