CHOOSING A RING SETTING

Another part of the ring to consider, whether you're planning to pop a question or go through the wedding, despite your cold feet, is choosing a setting. A setting refers to the way the stones are held in the ring and is a very important part of a ring's design, whether you have a diamond solitaire, multiple gemstones or a unique design altogether. Once you learn the differences between popular settings you will be more informed to make your personal choice in choosing your own engagement or wedding ring.


The Prong Setting

A prong setting is a popular choice and the one that is usually chosen to showcase a solitaire diamond. This setting emphasizes the stone and downplays the rest of the ring. Prong settings must be designed carefully so that enough light can enter the diamonds while the stone is held securely. Achieving the right balance is not easy and thus platinum (a very strong metal) is usually recommended. Within the prong setting there also variations like the V-prong and the common prong.





The Bezel Setting

The bezel setting is like a collar of metal that wraps around the diamond. The bezel is attached to the top of the ring and sits above it; this adds height and further dimension to the setting. Bezels can also be split into two sections, which is called a half bezel, and cover only part of the diamond.

The Channel Setting

The channel setting is ideal for setting round diamonds and makes a ring look sleek by organizing stones into a channel of small spaces. Round stones are recommended for the greater brilliance than other square shapes. While channel settings work well with a center stone, you can also place a series of smaller stones around the entire band. Channel settings also protect diamonds against wear by hiding the edges of the stones. A variation of the channel setting is the bar channel which has metal plates on the channel that rise to the top, level with the stone.





Pave Setting

A Pave style setting has the surface of the ring covered with tiny stones. It calls to mind the word paved as if the surface is a street paved with diamonds. Each diamond is placed in small holes that have been drilled outside the shank of the ring. Diamonds are placed in rows all around the band and fill as much space as possible without touching. Pave-set diamonds can be pricey because much patience and talent is required to create this special setting.

If a section of the ring is Pavé-set, with certain areas tapering to a point, the diamonds should diminish in size as the Pavé area narrows. This requires the most precise selection of diamonds.

Cluster And Flush Settings

Two other types of settings are cluster and flush. Cluster settings are another option that effectively groups together smaller diamonds, perhaps in the shape of a flower or a more abstract shape. Cluster settings are usually multi-level and wide. The flush setting is a very subtle one in which stones are sunk into the mounting so much that they "flush" with the surface. Only the stone and the upper facets show because of the unique design, and it is certainly an effective way to protect a diamond.

Choosing your favorite setting is primarily a matter of taste-namely, in how you want to show off your particular diamond.