Skip to main content

How to Make Your Engagement Ring Look Bigger

October 15th, 2025

A pear-shaped diamond ring surrounded by smaller round diamonds on a silver band, set against a black background.

Your engagement ring is a symbol of love, and its diamond is the centrepiece of that story. Many brides dream of a ring that looks dazzling and larger than life. The good news is, there are clever ways to enhance the size and brilliance of your diamond without changing the carat. From choosing the right shape to selecting settings that maximise sparkle, small design choices can make a big impact. At Nash Jewellers in London, Ontario, we guide couples to designs that bring out the best in their ring. Here are some of our favourite tips to make your engagement ring appear bigger and truly unforgettable.

Choose an Elongated Diamond Shape

Diamonds such as oval, marquise, or pear shapes naturally appear larger than their actual carat size. Their stretched outline creates an illusion of extra size, drawing the eye along the length of the stone. This makes the diamond look elegant while giving you more visual surface area. It’s a subtle design choice that can add sophistication while making your engagement ring stand out. These elongated cuts also enhance finger length visually, offering a graceful, flattering effect that many brides find especially appealing.

Silver halo engagement ring with a central round diamond surrounded by smaller sparkling diamonds, set on a thin polished band.

Opt for a Thinner Band

A thinner band directs attention toward the centre stone, making it appear larger. This minimalist approach keeps the diamond as the focal point of your ring. Thinner bands also offer a delicate, timeless look, allowing your diamond to shine without distraction. Choosing a thinner band can also make stacking easier, allowing you to pair your engagement ring seamlessly with wedding bands or anniversary rings. This design enhances versatility while maintaining a graceful, romantic aesthetic that never goes out of style. Many couples favour this look for its ability to balance elegance, comfort, and understated glamour effortlessly.

Choose a Halo Setting

A halo setting surrounds your centre diamond with smaller diamonds, enhancing sparkle and creating the illusion of a larger stone. This design reflects light beautifully, making your engagement ring shine brilliantly from every angle. A halo also adds depth and glamour to the ring while giving it a luxurious feel. Halo settings also offer creative versatility, allowing you to mix diamond shapes or even incorporate coloured gemstones for added personality and flair. This design can be customized to highlight vintage elegance or modern allure, depending on your preference. Beyond its aesthetic charm, the halo provides added protection to the centre stone, making it both practical and visually stunning for everyday wear.

Close-up of a hand wearing a gold ring with an oval-shaped, sparkling diamond.

Consider a Bezel or Illusion Setting

Certain settings, like a bezel or illusion mount, can make your diamond appear larger by creating a defined border around it. These designs also add a modern touch while offering protection for the stone. A well-chosen setting not only enlarges the look but also enhances the ring’s style. Bezel and illusion settings are especially appealing for active lifestyles, as they secure the diamond firmly while maintaining a smooth profile. They also pair beautifully with both minimalist and elaborate designs, adapting easily to various metal tones such as platinum or yellow gold. This setting style combines visual impact with lasting durability, ensuring your engagement ring remains elegant and protected for years to come.

Choose a High-Quality Cut

A diamond’s cut determines how well it reflects light. A well-cut diamond will sparkle intensely, creating the impression of greater size. Even a smaller stone can appear larger with expert cutting that maximises brilliance. Precision cutting ensures that every facet interacts harmoniously with light, producing unmatched fire and scintillation. Ideal and excellent cuts often deliver the most radiant effect, enhancing both beauty and perceived size. When paired with proper symmetry and proportion, the diamond radiates from every angle, appearing more luminous and captivating. A well-cut diamond truly celebrates artistry and precision, transforming even a modest carat into a dazzling centrepiece.

Three elegant rings with vibrant green emeralds, adorned with sparkling diamonds, displayed on a dark textured surface

Explore Beautiful Engagement Rings at Nash Jewellers

At Nash Jewellers in London, Ontario, we believe your engagement ring should reflect your love story and personal style. We offer a stunning selection of engagement rings from world-renowned designers to suit every taste. Whether you want a halo setting, an elongated diamond shape, or a unique custom design, our experts are here to guide you. We also offer our “Grow Your Diamonds” program, allowing you to start with a diamond within your budget and trade up later for something larger and even more magnificent. Visit our store to experience our curated collection in person, or contact us to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect engagement ring that looks larger and sparkles brighter.

Update Location

Your location helps us to offer delivery options available for you.

Please enter valid zip code.