How to Choose a Setting and a Band When You Buy an Engagement Ring

It's almost as important to correctly choose a setting and a band when you buy an engagement ring as it is to choose the right stone. When you choose a diamond, your selection should be based on the four Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight), but choosing the perfect setting is all about her preferences and tastes. Here's how to choose a setting and a band when you buy an engagement ring.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Reputable jeweler
• Stone

1. Investigate. Take a look at some of her favorite jewelry. Find out if it is white gold, gold, silver or platinum. Also, take note of the settings. Check to see if they are low or high and contain solitaire or multiple stones.

2. Ask her friends. Women know better than men when it comes to jewelry. Ask one of her close friends what she thinks your girlfriend would like. Bring her to the jewelry store with you if she is willing.
   

3. Consider her lifestyle. Some settings are more conducive to active lifestyles. For example, a cathedral or contour setting is less likely to get damaged by rough treatment or snagged on clothing.
   

4. Find out her ring size. Ask her mother or sneak one of her favorite rings to the store.
   

5. Find out which setting works best for the stone. This is where the jeweler can help you. Let the jeweler know your girlfriend's preferences and ask which setting will best show off the stone and be most secure.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Pave, illusion and bezel settings can make a diamond look larger.
• Consider an engagement band that will match the wedding band.
• You can change a setting on a family ring to give it a completely different look.
• Some settings are more difficult to repair. Be sure to ask about this when weighing your options.
• Prong or claw settings are the most popular setting, but make sure the prongs are sturdy and that they will not scratch objects or people.

[Dan1]

on 1/28/2009 I recently chose a beautiful princess cut stone (with GIA reporting), set in a really ornate platinum setting (the band being naturally a white metal as Gabe mentioned and the fact that the metal has a unique matte luster make the stones look unbelievable!) I chose platinum because it is 90-95% pure and hypoallergenic (my girlfriend is extremely sensitive to anything she wears), also it is obviously more rare, durable, and holds stones more securely than other metals - I definitely will sleep better knowing her diamonds are safe and sound. Very excited and happy about my choice.

[GabeC7]

on 1/14/2009 When I was looking for a ring for my girlfriend I had a lot of things to consider. Her style is really simple so I knew I would have to get something that would be beautiful and tasteful forever. I chose a platinum setting because she mostly wears white metals. Since platinum is naturally white it makes the diamonds in the ring look amazing. I can't wait to see it on her.