Jewelers Applaud Zendaya’s Ring for Spotlighting the East-West Setting

By Karen Dybis | January 14, 2025

The east-west engagement ring setting is having a moment thanks to newly betrothed actors Zendaya and Tom Holland, and jewelers say they’re thrilled to work with this simple yet elegant style that’s sure to trend.

After Zendaya debuted her ring at the Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 5, jewelry brands began posting photos of their east-west rings on social media and adding Zendaya’s name among their hashtags in hopes of attracting engagement business from future brides and grooms.

“Cookie-cutter engagements rings are out for 2025,” says Nadine Tacorian Arzerounian, head of design for Tacori. “Your engagement ring should be a reflection of you. Zendaya always surprises and delights with her style choices, so I love that she’s taking a classic silhouette but adding a unique and personal twist.”

Rachel Boston east west — *Rachel Boston’s Silas engagement ring (price on request) features a horizontally set 1.45 ct. antique pear diamond in 18k yellow gold.*

An east-west, or horizontal, orientation makes the gemstone appear larger and brings back a popular art deco look. Rachel Boston, whose eponymous brand specializes in east-west settings, says this style goes back to the 15th century and had its largest audience during the 1920s.

It has gained new fans in the past couple of years, says Boston, and more clients have asked for the setting. Her brand added the Ines and Imogen rings in this style to its permanent white diamond collection in response to growing interest.

“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. “It’s a simple way to give a traditional solitaire a modern twist, a minimalist and very elegant setting style.”

Lylie east west ring — *Lylie offers the east-west style with its 2 ct. Minerva engagement ring ($7,868) in 18k yellow gold.*

Eliza Walter, founder of British “sustainable” jewelry brand Lylie, agrees that the east-west setting is a popular choice among modern couples who want to eschew tradition.

“Personal expression and individuality are celebrated through the stone’s cut, and they often have sleeker, cleaner lines compared to more floral, traditional designs,” Walter says. “The east-west setting really enhances the natural beauty of the stone.”

Shoppers on resale site eBay have also apparently been moving toward east-west designs: An eBay spokesperson tells JCK that searches for east-west rings increased 30% from December 2023 through December 2024.

Jemma Wynne east west — *A 1.95 ct. emerald is set east-west in Jemma Wynne’s 18k gold Toujours ring (price on request) that also shows off 0.76 cts. t.w. diamonds.*

Cushion cuts like Zendaya’s ranked among the top three best selling gem styles on eBay globally from January through December 2023, the spokesperson says. Pre-owned engagement rings have trended too, with U.S. eBay users searching for them on average more than 2,800 times a day from September 2023 through September 2024, according to eBay.

Tacori’s Arzerounian says east-west settings may dominate engagement ring–related headlines in 2025, but she believes couples will also look for other design aesthetics in the months to come. She predicts artisan rings that highlight individuality and intentionality will trend, along with three-stone rings.

Geometric shapes such as carré and baguette cuts will draw people’s attention as they look for contemporary designs in their engagement rings, Arzerounian adds. Additionally, she predicts double- or triple-split bands will come into fashion to add character to an engagement and wedding ring set.

Top: East-west settings like this diamond solitaire ring from Briony Raymond are trending thanks to Zendaya’s engagement. (Photos courtesy of the brands)