Set in Your Ways: Choosing the Right Setting for Your Diamond Ring

Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Settings

Planning a proposal is such an exciting process – one that requires finding the perfect engagement ring that will symbolise your love and commitment for many years to come. When it comes to shopping for an engagement ring, it’s important to consider the different diamond setting types, along with the diamond cut and precious metal. A diamond ring’s setting – the way in which the diamond is secured on the metal mount, is a key part of the anatomy of a diamond ring. The setting contributes greatly to the overall design and everlasting beauty of the ring of course, but more importantly it safely secures the gemstone in place. To help you find the perfect engagement ring, we explain the various diamond ring settings below:

 What is a Prong or Claw Setting?

Prong settings are likely among the most well-known diamond ring settings. This elegant setting is considered to be a popular choice when it comes to designing classic engagement rings like the solitaire. A prong setting usually has four to six thin metal claws that are placed on the diamond’s surface to secure its position. The intent of a prong setting is to really highlight the diamond’s brilliance by giving maximum exposure to the gemstone. Ideally, the prongs should end on the diamond’s surface. If the claws extend too high, the diamond’s top portion will be less visible, thus reducing its brilliance.

This particular range of settings can be shaped in different ways – prongs can be rounded, squared, V-shaped, elongated or even pointed. If you’re thinking about designing your own ring, keep the following in mind:

• The prong setting allows the diamond to take center stage.
• Prong set diamond rings are easy to clean and maintain.
• A versatile engagement ring setting type that complements all diamond shapes.
• The prong setting is relatively easy to adjust for different sizes of diamonds.

Disadvantages:

• The diamond’s girdle is only partially covered, making it prone to chipping.
• Claw settings are more prone to get stuck on clothing.

What is a Halo Setting?

Halo setting engagement rings are currently among the most sought-after engagement ring styles. In a halo setting, the center diamond is completely encircled by smaller pavé or micro pavé set accent diamonds. The halo gemstones flash with light and draw the eye to the center diamond, which enhances the center stone for a glamorous look. Halo settings can easily be personalised with different diamond shapes, metals and setting styles for the accent diamonds.

• The halo setting gives the appearance of a larger diamond.
• A dazzling setting that enhances the appearance of a slightly flawed center diamond.
• Lots of smaller diamonds are exponentially less expensive than one diamond weighing the same.

Disadvantages:

• Wedding bands only work with some halo setting engagement rings.

What is a Bezel or Tube Setting?

Bezel set engagement rings feature diamonds that are completely or partially encircled by a thin border of precious metal holding it securely in place. This setting, also sometimes referred to as a tube setting, accentuates the diamond for a contemporary look. The bezel setting is commonly used for round cut diamonds but a highly skilled jeweler at Shimansky can make you a bezel setting for any shaped diamond, including oval, pear, heart and other fancy shape. For someone with a more active lifestyle, consider a bezel setting. The Shimansky Caesar ring has a modern, open bezel setting.

Advantages:

• The bezel setting is very durable.
• A secure setting that holds the gemstone tightly.
• Protects the diamond from knocks.
• A bezel set diamond ring won’t snag clothing.
• Great choice for softer gemstones such as tanzanite or emerald.
• Ideal for women with an active lifestyle or who work with their hands.

Disadvantages:

• The bezel setting can conceal a significant part of the gemstone.
• Could be slightly more expensive since more precious metal is used.

What is a Channel Setting?  

The channel setting is similar to a pavé setting but uses thicker metal to secure the diamonds. This elegant diamond setting type is known to be a fantastic option for wedding bands and diamond anniversary rings. The channel setting features square diamonds or round brilliant diamonds gracefully suspended between two parallel walls of precious metal for a smooth and elegant look. A good example is these beautiful ‘Huggie’ earrings from our My Girl collection.

Advantages:

• The channel setting securely holds the diamonds in place.
• Diamonds are better protected against accidental knocks.
• The many small diamonds add a dazzling sparkle to the ring.
• Designed to be more practical for everyday wear.

Disadvantages:

• The channel setting is relatively hard to repair and resize.
• It could be difficult to clean trapped dirt deep inside the channels.
• Gemstones are less visible than in other diamond ring settings, like the prong setting.

 What is a Pavé Setting?

The pavé setting, also sometimes referred to as a bead setting, comes from the French word, ‘paved’ referring to the paving of the diamonds on the ring. Typically, the diamonds used for this type of setting must be 0.01 to 0.02 carats to be deemed ‘pavé’ – anything smaller than that is called ‘micro pavé setting’. In this glamorous setting style, a lot of small diamonds are set closely together for a dazzling diamond-encrusted look, giving the overall impression that the diamonds are ‘paved’ along the band. The metal is then formed in a way that it creates tiny beads securing the diamonds in place. The romantic and classic Two Hearts ring showcases the pavé setting beautifully.

Advantages:

• The pavé setting enhances the appearance of a center stone that is somewhat lower in brilliance with a less than perfect cut or clarity grade.
• A pavé setting ring is ideal for brides-to-be who want extra sparkle for a dazzling look.
• Many smaller diamonds are less expensive than one diamond weighing the same.

Disadvantages:

• Pavé settings are susceptible to gemstone loss.
• This diamond setting type has more tiny spaces for dirt to collect.
• Requires more inspection and maintenance than most other diamond ring settings.

What is a Tension Setting?

The tension setting is designed in a way that the diamond is tightly secured in one position by the pressure of the metal bands on either side. Usually there are two tiny grooves carved into the metal where the diamond’s girdle comes into contact with it to keep the stone in place. With the tension setting the diamond appears to be floating between the two sides of the shank, which creates a mesmerising appearance. The Shimansky patented design of the Millennium Ring is an iconic example of the tension setting,

Advantages:

• The tension setting displays the entire profile of the diamond, making it more visible.
• Enhances light reflection due to minimal metal surrounding the diamond.
• A great choice for brides-to-be who want a modern, minimalistic and unusual engagement ring that stands out from the rest.
• Requires less maintenance than other diamond setting types, like the prong setting

Disadvantages:

• The classical tension setting is only suitable for hard stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires.
• The gemstone needs to be of very high quality as imperfections are more visible in a tension setting.
• Not ideal for someone with a very active lifestyle as the diamond is exposed.
• The tension setting is difficult to resize.

What is a Micro Setting?

The micro setting, also known as the micro pavé setting or micro prong setting, is a delicate setting that requires the skills of a reputable, expert jeweler. It involves multiple small diamonds set closely together in two or more rows and secured in place by small (micro) prongs. A micro pavé setting, a relatively modern technique, uses smaller gemstones than a traditional pavé setting. Similar to the pavé setting, micro set diamonds give an encrusted look and add to the overall design of the ring. This style of setting is featured in the Shimansky Halo Diamond Ring.

Advantages:

• The micro pavé setting is ideal for the bride-to-be who loves a dazzling look.
• Lots of smaller diamonds are less expensive than one big diamond with the same carat weight.
• The micro prong setting creates a smooth surface ideal for active lifestyles.

Disadvantages:

• Micro pavé settings are susceptible to gemstone loss.

What is a Gypsy Setting?

The gypsy setting, also known as the swiss setting or hammer style setting, is often used in the design of men’s wedding bands. This specific type of setting ensures that the diamond is placed flush with the surface of the metal. The metal is then pressed and hammered around the perimeter of the diamond to secure it, protecting the diamond’s girdle from being exposed. The gypsy setting, in addition, is also very practical for everyday use.

Advantages:

• The gypsy setting is one of the most secure diamond ring settings.
• Ideal for someone who works with their hands or with an active lifestyle.
• Protects diamonds from accidental knocks.

Disadvantages:

• Gemstones are less visible than in other diamond setting types.

Frequently Asked Questions