Diamond Setting Guide
When you're in the market for that perfect diamond ring that will last a lifetime, it's vital to grasp the key elements of diamond jewelry, with the setting being one of the most important. The setting essentially determines the style and look of the ring, and you might fall in love with a ring solely because of its setting. So, let's explore various types of settings that will help you understand this crucial aspect better before you invest in your diamond ring.
Prong Setting: Your Diamond's Protector and Enhancer
The prong setting is the most common choice for diamond rings. Its main job is to secure and showcase the diamond. Typically, there are four prongs, but sometimes you'll find five or six, depending on the design. These prongs can be customized to fit the customer's preferences. Variations include single, double, triple, and even decorative prongs.
If you have a pear-shaped or marquise stone, you might come across the V-prong setting. It's designed to safeguard the delicate pointed tips of these stones.
One of the advantages of the prong setting is that it elevates the center diamond, creating the illusion of a larger stone with more of its beauty on display. The prongs can be shaped to gently curve outward and upward, cradling the diamond from the top. This setting not only enhances the ring's aesthetics but also provides strength and durability. As a result, it's a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.
Bezel Setting: The Modern and Refined Choice
A bezel setting involves encircling the solitaire diamond with metal, creating a sleek and polished appearance. There are two main types of bezel settings: complete and half.
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Complete Bezel Setting: In this style, the entire stone is fully covered by the metal, resulting in a sophisticated and classic look.
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Half Bezel Setting: Here, the diamond is only partially surrounded by the metal, giving the ring a more contemporary and modern feel.
When you pair a diamond with white gold for a bezel setting, it can create the illusion of a larger diamond, enhancing its overall appearance.
Channel Setting: The Secure and Stylish Choice
Imagine a channel – in channel setting, there's a metal channel with two sides, and within this channel, gemstones are neatly lined up in a uniform pattern. This setting offers both security and a polished appearance.
One of the standout features of the channel setting is its exceptional security. The metal channel protects the gemstones and prevents them from snagging on hair or clothing. It's a favored choice, particularly for engagement rings.
Flush Setting: Gems That Blend Seamlessly
In flush setting, gemstones are embedded within the metal ring band in such a way that only the top part, called the crown, is visible. This design ensures that the gemstones are securely protected by the entire metal ring. Flush setting creates a captivating and seamless appearance for the ring.
Bar Setting: A Balance of Delicacy and Strength
The bar setting is quite like the channel setting, with parallel bars that securely hold the solitaire gemstone between them. While some parts of the gemstone are visible, the ring gives off an impression of delicacy, yet it is sturdy and durable.
Pave Setting: A Sea of Sparkles
The term "pave" originates from the French word 'pavé' (pronounced as 'pa vay'). In a pave setting, the surface of a jewelry piece looks like it's adorned with numerous tiny diamonds.
By using multiple small stones in a pave setting, it creates the illusion of larger, more dazzling jewelry.
Invisible Setting: Diamonds in Suspension
Invisible setting creates a mesmerizing effect where diamonds seem to float on the ring's surface without any visible prongs. The diamonds are carefully placed in a way that hides the underlying metal entirely. This setting showcases more of the diamond's brilliance, making it appear as if the gemstone is the star of the show, with minimal metal visibility.
Illusion Setting: The Magic of Size
The illusion setting lives up to its name by making a diamond appear larger than it actually is. Typically, this setting features decorative prongs that contribute to the illusion, enhancing the overall size perception of the stone.
Tension Setting: The Diamond's Floating Act
In a tension setting, the diamond is securely held in place by the pressure of the ring itself, without the need for prongs or invisible strings. This unique setting creates the illusion that the diamond is floating and leaves its sides open. Despite its seemingly delicate appearance, the tension setting is both strong and secure.
Now that you're familiar with these different settings, you're well-equipped to choose the perfect setting for your forever diamond. It's all about finding the one that suits your personality and the occasion.