How to Choose the Right Setting for Your Engagement Ring

Give her a ring to cherish forever.

Deciding on an engagement ring style is a huge commitment, as it is the one piece of jewelry that you'll wear for the rest of your life. Settings play a huge role in the appearance of the ring as a whole, since they display your jewel. However, if you already have a stone ready to be used in an engagement ring, it is necessary to find the proper setting that best accommodates the stone's size and shape.

Instructions

1. Choose your metal. The shade of the metal, such as white or yellow gold, reflects your personal style. However, your choice also influences the ring's cost. Platinum is the most expensive metal, followed closely by gold and then silver. Alternatively, if you are sensitive to metal alloys, such as nickel, look for titanium rings, as this alloy-free metal is hypoallergenic.

2. Select the stone you desire. Though diamond rings are thought of as the traditional choice, the truth is that they only came into popularity in the 1930s. Today, it is perfectly acceptable to choose your favorite stone. Remember, however, that not all stones are suitable for every setting. A tension setting, for example, is best for a hard stone, such as a sapphire, diamond or ruby.

3. 

   A ring with a channel setting

   Learn about the different setting styles. Though the stone is the most expensive part of a ring, the setting's job is to hold it in place and showcase it beautifully.

   Prong-style engagement rings hold the stone in place with the help of three to six claws, which are molded to the stone to keep it in place. This setting allows light to hit most of the stone for a brilliant shine. Additionally, the prong style can be used for any stone cut.

   Channel settings display a row of stones across the face of the ring. These stones are the same size and do not require metal to separate them. This gives the ring extra sparkle and light.

   Tension settings trap the stone between two pressurized shanks for a setting that displays brilliant-cut stones to their fullest. However, this style is difficult to resize due to the amount of craftsmanship required to complete the piece.

   Bezel settings surround the stone with a protective ring. Additionally, these are shallow settings, allowing you to purchase a lower carat stone that looks large due to its shallow cut. However, if used with yellow gold, these settings can reflect a yellow tint through the stone itself.

4. Discover which style flatters your hand. Larger hands will benefit from having a larger ring, as smaller settings can make them look even bigger. Small hands, however, will look more proportional with a small ring. Rings with a vertical design, such as oval, marquis or pear, will make hands look longer and more slender. Horizontal cushion cuts, however, will add width to hands.

Tips & Warnings

• Though the going rate for engagement rings is supposedly two months of your salary, do not feel compelled to spend that much. You should only spend what you can afford, and not go into debt right before your wedding. The ring is a symbol of love, not wealth.

References

• Serag Center: Choosing the Right Engagement Ring Setting for Your Beloved; Suresh D Wells; 3 May 2011
• Blue Nile: Ring Education - Engagement Rings
• Slide Share: Choosing the Right Engagement Ring Setting
• How to Invest Today: Choosing the Right Metal for Your Engagement Ring
• The Knot: Engagement Rings - Settings 101
• Elegala: All About Engagement Rings