So you’re starting to get serious about diamond and other gemstone rings. Whether it’s an engagement ring or just a gift for yourself, there are so many options to consider when deciding on the ring for you. Between selecting overall design, carat weight, diamond cut, and setting, it might be altogether intimidating!
At NOGAMA Jewelry, our goal is to demystify the process of choosing jewelry so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying the experience. Today on the blog we’re going to walk through some of the top setting choices for gemstone rings and their advantages and disadvantages.
Already confused? We’ve got you. A “setting” refers to the type of mechanism used to secure the stone so that it doesn’t fall out of place. There are many different types of settings, each with unique advantages and disadvantages and today we’ll touch on a few of the most common types of settings.
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Prong Settings
The prong setting is a classic, and remains the most popular type of setting for diamond rings. When you think of a classic engagement ring, it probably has a prong setting. Here the diamond or other stone is affixed with 4 or more prongs and has the chance to truly shine because more of its surface area is exposed to the light. This setting also allows for additional detail customizations, such as different styles of prong like round, tab, or claw shapes.
Prongs can be finicky, however, so it’s important to select a jeweler with a great deal of expertise. If the prongs aren’t attached correctly, it can make the stone more likely to fall out. If the prongs aren’t the right size, there are too many, or too large in size, the gem loses its potential to shine the way it ought to.
Pavé Settings
Pavé has gained a lot of attention over the last decade, and for good reason. This style features clusters of small diamonds held in place with prongs or beads that are almost impossible to see with the naked eye. When it comes to engagement rings, pavé is usually used to accentuate a larger, more central stone.
The main drawbacks of pavé are that it can make a ring difficult to resize should you need to, and that they may require more cleaning because of the grooves.
Bezel Settings
A bezel setting uses a continuous metal rim along the top edges of the diamond to keep it in place. This setting can be among the most secure, and thus perfect for anyone who uses their hands a lot. On the other hand, less light passes through the stone because most of it is covered by metal, meaning it won’t have the same dramatic shine as stones in other settings.
Channel Settings
Channel set rings are often seen on eternity bands, and typically feature a continuous set of prongs, or a metal lip that slightly hangs over the edges of the stones. This type of setting typically features stones that are larger than pavé but smaller than a more central diamond, adding extra sparkle to a ring.
The downside is that the stones on channel rings may appear less visible than with other settings and require professional cleaning because of the grooves.
And there you have it—you’re practically an expert in settings! We hope this blog has helped to set up the path to finding the perfect ring for you. If you want to learn more about our selection of fine jewelry, or set up a consultation for a custom piece, don’t hesitate to contact us. For more jewelry and diamond facts and musings, check out our other blog posts here.