Types of Ring Settings
For many people, the perfect ring is about far more than just the stone in the middle of it. The setting of a ring is also important, not just to hold the valuable stones in place, but also to showcase them and add to their sparkle and shine. Many people actually prefer to select ring settings first, then worry about the main stones. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Rings have needed settings as long as women and men have been wearing rings. However, the types of settings have changed dramatically over the years as men's and women's use of rings have changed. Settings used to be large and heavy, because rings were not worn everyday except by people of leisure. Settings are now much hardier, and they are intended to withstand everyday wear and use.
Significance
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The setting of any ring will play a major role in your ability to wear and enjoy that item of jewelry. A setting that is not particularly secure will render an item of jewelry stressful to wear rather than enjoyable. Also, a setting that dulls a stone can make an otherwise beautiful piece appear boring and even ugly.
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Function
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Settings are intended to hold large stones in place, but they also can be showcases themselves. They may hold a stone up above the rest of the ring so that it catches the light, or the setting itself may be set with smaller stones that accent the larger, central stone. The main purpose of a setting is to prevent loss and damage of the stones in the ring.
Types
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There are several popular types of setting. Pronged settings use between four and eight prongs to hold a stone elevated above the rest of the ring. These prongs wrap around the stone and clench if firmly, but leave the top surface and often the sides relatively clear of obstruction. Bezel settings hold stone flush with the rest of the ring and encircle the stone entirely. Bezels are interesting to look at and highly artistic, but can make a stone appear smaller and duller than it actually is. Bezels are also popular because they protect soft stones, like opals, from wear and tear.
Considerations
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When you are selecting a ring setting, you need to consider what you want the ring for. If you want to wear the ring everyday, then you may elect to wear a setting with more prongs or one that is not quite so raised, so that it does not snag on things. If you are interested in artistic and alternative looks, a bezel may be right for you.
Warning
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Do not select pronged settings for soft stones like opals, unless you do not plan on wearing the ring very often. Over time, the prongs will wear away this type of soft stone, and your stone will end up smaller and quite possibly lost. If you intend to wear your opal regularly, a bezel setting will keep the stone secure.
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