JEWELRY EDUCATION
Ring Setting Guide
Choosing a ring’s setting is one of the most important aspects of selecting the right ring for you. The setting not only determines how the center stone is displayed, but also plays a big impact on the ring’s durability and comfort, and essentially how it fits in with being worn in your daily life.
Whether you like the classic elegance of a prong setting or the modern sleekness of a bezel, knowing the different setting options will help you make a decision that suits your personal taste and lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll go through some of the most popular ring settings, and break down their unique features and benefits so you can find the perfect setting for your particular situation. From classic to modern, each setting brings something different to the table..
Prong Setting
The prong setting is the setting that most people picture with an engagement ring. It features a number of thin metal claws (usually four or six) that grip the stone, cradling it in place. This setting allows a large amount of light to hit the gemstone, which helps it maximize its brilliance, fire, and scintillation. It’s a versatile and timeless choice that allows for the stone to be shown off without too much metal getting in the way.
Bezel Setting
If you want something more secure, the bezel setting is a good option. This setting is characterized by a rim of metal that wraps around the stone, protecting it. It may not allow as much light to hit the diamond as a prong setting, but it’s sleek and modern and great for those who live an active lifestyle.
Channel Setting
The channel setting is often used for wedding bands or rings with multiple small diamonds. In this design, stones are set between two strips of metal, creating a “channel”. It’s a clean and elegant way to hold small diamonds, with the added bonus of being snag free – ifthe piece doesn’t have any center stones. It’s a great option if you want extra sparkle without sacrificing practicality.
Tension Setting
Now this one’s a bit of an engineering marvel. The tension setting holds the diamond in place by the pressure of the ring’s band, creating an illusion where the central stone looks like it’s floating in place. Because of this design, it’s pretty difficult to resize rings of this setting, since the band is the feature that secures the gemstone. This setting certainly isn’t a traditional one like the prong setting, but if you’re looking for something different, it really pops with its minimalist vibe.
Basket Setting
As the name suggests, this setting holds the gemstone in a structure that looks like a little basket. This style is similar to the prong setting, where prongs protrude from the shank, holding the gemstone in place. What’s different is that there’s a small band of metal that creates the basket that further secures the stone from the bottom – this is what makes the “basket”. It does add a unique aesthetic, and does offer more support for the gemstone, but note that with the band present, it does block potential light from entering through the bottom portions of the gemstone.
Pavé Setting
In a pavé setting, small gemstones are set close together with tiny metal prongs or beads to hold them in place. The prongs within this style are typically very small, and this is purposeful by design. The idea here is to make the surface of this look as if it was paved with gems, hence the name. It’s a great way to add extra sparkle to a ring without making it feel too heavy or overwhelming. The diamonds sit low and close together giving a shimmering, delicate look.
Cathedral Setting
With a cathedral setting, bands arch up from the shank of the ring to support the stone, creating a look that’s reminiscent of the architecture of European cathedrals.. This type of setting adds height and elegance to the ring, making the central gemstone look bigger. It’s perfect for those who want a classic design but with a more dramatic look.
Bar Setting
The bar setting is similar to the channel setting but with a twist. Instead of holding the diamonds between two continuous strips of metal, the diamonds are set between vertical bars. It gives a sleek modern look while holding the stones in place with a good deal of durability.
Halo Setting
The halo setting has become very popular in recent years. It’s characterized by a “halo” of smaller diamonds that surrounds the center stone of a ring, creating a “halo” of sparkles.
With smaller supporting stones surrounding the central one, not only does this setting make the central stone appear bigger, it also adds another dimension of brilliance, scintillation, and fire to the piece. It’s perfect for those who want a little extra sparkle, without increasing the carat or size of the central stone.
Maintenance, Durability and Longevity
Before you fall in love with a particular style of ring setting, you need to consider the practical aspects of maintenance, durability and longevity that comes with each. Different settings not only affect the look of the ring but also its wearability – especially if the ring is for daily wear. Below are just some of the practical considerations one should keep in mind when choosing a particular setting.
Maintenance
Each setting requires a different level of care to maintain its look and function. For example:
- Prong settings allow maximum light to hit the stone and enhance the brilliance, but can snag on fabric and need regular checks to make sure the prongs are in proper working order.
- Bezel settings offer great protection for the stone, but can trap dust and lotion and may to be cleaned frequently to maintain its shine.
- Pavé and channel settings can collect debris between the stones and need to be cleaned with care to avoid dislodging the smaller diamonds.
Durability & Wearability
The setting also affects both the wearability and durability of the piece with regards to wear during daily activities.
- High set rings are more prone to impacts and getting caught on objects, which can damage the prongs or even worse, dislodge a stone.
- Low set rings like bezel and flush settings offer better protection against knocks and bumps making them perfect for active people or those who wish to wear their ring daily within an active lifestyle.
- Tension settings are beautiful but require precise craftsmanship and can’t be resized without disturbing the balance that holds the stone in place.
Choosing the right setting is all about balancing style with practicality. Knowing the maintenance, durability and longevity of each setting will ensure your ring looks and functions for years to come.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, selecting the perfect ring involves making a decision that considers both your personal style, and how you intend to wear the ring. If you’re looking for something to wear on special occasions, wearing a piece that’s more delicate, but more pronounced would definitely be a great option. If you’re looking for something to wear as a daily driver though, perhaps something a bit more on the conservative side, where your stones are more protected, would be a better choice.
In any case, by understanding the characteristics of each setting and how they align with your lifestyle, you can choose a piece that not only captures your personality, but will stand the test of time.
At Kosmima Fine Jewelry, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect ring with the right setting to match your unique style and practical needs. We warmly invite you to visit our showroom in Chestnut Hill, where you can explore a wide variety of ring settings. If you’re thinking of having something custom, we can help with that, too. We have over 30 years of experience in creating custom creations from the ground up. Get in touch with us today and discover why we’ve been Boston’s preferred jewelers for the past three decades.
