Types of engagement ring settings
We find most of our customers get lost at the ring setting stage. Unlike diamond shapes and the 4Cs, there are many types of ring settings available. This is a detailed and comprehensive article on ring settings. Read on to see if it helps!
Anatomy Of An Engagement Ring
Let us first breakdown the anatomy of a ring.
Center stone: Most people choose Diamonds to be their main gemstone . You can learn about the different shapes of center stones here.
Center Stone Setting: The design of how the center stone is securely placed on the ring. This is best decided after you have decided on your main gemstone shape.
Band/Shank Setting: The design of the ring band. You can choose to add gemstones or other design details.
Types of center stone setting
Prong (Solitiare) Setting - For maximum sparkle
Prongs are the little claws that reach up and hold the diamond in place. You can choose to have three to six prongs (depending on the gemstone size and shape) to secure the stone.
Pros: A prong setting allows for the most light exposure from all angles, giving the center stone maximum sparkle factor. It’s a classic ring setting that works for almost all stone shapes and easily accommodates a wedding band. It may even cost less due to its simple design.
Cons: Gemstones set with prongs tend to be elevated, showcasing the stone, but might not fit the wearer’s lifestyle if they’re active most of the time and worry about hitting their ring.
Halo Setting - For more bling
A halo engagement ring features a larger center stone surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds.
Pros: For a start, it definitely gives you the bling. This type of setting offers the illusion of a larger center stone without actually paying the price tag that comes with it. *Tip: Lots of smaller diamonds are less expensive than one big diamond.
Cons: Some might find it harder to match their wedding bands when there is already so much going on with the engagement ring. It might also take the attention away from the center stone.
Three-stone setting - For more customised designs
This setting consists of a center diamond with two (usually smaller) side stones.
Pros: Instead of 1 center stone, you can put 3 different types of gemstones to make your ring more unique. Common side stones include sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. The 3 stones are also symbolic as it represents the couple’s past, present, and future.
Cons: The side stones may steal the limelight from the center stone or make it appear smaller than it really is. It can also be tricky to match the 3 gemstones which might potentially result in higher cost eventually.
Bezel setting - For those who value practicality
Instead of holding a raised diamond in place with prongs, a bezel setting wraps the center diamond snugly in a metal rim that either completely or partially covers the sides.
Pros: This is ideal for someone who has a very active lifestyle and is always on the move. It is also popular for its modern, minimalist appeal. The setting is also the most secure way to hold your gemstone in place.
Cons: Bezels cover most of the stone’s girdle and sides, so the stone will look smaller. There is also less room for light reflection which might not make the center stone as sparkly as some would like it to be.
And that sums up the popular settings for the center stone. Let’s move on to the ring shank setting.
Types of ring shank setting
A good place to start for your ring shank is to decide if you want it with or without gemstones.
Final thoughts…
Regardless of whether you are getting an engagement ring or a wedding band set, every aspect of the ring should be considered with you and your partner’s lifestyles, budgets and preferences in mind. The settings are not fixed, you can even combine two settings together. We believe that an engagement ring should be designed around your unique love story.
Browse through the engagement rings here or sign up for a complimentary gemstone workshop to let our jewellery consultants take you through the process.
