The Guide to Diamond Settings in Rings (Part I)

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Before buying a Diamond Ring, it is important to research about all aspects of the Ring, and one among them is the Diamond Setting used in the Ring. Since there are hundreds of styles available, it is very easy to get confused as many look quite similar but have different setting types.

This article will help you in finding out the differences between different diamond settings. Some of the most popular settings in diamond rings are prong, bezel, tension, melee, pave, channel, shared prong and flush settings.

Prong Setting:

Among all others, the Prong setting remains the most popular setting. The prong setting uses thin metal prongs extending from the base of the ring and holding the diamond in place by resting on its top edge. This setting type holds the diamond securely in its place while raising it above the rest of the ring.

The best advantage of the prong setting is that most of the diamond can be seen from both the top and side perspectives. This is one setting type that exposes most of the diamond to the light, at the same time holding it securely too. Thus the center stone becomes the focal point of the ring.

Prong settings are also less expensive as compared to others because of their popularity and simplicity of design.

The disadvantage of the prong setting is that for someone who leads an active lifestyle, the prong setting can snag too easily on clothing or other materials. But as long as the ring is worn under normal conditions and the prongs are inspected regularly, nearly whoever wears the prong-set diamond rings, can do so for years together without any problems. One just needs to ensure and check regularly that all the prongs are undamaged and are lying securely against the stone.

There are many variations to the prong styles, and with a small difference, they can change the look of the Ring to a great extent. Three prong styles are not recommended for engagement rings, but four and six prong settings are popular as well as eight prong settings, that group two prongs closely together for extra security.

Bezel Setting:

The Bezel Setting is the second most popular setting, and is being used in new and creative ways every day. The bezel setting encircles the center stone in a metal rim, or collar that extends slightly above the girdle or the top surface of the stone.

It can be full, in which the metal completely encircles the stone, or partial, in which parts of the stone’s side is visible.

The best advantage of the bezel setting is the security it offers. The bezel is made especially for the diamond it will hold, so it is always of the right size. The outer girdle is placed in a small ridge inside the bezel setting, and then the top lip of the metal is bent down around the crown of the stone. The stone is held in place by the pressure from this lip, which created a protective circle of metal around the diamond.

Another advantage of the bezel setting is that it can improve the appearance of a slightly flawed diamond, by reflecting white light into a yellow tinted stone or covering flaws.

The main disadvantage of the bezel setting is the slightly lower level of light that penetrates the stone. However if the bezel setting is set with pave diamonds, it can still reflect plenty of light for that sparkly look.

More setting types like the Tension, Melee, Pave, Channel, Shared Prong and Flush Settings will be explained in later parts of this article.