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| There's more than just the diamond when purchasing a diamond ring. You will
also have to decide how you want the diamonds to be set with your ring. |
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This, like the shape of the stone itself is purely a matter of personal style. In addition to
the style, the metal that the setting itself is crafted from is an important consideration. Here, we present several of the
most popular setting styles, along with brief descriptions of what makes each one special.
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A diamond grading report from an independent laboratory is not an
appraisal, which estimates the monetary value of a particular stone. It is an unbiased, informed opinion made by an
experienced gemologist. You will receive the original certificate or report with your diamond order.
Purchasing loose diamonds accompanied by certificates allows one to comparison shop and know exactly what they are getting.
The slightest change in a diamond's grading can significantly alter its value. |
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| Rings with
Sidestones |
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| Sidestones on a diamond ring helps complement the brilliant
center diamond. Adding extra diamonds or gemstones further enhances the beauty of the ring. The sidestones are set evenly
with the band in a channel setting. |
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| Three Stone
Rings |
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| Representing the past, present and future, a three stone
diamond ring makes a strong statement. |
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| Bezel
Setting |
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| A bezel setting holds a gemstone in place using a thin band of
metal that surrounds the stone at its middle, or girdle. It can completely or partially surround the stone, depending on
the style and look desired. This type of setting provides good protection for the middle (girdle) and bottom (pavilion)
portions of a stone. Bezel settings can have straight or scalloped edges, and can be molded to accommodate many shapes of
stones. |
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| Pavée Setting |
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| In pavé setting, gemstones are fit into small holes and
set almost level with the surface of the ring. They are set in rows, with no metal between them, giving the appearance of
the gemstones having been paved (Pavé is French for paved), like a cobblestone road. |
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| Solitaire
Setting |
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| Very popular in bridal rings, this four- or six-prong style is
called a "Tiffany" setting, because it was originally developed by the founder of Tiffany & Co. in 1886. A
prong setting allows the most light to enter a gemstone from all angles, maximizing its brilliance. Six prongs also provide
added security in holding the stone. |
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| Caret
Setting |
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| A bar setting is very similar to a channel setting. Used in
circular bands, a bar setting uses a thin bar of metal to hold the stones in place on either side, so that each bar has a
stone on either side of it. |
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| Cluster
Setting |
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| In a cluster setting, several stones are mounted together in a
group, for a cluster effect. It is frequently seen with several small stones surrounding a central, larger stone. |
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| Prong
Setting |
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| In a prong setting, the gemstone is held in place by a number
of metal prongs, which rise above the main body of the ring and are bent over the stone to hold it in place. The number
of prongs varies according to the stone's shape, as does their height above the main body of the ring. |
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| Channel
Setting |
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| In a channel setting, two strips of metal (gold, platinum or
silver) hold the gemstone(s) in place at the sides, with no metal between the stones. This type of setting protects the
girdle area of the gemstone, as well as securing small stones more effectively than a prong setting. Channel-set gemstones
also sit flush with the mounting, making them less likely to get snagged on other objects, such as hair or clothing.
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| Invisible
Setting |
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| Invisible-set gemstones are placed very closely together, with
the metal concealed underneath the stones, giving them the appearance of a continuous, uninterrupted surface. Since the metal
of the setting is not seen, this type of setting is an excellent way to showcase the brilliance or color of the gemstones
themselves. It also allows an increased amount of light to enter the stone (and, thus give off more brilliance or color),
since there are no prongs or bezels impeding the light's entry. |
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| Tension
Setting |
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| This setting uses pressure to hold a stone between two open
ends of the metal mounting, making the stone appear as if it's floating. |
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