Engagement Ring Settings

A look at different ring settings available

Engagement ring settings are just one part of a diamond ring, as seen in the image below. Here we will look at some of the styles of settings available.

Basic anatomy of a diamond ring

View the above style of engagement ring settings

For anyone researching diamond engagement rings, there is quite literally a style to suit everyones individual style. From very simple solitaire ring designs that emphasize the diamond, to more intricate styles of engagement ring, each design achieves a unique appearance. One of the key parts are the engagement ring settings. This is the structure that holds the diamond in place. It performs three main functions.

It provides security for the diamond, firmly holding the stone in place.
It provides a frame within which the diamond can be clearly viewed.
It allows light to enter into the diamond.

Well designed engagement ring settings will fulfill each of these three criteria. Since the diamond(s) make up the greater part of a ring's cost, it is essential that the diamond is secured whilst being clearly visible. There are a number of different engagement ring settings available. We will look at each different style, with examples available to purchase at Serendipity Diamonds.

Claw Settings

Prong settings as they are otherwise called, are a very popular style of setting for engagement ring. The size, shape and number of claws can vary each providing a different look. 8 Claws offer great protection, but the diamond can appear a little crowded. 6 claw settings can offer a traditional yet modern look whilst providing a great deal of security. For a more modern feel, four claw settings have a contemporary feel. Some three claw designs are available, some of which provide security by creating a combination of bezel and claw setting as seen in the three claw design R1D005 illustrated below.

Two claw engagement ring settings Three Claw Setting Four Claw Twist Setting

R1H010 Two Claw Marquise R1D005 Three Claw Round R1D002 Four Claw Twist

Two claw settings are most often used when the shape of the diamond influences this design of setting. For the marquise diamond with its two vulnerable points, it is necessary to protect the stone at these points. Additional protection is offered by a bezel onto which the diamond rests.

Bezel / Rubbed Over Settings

The bezel or rub-over style is a very efficient way of securing the diamond. It is basically where the bezel that the diamond sits into sits around the entire outer edge of the diamond. The metal is quite literally pushed over the edge of the stone, thereby offering maximum security to the diamond. This type of setting can be very effective for fancy shapes of diamond. The fact that the metal faithfully follows the outline helps to emphasize the diamond shape.

Round Bezel engagement ring settings Princess Cut Bezel Setting Partial Rub Over Setting

Bezel Settings - R1D023 Engagement ring settings R1D033 Engagement ring settings -R1D031

Variations exist in both the design and the amount of coverage of the diamond. Partial rub over ring settings provide the security whilst leaving a part of the outer edge of the diamond uncovered. The final image above shows one of these designs we can provide for a round brilliant cut diamond.

Pave / Micro Pave Settings

This term is used to describe the setting technique used to cover an expanse of metal with diamonds, literally paving the metal with small diamonds. From a distance, it creates a continuous expanse of diamonds. Each small stone is held by beads of metal. These form individual settings for each stone in a carpet of diamonds. Although each diamond requires setting, the fact that the carat weight is made up of many small diamonds means that the price for say, 1cts worth of stones is much less than for a single 1ct diamond. In this way such settings are very popular. It is also a very effective way of setting diamonds evenly over a rounded surface, when larger diamonds would be too deep or would create awkward angles.

Pave Set Rings

Bar Settings

The bar setting is literally self explanatory. Small bars of metal are used to secure each diamond. These can be used for round brilliant cut diamonds, fancy shapes, and can be used in multiples along a ring to create an even continuous system of setting the diamond. This is even a popular choice for engagement ring settings as seen in the first image below where a princess cut solitaire has been set with this style.

Bar Set Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting Bar Set Eternity Ring

Engagement ring settings - R1D026

The Channel Setting

Popular for diamond wedding rings, eternity rings and ring shoulders, the channel setting is a very neat and continuous method of setting diamonds within a channel, creating a uniform flow of diamonds. It is crucial that stones are calibrated (all the exact same size) in order to be precision set with each diamond touching the edge of the next diamond, and so on. This is a particularly popular setting due to the diamonds uninterrupted flow along the ring with no metal between. The diamonds sit within small recesses cut into each side of the ring within the channel and are securely held in place. Princess cuts are particularly effective with this design along with baguettes since they follow the lines of the channel with no gaps in between.

Round Brilliant Cuts in Channel Setting Princess Cuts in Channel Set Wedding Ring Channel Settings Perfect for Diamond Shoulders

RWB011 round brilliant cuts RWB003 princess cut diamonds R1D013 channel set shoulders

The Flush Setting

The flush setting involves setting the diamond within the metal itself, in a very neat and tidy way. The metal is first cut out to accommodate the stone which is then set into this recess before the ring is polished. The effect is perfect for occasional diamonds in a wedding band. This technique can be used for fancy shapes also. Diamonds are well protected due to the metal surround and also due to the fact they do not protrude above the surface of the ring in an exposed fashion.

Flush Set Princess Cuts in a Wedding Ring Flush Set Round Brilliants in a Wedding Ring

RWT012 princess cuts RWT032 with round brilliants

The Tension Setting

This final technique relies on the great pressure of the ring to hold the diamond in place. Many contemporary designs use this technique to create simple designs allowing the maximum amount of light to penetrate into the diamond. Engagement ring settings using tension require a sufficient amount of metal to create the strength required for security of the stone within the ring.