If a diamond does indeed last forever, then you will need a ring setting that’s going to also stand the test of time. It’s important to consider your engagement ring setting -- or mounting -- as part of the overall design. The setting contributes to the stone’s timeless beauty, so it’s good to know what is important to know about a ring’s setting.
From a technical standpoint, a ring is made up of two parts: The shank and the head. These two parts set the diamond into place. The setting provides more than security for your diamond; it also influences the diamond’s overall look.
Here’s a guide on the basic ring settings you should consider:
Prong Setting
Prong settings are a very popular setting for engagement rings. They act like small claws that grasp the diamond. They can hold any size of gem, but are typically used to hold a larger center stone. Prong settings vary based on the shape for the diamond. Typically, you will see four prongs or six prongs that will boost a diamond upward like a pedestal. When a diamond is raised up, it can disperse light more easily and create that “brilliant” look that many desire from diamonds.
Halo Setting
You may have seen the halo setting adorned on the ring of celebrities, but this setting is for the rest of the world as well! The halo setting secures the ring’s stone underneath a rim of smaller diamonds. This creates a diamond look that is brilliant and spectacular. Halo settings can be round or squared off on the sides. This type of setting usually makes the diamond look larger, thus getting a big value out of this setting.
Channel Setting
Like a water channel, a channel setting in a ring features a row of diamonds side-by-side, suspended by individual seats cut into each side of the channel. This setting is seen in many wedding band designs or for side stones accenting the center diamond of an engagement ring. This setting is popular for anniversary, eternity, or wedding bands as it symbolizes the continuity and endless commitment of love and marriage. The flush diamonds create a diamond sparkle that is beautiful, as well as protects the stone that it holds.
Invisible Setting
In invisible settings, there is a metal framework on which the diamonds are mounted. The stones themselves have small channels cut in their bases, and the framework’s rails fit into these grooves. This is how the diamonds are fixed on the metal lattice, which remains invisible underneath. The gemstones in an invisible setting look as if they were held by nothing. Invisible settings can be complex, but the look you get can be very beautiful and contemporary.
Pavé/Micro Pavé Setting
Pavé diamond rings showcase sophisticated elegance and Hollywood glamour. Literally “paving” a ring’s surface with tiny diamonds, a pavé ring sparkles brilliantly while avoiding large diamonds that some women see as distasteful or gaudy. Designs that use many very small diamonds (or gemstones) are known as “micro pavé.” Because the overall total weight of diamonds used in the ring is lower, the total cost goes down. This setting is unique and contemporary, but also offers a vintage look and style.
Bezel Setting
There are two options for bezel settings: a full bezel (which encompasses the entire stone) and a partial bezel (which holds two sides of the stone, but leaves openings on the other two). Bezel settings use a type of elevated collar which wraps the rim of the diamond in a complete metal edging. This type of diamond rings setting is the most secure fastener for the stones. The bezel setting also protects the diamond better than other types of settings, such as the prong setting.
From a technical standpoint, a ring is made up of two parts: The shank and the head. These two parts set the diamond into place. The setting provides more than security for your diamond; it also influences the diamond’s overall look.
Here’s a guide on the basic ring settings you should consider:
Prong Setting
Prong settings are a very popular setting for engagement rings. They act like small claws that grasp the diamond. They can hold any size of gem, but are typically used to hold a larger center stone. Prong settings vary based on the shape for the diamond. Typically, you will see four prongs or six prongs that will boost a diamond upward like a pedestal. When a diamond is raised up, it can disperse light more easily and create that “brilliant” look that many desire from diamonds.
Halo Setting
You may have seen the halo setting adorned on the ring of celebrities, but this setting is for the rest of the world as well! The halo setting secures the ring’s stone underneath a rim of smaller diamonds. This creates a diamond look that is brilliant and spectacular. Halo settings can be round or squared off on the sides. This type of setting usually makes the diamond look larger, thus getting a big value out of this setting.
Channel Setting
Like a water channel, a channel setting in a ring features a row of diamonds side-by-side, suspended by individual seats cut into each side of the channel. This setting is seen in many wedding band designs or for side stones accenting the center diamond of an engagement ring. This setting is popular for anniversary, eternity, or wedding bands as it symbolizes the continuity and endless commitment of love and marriage. The flush diamonds create a diamond sparkle that is beautiful, as well as protects the stone that it holds.
Invisible Setting
In invisible settings, there is a metal framework on which the diamonds are mounted. The stones themselves have small channels cut in their bases, and the framework’s rails fit into these grooves. This is how the diamonds are fixed on the metal lattice, which remains invisible underneath. The gemstones in an invisible setting look as if they were held by nothing. Invisible settings can be complex, but the look you get can be very beautiful and contemporary.
Pavé/Micro Pavé Setting
Pavé diamond rings showcase sophisticated elegance and Hollywood glamour. Literally “paving” a ring’s surface with tiny diamonds, a pavé ring sparkles brilliantly while avoiding large diamonds that some women see as distasteful or gaudy. Designs that use many very small diamonds (or gemstones) are known as “micro pavé.” Because the overall total weight of diamonds used in the ring is lower, the total cost goes down. This setting is unique and contemporary, but also offers a vintage look and style.
Bezel Setting
There are two options for bezel settings: a full bezel (which encompasses the entire stone) and a partial bezel (which holds two sides of the stone, but leaves openings on the other two). Bezel settings use a type of elevated collar which wraps the rim of the diamond in a complete metal edging. This type of diamond rings setting is the most secure fastener for the stones. The bezel setting also protects the diamond better than other types of settings, such as the prong setting.