Prong, basket and decorative settings.
Prong settings are very popular. The setting rises up to keep the diamond in place and allows more light to move through the stone, creating more sparkle. There are many variations of the prong setting, like the basket, trellis, bridge accent or decorative setting. These settings are safe when made by a reputable jeweller, and even more so if they are platinum prongs. Prongs can snag on clothing, especially if they are high-set. A lower-set prong setting can be more practical for very active lifestyles. Basket and decorative settings are a type of prong setting.
Halo setting.
A halo setting has a single centre diamond surrounded by channel-set, invisible-set or pave. diamonds. Halo settings are a common way to make a centre diamond look larger than it is. This is done by combining smaller, less valuable stones around the centre stone to give the look of a bigger sized centre stone. The sides of this setting can be square or round.
Channel setting.
The channel setting has a row of smaller diamonds set into the band of the ring. As a main stone, this setting is popular for wedding bands, rings that feature smaller stones, or used to accentuate the side of a band that holds a larger stone. This setting is a good option for a snag-free design. Channel settings are a great choice for accenting an engagement ring’s centre diamond, or as a stand alone diamond.
DID YOU KNOW? The channel setting is a symbol for continuous commitment and love.
DID YOU KNOW? If the ring is channel set around the entire band (rather than just half the band), ring sizing can be difficult.
Bezel setting.
A bezel setting is when metal is shaped around the diamond and the top of the stone sits level. Bezel settings are simplistic and popular for those who use their hands often, as this setting protects the diamond. The setting hides more of the diamond, but offers a clean and contemporary look.
Pavé setting.
A pavé (pronounced “pa-vay”) setting is where small diamonds are placed close together without exposing much of the prongs or beads used to hold the stones in place. If you have a centre stone, like a channel setting, the pavé setting makes the centre stone stand out. This setting is popular for wedding bands, rings that feature smaller stones and no centre stone.
A pavé set ring can give a brilliant sparkle because of the smaller grouped setting of diamonds and is a great option for creating a vintage or contemporary look.
DID YOU KNOW? If the ring is pavé set around the entire band (rather than just half the band), ring sizing can be difficult.
Invisible setting.
Invisibly set diamonds are set from underneath and level to the metal around the diamond. This creates the illusion that they aren’t being held together by anything. Invisibly set diamonds look very impressive, however, the downside can be that stones can fall out easily.
Tension setting.
For a tension setting, a diamond is set in an opening of the ring and held in place by pressure, like a clamp. This setting leaves the diamond open, held in place by an “invisible” force, creating the illusion of the diamond “floating.”
A tension setting shows off the raw beauty of a diamond as it allows more light to enter the diamond creating more sparkle. Tension set rings are relatively safe and the feature stones do not fall out often, it is important to make sure you are dealing with a reputable jeweller, who will stand by their workmanship with a lifetime guarantee.