Diamond Ring Settings
While the natural diamond in an engagement ring is a timeless symbol of love, the ring setting determines its overall style. Each diamond engagement ring setting has its own appeal, offering different styles, levels of security, and light exposure for the center stone. Below, a guide to the most popular engagement ring settings.
Channel Diamond Ring Setting
A setting where small gemstones (typically diamonds) are set into a metal channel along the band, with no prongs holding them in place. The stones sit flush with the band, creating a sleek, modern appearance. The channel setting is often used for wedding bands or accents alongside a solitaire.
Solitaire Diamond Ring Setting
A solitaire engagement ring setting features a single diamond mounted on a band without additional stones. The focus is entirely on the center stone, often with prongs or a bezel holding it in place. A classic solitaire ring setting is one of the most traditional and popular choices for engagement rings.
4 Prong Diamond Ring Setting
A setting where the center stone is held in place by four metal prongs (claws) that secure the stone at each of the cardinal points (north, south, east, and west). This engagement ring setting allows maximum light to enter the stone, enhancing its brilliance. It is particularly popular for diamonds under 1 carat and squarish diamonds like princess cut, Asscher cut and emerald cut diamonds.
6 Prong Diamond Ring Setting
Similar to the 4-prong setting, but with six prongs, providing additional security for the center stone. The best prong setting can be influenced by the diamond shape. For example, a 6-prong setting is often used for round diamonds to ensure even coverage and greater protection, while still allowing ample light to pass through the stone.
Bezel Diamond Ring Setting
In this setting, a metal rim fully encircles the gemstone, holding it securely in place. Bezel settings offer a modern look and provide superior protection for the stone, making them ideal for active lifestyles. The metal encasement can be a full bezel (surrounding the stone) or a partial bezel (covering only part of the stone).
Half Bezel Diamond Ring Setting
A variation of the bezel setting, where the metal only partially surrounds the gemstone, typically covering the sides but leaving the top of the stone exposed. This provides protection while allowing more of the stone to be visible.
Halo Diamond Ring Setting
A diamond engagement ring setting where a ring of smaller diamonds (usually round cut or baguettes) or gemstones encircles the center stone. The halo settingcan make the center stone appear larger and more brilliant by reflecting light off the surrounding stones. Halo settings come in a variety of styles, from vintage art deco to more modern hidden halos (more below).
Double Halo Diamond Ring Setting
A double halo setting features two concentric circles of smaller diamonds or gemstones surrounding the center stone, enhancing its size.
Hidden Halo Diamond Ring Setting
A halo that is discreetly positioned underneath the center stone, typically set within the band or beneath the stone. The halo is not immediately visible from the top, offering subtle sparkle and enhancing the stone’s brilliance without being obvious.
Three-Stone Diamond Ring Setting
A symbolic design featuring three stones, typically representing the past, present, and future of the relationship. Typically, the center stone is flanked by two smaller side stones. A three-stone engagement ring setting is often chosen for its emotional significance and balanced design.
Pavé Diamond Ring Setting
In a pavé setting (sometimes also spelled pave), small diamonds or gemstones are set closely together in a row, with tiny beads or prongs of metal, creating the illusion of a continuous surface of sparkling gems. The term “pavé” comes from the French word for “paved,” as the design resembles a paved road. This setting is often used for accent stones along the band or around the center stone.
Split Shank Diamond Ring Setting
A split shank setting features a band that divides or “splits” into two or more strands as it approaches the center stone. The split shank may be subtle or dramatic, with the bands either gently curving apart or forming sharp, distinct divisions. Often, the split shank is adorned with small diamonds or gemstones, enhancing the overall sparkle of the ring.
Toi et Moi Diamond Ring Setting
A romantic design that features two stones, often diamonds, gemstones, or a mix of both, side by side. The term “Toi et Moi” means “You and Me” in French, representing the union of two people.
Akimbo Diamond Ring Setting
A less common, modern engagement ring setting where the diamond center stone is turned slightly to the left or slightly to the right. In other words, the gem is off-center.
East-West Diamond Ring Setting
In this setting, the center stone is positioned horizontally across the finger (east to west) rather than vertically (north to south) as is traditional. This orientation creates a distinctive and modern look, especially for elongated stones like emerald cut or oval diamonds.
