Engagement Ring Settings vs. Complete Engagement Rings

Many of our engagement rings are available as settings, which let you choose the center stone separately from the ring itself. We also offer a selection of complete (or preset) engagement rings, where we have carefully chosen a center diamond to complement the setting. Both are wonderful ways to find a ring you love, and neither one is more “correct” than the other.

The right choice really comes down to how you like to shop. If you want to customize the ring and hand-pick the exact stone, start with a setting and then select a center diamond for it. That route also gives you more flexible pricing, since you decide which diamond qualities matter most within your budget, though lead times can run a little longer. If you would rather bring the ring home the same day, or you love the ease of a preselected center diamond, a complete engagement ring is the way to go.

Complete Engagement Rings, Ready to Wear

A complete engagement ring arrives with its center diamond already set and matched to the design, so what you see is what you take home. Our Eternalle lab-grown collection is a favorite here, with generous carat weights and bright, modern white gold. The pair below shows how one idea can take shape in more than one diamond cut.

Eternalle Complete Engagement Rings

• Skus: 0456646 · 0461434
• 14K white gold
• Oval and pear lab-grown center diamonds, already set
• Lab-grown diamonds, 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 ct. tw., center stone included

Complete Halo Engagement Rings

A halo wraps the center diamond in a ring of smaller stones, adding sparkle and making the center look even larger. Halo settings pair beautifully with every diamond shape, and the complete versions come with the center stone already selected for you. To see more, browse all of our complete halo settings and side stone designs.

Henri Daussi Halo Engagement Rings

• Skus: 0412525 · 0447294 · 0451684
• 18K white gold and 14K rose gold
• Cushion cut center diamonds framed by a diamond halo
• Natural diamonds, 7/8 to 1 ct. tw., center stone included

Complete Rings and Wedding Sets

Prefer a coordinated look? A wedding set pairs the engagement ring with a matching band, while multi-diamond center designs cluster several small stones for a bigger, brilliant look. The Cherish styles below are complete rings and sets with the center already in place.

Cherish Complete Rings and Wedding Sets

• Skus: 0427071 · 0448220 · 0448160
• 10K white gold
• Multi-diamond center and matching wedding set options
• Natural diamonds, 1/2 to 3/4 ct. tw., center included

Complete Three Stone and Side Stone Rings

A three stone ring frames the center diamond with a stone on each side, a design many couples read as past, present, and future. The oval three stone below is a complete ring with a lab-grown center diamond.

Eternalle Oval Three Stone Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold
• Oval lab-grown center diamond flanked by two side stones
• Lab-grown diamonds, 3 1/4 ct. tw., center stone included

Love a different shape? These complete rings pair a lab-grown center with graceful side stones in emerald cut, round, and pear.

Eternalle Side Stone Engagement Rings

• Skus: 0457001 · 0456999 · 0457144
• 14K white gold
• Emerald cut, round, and pear lab-grown center diamonds with side stones
• Lab-grown diamonds, 3 1/4 to 5 ct. tw., center stone included

The Robbins Brothers Difference

For more than 100 years, we have guided couples through one of life’s most meaningful purchases, and deciding between a setting and a complete ring is exactly the kind of choice we love to help you make. Only 1 in 10 diamonds meets our standards, so every stone we set is hand-selected for its cut, clarity, color, and carat, whether it is natural or lab-grown. Prefer to start from scratch? Our in-house master jeweler can design a one-of-a-kind ring with you, and every purchase is backed by our product protection plan. Stop into any of our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington to try styles on and compare settings and complete rings side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an engagement ring setting and a complete engagement ring?

A setting is the ring without a center stone, which lets you choose your center diamond separately and pair it with the design you love. A complete engagement ring already has a center diamond set in place, carefully chosen to complement the setting so it is ready to wear.

Should I choose a setting or a complete engagement ring?

Both are excellent options. Choose a setting if you want to hand-pick the exact center diamond and enjoy more flexible pricing, keeping in mind that lead times can be a little longer. Choose a complete ring if you love the convenience of a preselected center stone or want to take the ring home sooner.

Can I choose my own diamond shape and setting style either way?

Yes. A full range of setting styles and diamond shapes is available for both settings and complete rings, so you never have to compromise on the look. You can choose a style such as solitaire, halo, or three stone, a shape such as oval or pear, and finishing details like a pavé band or milgrain accent.

Do complete engagement rings come with lab-grown or natural diamonds?

We offer complete engagement rings with both lab-grown and natural center diamonds, and we present the differences without judgment. Our jewelry consultants can walk you through how each option looks, wears, and fits your budget so you can make a confident, informed choice.

How do you select the diamonds in your complete engagement rings?

Only 1 in 10 diamonds meets our rigorous standards. Each stone is hand-selected for exceptional cut, clarity, color, and carat weight, and you are welcome to view diamonds in our VIP diamond viewing rooms under ideal lighting.

Can I customize a setting or design a completely custom engagement ring?

Absolutely. Our in-house design studio and master jeweler can modify an existing setting, reimagine an heirloom, or build a one-of-a-kind ring with you from the very first sketch. Book a consultation any time at robbinsbrothers.com/appointment.

Can I see engagement ring settings and complete rings in person?

We encourage it. Visit our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington to try on styles, compare settings and complete rings side by side, and get personalized guidance from our expert consultants.

Or find a Robbins Brothers near you to explore settings and complete engagement rings in person.