Set an elongated stone across the finger instead of along it and the whole ring changes character: quieter, more architectural, unmistakably modern.
Shapes that work
Ovals, emeralds, marquises and pears all turn beautifully. Round and princess stones have no direction, so the effect is lost.
Six ways we set it
A low bezel, a four-claw basket, a hidden halo, a split shank, a slim pavé band, or as one half of a toi et moi.
East-west settings also sit closer to the finger, which makes them easy to wear every day and kind to gloves and knitwear.