Choosing the perfect diamond and engagement ring involves many decisions. One such decision is the setting for the ring, which impacts the overall look. The setting style of the ring is the way the diamonds are set or mounted on the band made of precious metal. The process of choosing a setting involves sifting through plenty of options to find the perfect one that enhances the beauty of the diamond and the ring.
In this Sunshine Diamonds ultimate guide for diamond and engagement rings, we discuss the top settings types to help you better understand the options to select the best diamond setting for your ring. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the popular topic of diamond cut vs. setting.
The diamond cut and the diamond setting are two factors that contribute to the final look of the ring. The cut of the diamond is the proportions, symmetry, and angles of the diamond, which affects how light enters through the diamond and influences its sparkle, brilliance, and beauty.
The setting of the ring is the way the diamond is mounted. The cut of the diamond you select can influence the setting you choose for your diamond and engagement ring. Simply put, certain diamond cuts pair well with specific settings and enhance the beauty of the diamond ring.
The prong setting, also known as the claw setting, features metal claws or prongs around the crown of the diamond. The prongs hold the stone securely in place and mount it above the metal band. It is one of the most common and popular settings for diamond and engagement rings, a classic choice with timeless elegance and beauty that has never gone out of style.
The number of prongs varies depending on the diamond and your preference, with four, six, or eight prongs. The prongs used have an impact on the security, stability, durability, and aesthetic of the diamond ring. It allows maximum light to pass through the diamond, enhancing its brilliance, sparkle, and shine.
The pavé setting features diamonds, particularly the Round Brilliant shape, placed close to each other and held with prongs. It is derived from the French word for pavement. As the name suggests, the ring resembles a road ‘paved’ with diamonds and features a continuous row of sparkle and shine.
The different types include u-cut pavé, French pavé, micro-pave, petite-pave, and pave. The u-cut has diamonds set in u-shaped grooves; the French-pavé is a classic setting with diamonds set in v-shaped grooves. The micro-pavé and petite-pavé include small prongs, and the pavé setting features prominent prongs for a cobblestone-like appearance.
The bezel setting, also known as the rub-over setting, includes a metal rim that surrounds the entire diamond, which makes it seem like one large stone. It is the second most popular choice after the prong setting and offers a simple and modern look that many love. The word ‘bezel’ is the French word for ring, denoting the ring enclosing the diamond.
This setting ensures the diamond is held securely within the walls of the metal rim, offering more protection to the stone. It is an ideal setting if you have an active lifestyle and prevents wear and tear, scratching, and chipping. This setting is commonly used for diamond earrings and has been a popular style for rings.
The halo setting includes a large diamond in the centre surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds. An illusion is created of the central diamond appearing bigger than it is, which results in a stunning ring. You can choose between different types of halo settings – a classic halo setting with a single circle of stones and a double halo setting with two circles of stones.
The circle of smaller, intricate diamonds makes the central diamond shine brighter and enhances its visual impact with its stunning sparkle and shine. In place of the diamond in the centre, you can choose a coloured gemstone with a halo of smaller diamonds for a contrasting design.
The channel setting features diamonds set within two horizontal metal walls in the band of the ring. The channels are made in the band to set identically shaped and sized diamonds side-by-side without the need for prongs or bezels. It is a safe setting with optimal protection for the stones, as the metal walls of the channels hold the diamonds securely.
This setting creates a design with a continuous row of diamonds within the walls, which adds sophistication and brilliance to the diamond ring. It maximises the beauty of the ring with a row of small stones and is ideal if you have an active lifestyle.
This setting creates a design with a continuous row of diamonds within the walls, which adds sophistication and brilliance to the diamond ring. It maximises the beauty of the ring with a row of small stones and is ideal if you have an active lifestyle.
The cathedral setting features a diamond set with prongs or bezels with arches inspired by the tall arches of a cathedral. It is similar to the claw setting but includes two raised metal arches of the ring shank that hold the diamond on both sides. The stone takes centre stage and is lifted high.
It is an ideal setting style if you prefer traditional rings with an elevated diamond set higher over the rest of the ring. The height of the diamond allows more light to pass through the stone for maximum shine and adds height, beauty, and brilliance to the design of the ring.
The split shank setting features a band that splits into two, three, or four strands as it approaches the centre diamond of the ring. The setting style with the strands that are separated with a gap or interwoven together creates a visual impact and takes centre stage. This setting makes the diamond appear prominent.
The diamond and engagement rings with split shank settings can be minimalist and simple or elaborate and dramatic. The shape and carat weight of the diamond in the centre determines the split variations. These settings offer ample opportunities for customisation and variety with something for everyone’s style and preferences.
The cluster setting features a gemstone with a “cluster” of smaller diamonds set close together to give the illusion of one large single diamond. It can include a large stone in the centre or stones of equal sizes to form different patterns — halo, starburst, geometric shapes, symmetrical shapes, flowers, and so on. These cluster diamond rings create a one-of-a-kind look.
The cluster of diamonds set together creates a stunning visual impact and receives plenty of attention. This is an affordable option compared to engagement rings with a solitaire and a large central diamond, offering maximum sparkle for a reasonable price.
The burnish setting, also known as flush or gypsy setting, features diamonds placed within holes drilled into the metal band of the ring. The holes or the seats are evenly spaced out and slightly smaller than the size of the diamonds. They are secured within the cavity with a burnishing tool.
It is a secure setting, as the stones are placed at or below the metal’s surface. Only the crown of the diamond is visible on the band of the ring, while the sides are covered. This setting is ideal for smaller stones, which results in a minimalistic engagement ring with a constellation effect.
The bead setting features small pieces of metal raised from the surface of the channel within the band. The diamonds are placed within holes drilled at even intervals in the channel, and two prongs with a metal bead are placed next to each hole. In this setting, each diamond is surrounded by four beaded prongs.
This setting is secure, and the diamonds are protected due to the channels of the metal band. It is an ideal choice if you have an active lifestyle, as the diamonds have a reduced chance of being scratched or damaged.
The tension setting includes a diamond placed in the opening of the metal and held in place by invisible grooves. What makes this setting style different is the absence of prongs, bezels, or other mounting, as it uses compression to hold the diamond. The setting of this ring allows the diamond to be visible at more angles with limited metal surrounding it.
The metal creates sufficient pressure to secure the diamond, making it seem like it is floating in mid-air – between two pieces of metal or within the band. This is an ideal choice if you want a unique setting for your engagement ring, something other than the traditional setting styles.
The shared claw setting, also known as the shared prong setting, consists of two diamonds sharing the same prong or claw to hold them. It is a suitable setting for smaller diamonds, as it can allow more light to pass through the stone and has minimal presence of metals in between.
The diamonds in this setting are of the same shape and size placed next to each other. It is similar to the single prong or claw setting, but the diamonds are held by two claws on each side. This setting is commonly seen in rings with five-stones, seven-stones, and nine-stones.
The bar setting features two bars on each side to hold the diamonds in place instead of prongs and channels. It is a newer style of setting with baskets as a base and bars made of precious metal on the sides. The shape of the basket can be round, square, etc., depending on the shape of the diamond that is going to be set.
It is similar to the channel setting but with the inclusion of small metal bars to hold a single stone instead of a row of diamonds in the channel setting. This setting is secure and protected by the sides of the metal bars, which exposes the sides of the diamond and makes it more visible.
These are the top types of settings for diamond and engagement rings. This guide can help you choose from the numerous setting options available, allowing you to make the perfect choice for your diamond ring.
The choice of setting contributes to the overall beauty and elegance of the ring and the security of the diamond. We offer a collection of exquisitely crafted diamond and engagement rings at Sunshine Diamonds in various setting styles.
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