Your Guide to Ring Settings

Your engagement-ring setting is extremely important, especially if you are having your ring made, as it will determine to some extent what kind of diamond you will need to buy. Here’s a list of some of the most popular with a simple explanation to help with your decision.

Prongs

Also known as claws, this setting is characterised by the four to six thick or thin metal prongs that bend over the stone and hold it securely in place. This is a popular setting as the entire gem can be seen and it allows for maximum light to shine through, in turn beautifully showing off a diamond’s brilliance. When deciding between four or six prongs it’s important to consider that six prongs are safer.

Channel

A popular setting for wedding bands or stackable rings that feature only smaller stones and no centre stone, in a channel setting stones are set side by side all the way around the ring. Two metal support strips are set flush with the gems providing a snag-free, secure design. It’s good to note that this setting doesn’t allow as much light in, so does tend to diminish the diamond’s sparkle.

Bar

Similar to the channel, in a bar setting the diamonds sit side by side, but are separated by vertical bars of metal. This setting leaves the diamonds exposed on two sides whereas the bar encloses the diamond on all sides.

Invisible

In this setting, several princess or round-cut diamonds are set into the surface of the ring in such a way that no metal is visible and the diamonds seem to float above the jewellery.

Bezel, Half Bezel and Double Bezel

A great choice for someone looking for a ring that won’t snag, a bezel setting surrounds the diamonds, or centre stone, with a thin metal rim to hold the stone securely in place. This setting also works to make the stone appear larger. Half bezel just means it’s partially encircled.

Tension

A contemporary version of the classic solitaire setting, the tension setting uses compression to secure the centre diamond in place giving the illusion that the diamond is suspended between the two sides of the metal band. It allows for the diamond to be seen really well but is not as safe so should be checked frequently.

Flush

This setting features a standout centre stone with smaller diamonds flush set into the band on either side.

Cluster

This setting “clusters” stones tightly together to give the impression of a large diamond. It can either contain a larger centre stone or cluster together stones of equal size.

Three-Stone

In a three-stone setting stones can either be all the same size or, as is often the case, smaller side stones flank a larger centre stone emphasising its size. The most popular diamond shapes for this setting are the round brilliant cut and the princess cut.

Pavé

Pronounced ‘pah-vay’ and derived from the French word “to pave”, the pavé setting is characterised by closely placed small diamonds to give the effect of continuous sparkle.

Semi Mounting

If you’ve already got your stone, semi-mounting is a good option. Semi mounting can be bought ready-made with space for your stone.

Halo

This setting involves diamonds or other gems being placed in a concentric circle or square around a centre stone, making it appear larger. A great option to boost the appearance of a small diamond — plus it increases the overall sparkle of the ring too.

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