Popular Styles of Engagement Rings

When you are shopping for a diamond ring with more than one stone, the setting becomes the major factor in determining the overall shape. Presented below are the most popular styles of ring settings. The most popular diamond engagement rings and anniversary rings are presented here.

Solitaire Prong Settings - This is very common type of setting for a single large diamond ring, also known as solitaire ring. This type of setting comes in a four to six prong and comes in different style, for example, Fishtail, Belcher and Tiffany style. Prongs can be pointed, rounded, flat or V-shaped. Ring with more prongs can add more security to the diamond and makes diamond look bigger. But too many prongs for smaller diamond can overpower the diamond and make it look heavy. Use of V-shaped prongs is recommended for pear-shape, heart-shape and marquise shape diamond and use of flat prongs is recommended for emerald shaped diamond.

Bezel Settings - In bezel setting rim holds the diamond securely. It can be set with any shape of diamond. It makes the diamond looks larger and protects girdle of the ring from chipping and nicking. Be aware though, if yellow gold is used in a bezel setting, the white diamond may look less white because it may reflect yellow color of the ring girdle into diamond. Bezel setting requires very low maintenance, makes diamond look larger and provides smooth finish to the ring.

Bar Settings - Bar Settings provide classic yet contemporary look. Every diamond is set between two thin bars. Diamonds are set in a channel across the ring and they are exposed at the edges rather than set in the metal. Ring can be made with single row of diamonds or double rows of diamonds. Bar set provides smooth finish, however, diamonds may get loose or chipped with repeated banging.

Channel Settings - Channel Settings are commonly used for wedding bands. Diamonds in such wedding bands are set into a channel with no metal separating the diamonds. Occasionally, the channel can continue around the ring so that the ring has continuous row of diamonds.

Cluster Settings - Typically, cluster settings contain one large diamond in the middle and smaller diamonds on the sides as accents. It is used to create a nice piece larger piece from several small diamonds.

Invisible Settings - Invisible settings are used to make diamond jewelry looks larger than they are. Invisibly set diamonds are set closely next to each other with metal of setting invisible from top, giving continuous surface. It makes small diamonds appear larger, provides sparkles, and smooth finish. One of the disadvantages of this setting is that stones may fall out over time and it is cumbersome to repair. Generally it is used for square shaped diamonds. It is also known as illusion setting.

Pave Settings - Pave setting are used for numerous small diamonds put together in a cluster with no metal showing. This setting can be dome shape or flat shape. It provides smaller diamonds to look larger. It is more expensive then the most other settings but they make very attactive engagement rings.

Tension Settings - In tension settings a single diamond is placed safely under the tension between the metal of the ring. Diamond is fitted between the gap of the ring. Tension settings are often used with synthetic diamonds.

Flat Top or Bead Settings - In this type of setting, diamond is placed into a hole in the flat top of the metal and held in place by small chips of metal attached at the diamond’s girdle. It is more expensive than the prong setting.

Gypsy Settings - The metal at the top of the ring is heavier than the shank. A single diamond or a set of diamonds are set flush into holes at the top.