If you are unfamiliar with diamond ring settings, you are not alone. This is an industry term that may not be immediately recognizable to people who have not shopped for an engagement ring or perhaps even made their own custom ring before. So, what are diamond engagement ring settings?
The short answer is that the setting of a diamond refers to the way in which the stone is mounted on the band. While this may not sound very important at first glance, it can greatly impact your engagement ring style and the overall appearance of your ring. Therefore, knowing the kind of ring setting you want is vital before you ever start shopping.
To help you better understand how to differentiate diamond settings, we will take a look at the most common and popular diamond engagement ring settings available to you:
Bezel
The Bezel setting might not even be familiar to people who have previously looked at different ring designs as it is less common for engagement rings.
It is easy to identify the Bezel setting in a matter of seconds. Why? Because Bezel simply refers to a low set diamond surrounded by a metal rim. A low set diamond just means that the stone itself sits closer to the band, sometimes even flush with the surface of the band. While this does not make the diamond physically stand out, it does make the stone fit more snugly in its mounting position without the need for regular maintenance.
Cathedral
The name of the Cathedral diamond setting refers to the way in which the design uses inverted arches, much like many traditional cathedral rooftops from centuries past. With the Cathedral setting, you can expect a diamond that is lifted above the surface of the band and held by two or more curved arches. This only applies to the center stone (or stones), but not the additional diamonds that may adorn the band.
The Cathedral setting is popular because it lifts the primary diamond and puts it on an elegant pedestal. A high-set diamond tends to stand out more, making the diamond look even larger in contrast to the hand and the rest of the piece of jewelry. The arches of the Cathedral setting also provide extra support so that the diamond remains fixed in its mount.
Halo
The Halo setting is unique because it focuses on the arrangement of multiple stones instead of just one diamond mounting. Halo set rings have a central diamond that is surrounded by smaller accent stones. These stones are typically round cuts, but they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The precise design of the Halo setting can also vary from one ring to another. For example, some rings feature an under Halo setting in which the accent stones are mounted below the central stone. A double Halo ring has two rings of diamonds around the primary diamond, while a hidden Halo ring has accent diamonds that are not visible from a top-down view of the ring.
It is also important to know the difference between pavé and micropavé diamonds. In addition to the accent stones surrounding the central diamond, Halo set rings often include stones mounted along the ring band. These are known as pavé or micropavé diamonds, the latter typically being smaller than the former.
Modern
Modern, contemporary diamond ring settings can vary based on your personal tastes. In fact, many modern rings have custom-made settings using completely original designs. However, if you don’t have any ideas for ring settings, the twist band is especially popular among modern consumers. A ring twist often has two intertwined bands lined with pavé diamonds and decorated with a central diamond. The central diamond can be set using any number of designs, though many twist bands have a special setting that uses the ends of the band to hold the central diamond in place.
Prong
The Prong setting is one of the most popular diamond ring settings on the market. You have likely seen 4-prong or 6-prong diamond settings before. As the name implies, the Prong setting has multiple prongs that extend outward from the band and mount the diamond to the body of the ring. Rings with 4 prongs are most common for square, circular, or rectangular-shaped diamonds.
You may wonder why the Prong setting is so popular among prospective ring shoppers. Prongs work well because they help lift the diamond above the ring band, emphasizing the diamond over the ring itself. This can make the stone draw the eye and look larger. As an added bonus, prongs offer very durable support for diamonds of virtually all sizes.
Side Stone
Like the Halo setting, the Side Stone Setting features unique diamond arrangements along the top of the band. Side Stone refers to a ring that has a central diamond and several smaller diamonds or similar stones on both sides. This way, the mounted section of the ring is actually larger because there are more medium or large-sized stones involved.
The Side Stone setting is popular because it displays a beautiful diamond centerpiece. So, rather than just having one stone and a band, you get multiple stones arranged in various ways to create a visually-appealing look. If you want to incorporate different kinds of stones, this also gives you a good chance to use diamonds and other stones for a more colorful and interesting ring.
Solitaire
The Solitaire setting features a standard band with just one diamond mounted on top. Rings that fall within this category usually have a high setting, emphasizing the size and cut of the diamond. The Solitaire setting is typically accompanied by a thin band, as the solitary stone is meant to be the central focus of the piece. Though the style is relatively simple, the Solitaire setting is one of the most popular band settings. It can also help bargain shoppers find a good deal on a high-quality engagement ring by using fewer materials.
Three Stone
The Three Stone setting is a specific type of the Side Stone setting that features precisely one central stone and two side stones. All three stones can be the same size, or the two side stones can be smaller. Additionally, the side stones can be made of virtually any stone that offers a beautiful accompaniment to the central diamond.
Vintage
Vintage setting engagement rings do not adhere to one single setting or design. Instead, these pieces feature vintage-inspired settings that make them look like antiques. If you appreciate the elaborate designs of older jewelry, a custom vintage engagement ring setting could be the perfect solution.
Though the Vintage setting can have many different designs, it often features arches (like the Cathedral setting) or even Halo settings that include space between the central diamond and the surrounding stones. In any case, Vintage ring settings can even make a brand-new ring look like a beautiful family heirloom.
We hope you found this guide on diamond engagement ring settings both useful and informative! Are you in the market for diamond jewelry? Do you want beautiful, certified lab diamond engagement rings at competitive prices? If so, be sure to check out the luxurious products available at Liori Diamonds today!
