Settings
Gems can come in many different cuts and colors and can add sparkle and class to anyone’s life, but one aspect of jewelry selection that should not be neglected is the setting. The setting of a stone can alter the look and feel of any piece of jewelry and should always be considered. Do you want a lighter, flashier stone? Or are you going for a more durable, heavy look? Whatever your preference, use our settings guide to get to know more about this important aspect of jewelry selection.
Prong
The most common style setting is the prong setting. It has tips that bend around the diamond, holding it in place. There are usually four prongs, although there can be more. The more there are, the safer the stone is. However, too many prongs can obstruct the view of the gem.
Channel
A channel set ring consists of a thick band with a channel carved in the middle that holds smaller stones within it. This type of setting is not usually used for engagement rings but for those that do not have a central or main stone. Stones are very secure set within the band but are not shown off as well because they are not lifted above the band.
Bezel
A bezel setting includes a ring with a raised “collar” surrounding a main stone that holds it in place. This setting offers durability and safety with the option of a half bezel, which covers less of the central stone than a full bezel setting.
Tension
A tension setting allows for a stone to be showcased fully. Two pieces of metal press into the stone to hold it in place. This is not as safe for the safety of your stone. If the metal gets stretched in any capacity, the stone will fall out. Re-sizing of a ring is limited with this type of setting, given that if a ring needs to be re-sized, the entire ring setting must also be reworked.
Pave
Pave settings incorporate several, very visible gemstones held in place by tiny, virtually invisible prongs that circle the ring. This type of setting is popular for engagement rings. A larger prong set stone on top of the pave-set ring has become an option for an engagement ring.