How to Choose the Right Setting for Your Engagement Ring

When it comes to shopping for engagement rings, it's best to come equipped with a little savvy. Ring settings, the mountings that attach the diamond to the ring's band, are an integral component in achieving the right look for your ring, as some are more appropriate for certain diamond shapes. This complete rundown of the most common engagement ring settings will help you determine the perfect setting for your diamond ring.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Prong -
   
   Prong settings usually have six or four prongs (or claws) that cradle the diamond. Prongs allow the maximum light to enter the diamond from all angles, making it appear larger and more brilliant. The prong setting with a solitaire round brilliant stone is the classic engagement ring look.

2. Bar -
   
   A variation on the prong setting, rather than individual claws, prongs on each side of the setting are fused into elongated bars to hold the stone in place. This option highlights more metal without obscuring the stone as much as bezel or channel settings might.

3. Tension -
   
   The diamond is held in place by the pressure of the band's metal, resulting in the startling appearance of the diamond being held in midair. The result is a highly contemporary, fashionable look.

4. Channel -
   
   Diamonds of similar size and shape are lined in a row between the band's two horizontal sides. A variation of the channel setting is the Channel End setting - which features thin vertical bars in between each of the stones.

5. Pave -
   
   This design coats the entire surface of the ring with gems, each set into either a minute depression or secured with thin, unobtrusive prongs. Because of their vintage antique look, pave settings are becoming increasingly popular.

6. Cluster -
   
   This setting surrounds a larger center stone with several smaller stones. It is designed to create a larger ring from many smaller stones.

7. Baguette -
   
   Setting Baguettes are rectangular shaped diamonds that can be added to the sides of a larger stone, adding dimension to a solitaire setting.

8. Three Stone Setting -
   
   This setting features a trio of stones (symbolizing yesterday, today and tomorrow). The stones can either be of equal size or the center stone slightly larger.

Resources

• Engagement Rings