Your engagement ring represents a lifelong symbol of your love and commitment. Central to the design and meaning of your diamond engagement ring is the setting style, which defines the presentation and protection of the diamond.
As a pivotal feature, the ring setting requires careful consideration and a deep understanding of its various styles. The ideal ring setting should combine symbolic significance, personal style, and functionality.
In this guide, we cover the various engagement ring setting styles. We also provide insight into selecting the right setting to resonate both beauty and meaning for your engagement ring.
Every engagement ring setting has its distinct appeal and functionality. While some designs aim to maximise a diamond's sparkle, others prioritise protecting the gemstone. This makes understanding the different ring setting styles essential, especially if you are buying an engagement ring online.
The engagement ring setting style is important for these reasons:
The setting is instrumental in defining the overall look and feel of the ring. The setting always aims to highlight the best features of the diamond, allowing this central focus of an engagement ring to shine. The setting can also transform the appearance of the diamond, making it appear larger or more brilliant.
All engagement ring setting styles ensure that the diamond is secure. Some settings are designed to protect vulnerable diamonds from chipping or scratching. For example, a bezel setting encloses the diamond's edges, offering added protection.
The setting style can reflect the wearer's personality, tastes, and lifestyle. For instance, a contemporary individual might lean towards a tension setting, while someone more traditional could prefer the timeless elegance of a claw setting.
The different engagement ring setting styles provide varying levels of functionality. Depending on your partner’s daily activities or job, certain settings might be more appropriate. For someone with an active lifestyle or a hands-on job, choosing the secure channel setting may be the best option.
For many, the engagement ring setting can also carry symbolic importance. A halo setting, with its circle of smaller diamonds, might symbolise a protective embrace. A twist setting could represent the intertwined love of the couple. Choosing a setting is not just a design or functional choice, but one that is steeped in meaning.
The ring setting not only enhances the diamond’s beauty but captures the wearer’s personality and style. This makes it essential to understand each setting type to make an informed and meaningful decision.
We highlight the different settings you can choose for your diamond engagement ring:
The claw setting, also called the prong setting, is one of the most classic engagement ring settings. This setting features delicate metal prongs that secure the diamond at the girdle, or outer edge.
The claw setting elevates the diamond above the band, allowing the diamond to capture and reflect light brilliantly. Its design allows for a clear view of the diamond, highlighting its cut and sparkle. With this setting, it’s essential to ensure the diamond’s edges are free from flaws for enhanced appeal.
You can have a claw setting with four or six prongs. Four prongs allow more light to enter into the diamond, increasing its brilliance. Six prongs can be a better choice for larger diamonds as they provide added security.
The halo setting is a standout and elegant engagement ring setting. This style features a centre diamond that is surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones. This setting can make the central diamond appear larger and more radiant.
Halo settings can be tailored to fit various diamond shapes, allowing for versatility in design. The surrounding diamonds can also add a protective layer, offering added security for the central diamond.
The bezel setting is another popular engagement ring setting style. This setting features a diamond that is encapsulated in a metal frame. While the bezel setting might cover more of the diamond's surface, it showcases the gemstone's top view beautifully.
This design ensures the diamond’s edges are well protected, making it a great choice for those with hands-on jobs. Its smooth finish also means fewer chances of the ring snagging on fabrics. As one of the oldest setting styles, choosing the bezel setting can offer added meaning to your engagement ring.
The cathedral setting encapsulates elegance. The diamond is held between arching metal mounts, reminiscent of a cathedral's vaulted ceilings. Alongside its visual appeal, the cathedral setting also provides added security for the diamond.
This eye-catching setting can be created with prongs or a bezel. This is because the defining feature of this setting is the elevation of the diamond above the shank. With the added height, this setting can be the perfect choice for a trilogy of diamonds.
The channel setting features a row of diamonds set between two metal borders. With no prongs in sight, the diamonds appear seamlessly set within the band.
This setting is a favourite among those who prefer an understated elegant look. Its design also ensures that the diamonds are securely held, making it both stylish and functional.
The cluster setting brings together several smaller diamonds to create a larger design. It can incorporate a larger centre diamond with smaller diamonds or cluster together diamonds of equal size. It’s an innovative setting that easily achieves a glamorous look.
The cluster setting offers flexibility in design. Diamonds can be arranged in various patterns, allowing you to combine personal taste and meaning in the style of your engagement ring.
In the split shank setting, the shank separates as it nears the diamond into two separate shanks that hold the central diamond. The split shank setting offers a distinctive look, while also making the finger appear slender.
This setting design allows for additional diamonds to be set along the band’s split, adding more sparkle to the ring. Its unique style also draws the eye to the centre diamond, helping to make it look more prominent.
French for “paved” or “pavement”, the pavé setting offers a band that seems to be paved with shimmering diamonds. Tiny diamonds are set closely together, giving the band a glittering appearance. With its continuous sparkle, the pavé setting is perfect for those who love a touch of glamour.
With bands that twirl, the twist setting encapsulates the diamond in a mesmerising embrace. The twist setting is contemporary in its design, resonating with those who seek something modern or unconventional.
The intertwining bands can also be adorned with diamonds or contrasting metals, adding depth and dimension to the design.
The tension setting is a marvellously modern style. The diamond is held in place by the tension of the metal band, creating an illusion that the diamond is floating. This setting is perfect for those who lean towards contemporary design. Its unique appearance ensures the diamond is the centre of attention.
Due to the design, there is a higher risk of the diamond becoming loose and falling out. The difficulty to craft a tension setting ring can also increase the cost of this type of engagement ring. It is best to choose a trusted jeweller for this type of engagement ring setting.
The best setting for a diamond engagement ring should consider personal taste, lifestyle considerations, and the diamond's characteristics.
For example, if you have a smaller diamond, the halo setting can be an ideal choice. The halo of smaller diamonds or gemstones can make the central diamond appear larger and boost its radiance.
If you are looking for an engagement ring that will resonate with your partner’s timeless and elegant style, the claw or cathedral setting with a solitaire diamond can be the perfect choice.
If your partner has a highly active lifestyle, security and protection for the diamond will be your focus. Settings like the bezel or channel setting offer added security, making them the ideal choice.
At Marlow’s Diamonds, we understand that every love story is unique. This is why we offer a range of diamond engagement ring setting styles to celebrate this. From the classic claw set to the statement halo set to the modern twist set, we have a ring setting for every tale of love.
Browse our range of diamond engagement rings to find the perfect ring setting for you.
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