Choosing from the many engagement ring styles can be an overwhelming task. You want your ring to be perfect so it makes sense that it shouldn't be an impulsive decision. Whether you're the bride choosing the ring you'll wear for the rest of your life or you're the groom looking for the perfect stone to propose with, you'll find that choosing a setting will give you a good starting point for creating the dream ring.
This guide will take you through each of the setting choices, which you can use to create the best engagement ring design for her personal style and showcase your love for each other. Let's get started.
What's the big deal about a ring setting? The setting is the way in which the stone or stones are held in place on the ring. This incredibly important job keeps the center diamond secure so that it's not lost and offers protection from damage. With that in mind, there are a variety of ways in which a center stone and other stones can be set, resulting in several different styles and looks.
While you want to emphasize the way the ring looks, it's also important to pay attention to how it's constructed. The bride will look at her ring every day as a symbol of your love and it's quite devastating if something happens to it. So yes, appearance is vital, but so is the setting as it relates to lifestyle and typical daily activities.
So, it's a bit technical and not so much romantic, but let's talk about ring setting options so you can buy or create a piece of jewelry that is both stunning and secure; something you'll both love looking at every day for the rest of your life.
There are several types of engagement ring settings and there are several factors that should go into the one you ultimately select. Very few brides choose the first ring they lay eyes on, which is a good thing, as it gives you the chance to explore the various settings and opt for the one you love, but that also makes sense for your lifestyle.
The most important first step when shopping for an engagement ring is to have a budget in mind. Your love might be priceless but don't make the mistake of going broke buying a ring. There are so many options with so many price points, so there's sure to be something that doesn't break the bank, but that you still adore.
If you plan to wear your engagement ring every day, as most brides do, it's a good idea to consider wearability. That means choosing a secure setting that protects the stone or stones you choose for the ring. You also want to be sure it's going to mesh with your wardrobe and daily clothing choices. A design that allows for pairing with a versatile closet is going to be important to most modern brides.
As mentioned briefly above, your lifestyle influences ring setting as well. The job you do and the ways you spend your free time should be a big consideration when you choose/create your ideal engagement ring. A busy, active lifestyle naturally increases the risk of damage to your ring so choosing a setting that offers extra security and durability should be a priority.
Remember that setting is the way the stone is held and how it attaches to the band. Let's have a closer look at each setting type, which will give you a good idea of how it might fit in your life and what it will look like, glittering on your left hand every day.
The prong setting is easily one of the most recognizable and popular engagement ring settings and is a classic style that many brides gravitate to. Looking like claws, each of the prongs in the settings holds the center stone on its edges. The traditional option is a four-prong setting, but a six-prong setting is an excellent choice for a bit of extra security. For extra sparkle, a three-prong setting is possible as well. The prongs are set in a way that allows light to travel through and reflect off the diamond, with fewer prongs contributing to more glitter. Prong setting looks also vary with a couple of options to choose from.
Prong settings are typically what you envision when you dream of your ideal engagement ring, offering peace of mind when it comes to holding your stone in place. It's also ideal for a variety of stone arrangements, including three-stone rings, a classic solitaire or cluster settings.
The trellis style is a type of prong setting but is a variation that is an option for brides looking for something a little bit different. The setting consists of four prongs that cross over one another to hold the ring's main stone in place. It's an elegant look and a good option if modern design is at the top of your priority list. The setting is also great if you're looking for an intricate design with the metal and stones that make up your engagement ring.
The trellis setting is fantastic for rings that feature multiple stones and can be used to create a vintage style, coupled with a modern and updated twist.
This type of setting is a popular style if you have a smaller stone and want it to appear larger. The center diamond is set with a ring of metal behind it, mimicking the shape of the stone and adding to its perceived size. This is a fabulous way to spread a smaller budget and create a ring that's a little bit different than what everyone else is wearing.
Illusion settings were very popular during the middle part of the last century, giving them a lovely retro midcentury but modern vibe for your solitaire setting.
This is a style that you will only find if you purchase a Tiffany ring. It's an exclusive twist on a classic prong setting and is similar to a bezel setting, but upgraded to allow more light to shine through the stone. The prongs are set in a unique, symmetrical way that prioritizes both sparkle and security.
As this setting type is trademarked to Tiffany, other jewelers cannot copy it, so if you have your heart set on a Tiffany setting, you will need to shop at a Tiffany store to get it. This setting is highly popular for engagement rings but tends to cost more than other setting types.
A tension-style setting uses the ring band to hold the stone in place. This creates the effect of a floating diamond, which is beautiful and produces just the right amount of drama on your engagement ring. As it's not one of the most popular settings, you may find yourself leaning toward a tension setting if you want something unique and different from what other brides are wearing.
Another fantastic benefit of a tension setting is that it allows maximum light return through the stone as there are no prongs to get in the way. Keep in mind that it takes skill and precision to match the stone size to the band to hold the diamond in place, which makes this a more expensive option.
If you're looking for one of the most secure settings, it's the bezel setting. Not only have they been popular for many years, but they offer a simpler setting that creates a unique look for brides who want peace of mind and a creative style at the same time. In this case, a thin strip of metal completely surrounds the stone. This is a highly durable option that doesn't sacrifice continuous sparkle and offers the glamour you're looking for.
There's also the option of a partial bezel style setting, which won't cover the entire edge of the diamond, allowing some of the sides to shine, which adds dazzle, glitz and glamour to your ring. If you love vintage designs, a bezel setting may be just what you're looking for.
This one is a classic choice that continues to trend, year after year and makes a single stone the center of attention. The setting was specifically created to showcase a single stone and a white gold solitaire ring (with all different diamond shapes) is the most popular engagement ring. It is a type of prong setting, using four prongs set in a basket style. The prongs rest at the corners of the center stone, allowing for plenty of light exposure.
The minimalist nature of the solitaire setting is an outstanding option for people who want something classic and simple, but that also offers up maximum sparkle and loads of glamour and style.
A cathedral setting is the height of sophistication and features a stone mounted above the ring's shank. It's elevated using graceful arches, nodding to the style of a cathedral, hence its name. This timeless choice is commonly seen on vintage-style rings but continues to be a sought-after choice for many modern brides.
One of the best things about this type of setting is that you can often embellish the ring with smaller precious stones beneath the arches, offering extra durability while increasing the carat weight and sparkle the ring provides.
Three-stone rings are a good engagement ring choice, as they enhance light reflection and allow for a meaningful and sparkly design. The stones are set alongside each other, with the single stone in the middle being flanked by stones on either side. In most cases, the center diamond is larger than the side stones, though some brides opt for stones that are all the same size when they decide on a three-stone setting.
With a three-stone setting, the gemstones can be set in a variety of ways, including a bezel, prong or cathedral setting. This option isn't ideal for a tension setting, though it can be done, but is not easy to do and will likely carry a high price tag.
The halo setting gained its enduring popularity thanks to Diana, Princess of Wales stunning sapphire and diamond halo engagement ring. A halo setting features a large center gemstone, surrounded by smaller accent stones, keeping the center stone secure, while also creating the illusion of a larger size. It's a fantastic choice for drama and sparkle and allows the emphasis to be solidly placed on the center stone, making it the center of attention every time you look at it.
Halo diamonds are a great choice if you want mega sparkle without spending too much money. If your goal is a huge center stone, a halo setting could be just what you're looking for.
The cluster setting is not as common as the other options listed here, but is a terrific way to set a ring that has multiple stones. As the name implies, the setting features and selection of smaller stones that come together in a cluster arrangement. Sometimes several smaller stones are clustered around a slightly larger center stone, often a colored diamond or other gemstone to add extra glamour to the ring.
Because this setting features multiple stones, it's a fabulous choice if sparkle tops your list of priorities. It must be carefully cleaned and maintained, but can save you money as the smaller stones tend to cost less than one large center diamond. A cluster engagement ring is a vintage choice that is ideal for a bride who wants something a little different.
This setting is ideal for engagement rings but also makes a wonderful choice for a wedding or anniversary band that complements the main ring and is great for everyday wear. It features multiple stones set in a channel or groove along the band itself. The metal band is sized to securely hold the row of stones in place. Sometimes this choice is paired with a larger central stone.
If keeping the stones on your ring secure is your top priority, this type of setting is going to be the ideal choice. In fact, the channel style setting is becoming an increasingly popular choice for engagement and wedding bands, as well as eternity rings and other bands to commemorate milestones.
The bar setting is designed to hold small stones in place. The stones are set in a row with thin metal bars between them, which secure each stone. This elegant setting allows for plenty of light to shine off the stones, while also creating a unique look that utilizes several stones of the same size, rather than one larger stone and several smaller ones.
This setting works best for smaller stones and must be cleaned carefully. It offers an updated spin on a classic engagement ring look that is both practical for daily life and more affordable than other settings you'll find.
Also called a flush setting, the gypsy option refers to a style wherein the stone is held inside the band. There's a "nest" created in the metal that is sized exactly for the stone that will be placed inside. There's less risk of snagging, as compared to the prong setting and the comfortable band is ideal for active lifestyles.
The setting can also be combined with intricate designs, such as hearts etched into the band to encircle the stone, allowing for a completely customized ring that no one else will be wearing. While this style is a unique option for engagement rings, it's also a practical and glamorous choice for the groom's wedding band.
If you want to make a big and sparkly statement, the pavé setting is for you. The word is French and means "paved," which gives you a clue to as its look. A collection of smaller stones is set into the metal band, each of them being nestled in a small hole that is drilled to the precise size to hold it in place. A tiny bit of metal is added between each, further securing the stones in the band.
The micro pavé setting is the same, but brings drama and sophistication to a setting that brings together a lovely selection of very small diamonds or other gemstones. In addition to an unadorned band studded with the stones, the metal can also be molded into intricated designs, which are then paved with the gems. This style can also be used to complement a larger center stone.
A very sought-after choice during the height of the 1920s Art Deco movement, the invisible setting pairs delectably with geometric designs reminiscent of the time period. Many jewelry designers are using this setting to create a modern twist on the classic look. The setting places the stones right next to each other, without any metal or bezel pieces in between. The metal that holds them in place is underneath the stones.
While this setting is certainly lovely to look at, keep in mind that it's not as secure as some of the others on this list, making it an ideal choice for a ring you won't wear every day. Be sure to have an invisible setting inspected regularly to check for loose stones.
An antique, or vintage style setting brings together aspects from bygone eras, making it a terrific option for geometric designs from the Art Deco period, as well as being a fantastic choice for Edwardian and Victorian-inspired pieces. The stones may be set with an intricate filigree design or with metal beading. The setting is more complicated than many others and is a lovely way to integrate a floral inspired feel to your engagement ring.
The great thing about the modern jewelry market is that you can choose a brand new ring, designed with a bygone era in mind. If you're looking for something timeless and unique, you'll love the setting on antique-style rings.
This setting features a twisted band, combined with elements of other setting types. The twists may be coupled with a prong setting on a large center stone or meshed with a halo diamond ring that allows lots of light to reflect off the diamond for maximum sparkle and shine.
In addition, stones can be set along the twisted band, in a pavé setting or channel-style setting. The twisted band also makes a big statement and is a unique and affordable choice for brides who want drama and sophistication with a creative style that is all their own.
Finally, there's always the option of designing your own setting. You will likely need to work with a jewelry designer who can offer expert advice for creating a one-of-a-kind ring. You can bring together elements of a variety of settings in hundreds of thousands of creative and glamourous ways, allowing for a ring that is all your own.
In addition, many brides who design their own engagement rings also add personalized engravings or embellishments that are meaningful to the couple and their relationship.
The perfect setting for you should largely be dependent on your personal preferences and what you like. However, the center stone you pick also plays a role in the setting. The traditional choice is a 4-prong setting, but larger stones may need 6 prongs to ensure they stay in place and don't become loose.
Your lifestyle is a good place to start when choosing an engagement ring setting. What do you like to do in your free time? What is your job like? If your ring is susceptible to bumps and dings from your daily activities, a bezel or channel setting will offer the protection your center stone needs. This type of setting is also less likely to get snagged on your clothing or other materials.
To make your center stone look larger, a halo setting or three stone style is your best option. Both add the illusion of size to the ring by adding smaller stones around the larger center stone. At the same time, adding stones will mean the ring takes up more space on your finger, adding to the perception of its size.
When you want sparkle and shine to showcase your engagement ring, a pave setting with a solitaire stone with a prong or cathedral setting will be the ideal choice. The smaller stones add the glitz and glamour that you're looking for, while maximizing the sparkle from all angles. The prong or cathedral setting adds height to the center stone, allowing the light to strike it in the best way.
Keep in mind maintenance and cleaning when you choose a ring setting. You want to be sure it stays looking its best all the time, so taking good care of it is of utmost importance. It's also a good idea to consider how a wedding band will pair with the engagement ring. Many brides choose a set that's already matched, but if you are picking yours out separately, pay attention to how the wedding band will look when you wear it next to your engagement ring.
You're going to wear your engagement ring every day, so it makes sense to spend some time considering what you want it to look like and the wearability that you need from it. The setting plays a big role in the enjoyment you get from your diamond engagement ring, so do your research so your ring puts a smile on your face every time you look at it.
At 1800 Loose Diamonds, we have an extensive range of engagement rings. We have ready to wear in many styles and different settings and also rings to which you can add your choice of stone from our loose diamond collection. Visit our showroom or browse online. We’re always ready to help.
