Prong Setting
The prong setting is among the most common ring settings, and it has been that way for a long time. This setting has been popular for a while for a variety of reasons. It features a small metal claw that holds the center mount tightly and securely in place. The metal claw comes in various styles, including rounded, pointed, flat, or v-shaped. This is more of a personal preference as it does not impact the ring’s quality or setting. On average, the prong setting has between four and six prongs designed to show off more of the center mount than other settings. Some of the benefits of the prong setting over others include: elevating the center mount to make it more prominent and not cable, supports and works well with many different centers mount shapes and sizes, and that it is easy and straightforward to clean and maintain.
Tiffany Setting
The tiffany setting originated from the Tiffany and Co. brand back in 1886. This setting was designed to maximize the light return from the center mount by utilizing a six-prong setting. Some of the benefits of going with a Tiffany setting over other options include the enhanced light reflection through elevating the center mount to display its brilliance and shine, very easy to clean and maintain, and has been among the most popular with no sign of going out of style.
Bezel Setting
The Bezel setting is a more modern style that fits very well with active lifestyles. Rather than supporting and securing the center mount stone with prongs, this setting features a metal rim that encircles the stone to keep it in place over time. This adds in additional security for the stone compared to settings that use prongs, which makes this setting more durable over time. With two different styles, full or partial bezel, you can fully surround the center mount or leave the edges and sides open. The Bezel setting has a handful of advantages over traditional prongs, including not snagging on clothing or furniture, holding the stone more securely, protecting the stone to prevent damage, and offering a more modern look.
Tension Setting
The name for this setting comes from the look and feel of the center mount within the ring. The center mount is suspended between two metal shanks, which elevate and show off more of the stone. Small little grooves are cut on the insides of the band or shank to perfectly hold the stone in place without causing the risk of loss or loosening. This style mimics the diamond suspension style but is far less expensive and complex to produce. Tension settings allow for all of the stone to be seen, so if the stone you choose is too beautiful to be hidden by prongs or bezels, this type of setting is perfect! Some of the benefits of a tension setting include High level or center mount security, minimum metal to obstruct the stone, a modern and sleek look to the ring.
Channel Setting
The Channel setting enables the ring to be set with a row or line of stones that are placed directly in the band. This is designed to sit flush with the shank and adds in some additional sparkle and shine to the ring as a whole. The channel can cover part or all of the band by tightly placing the stones in a row to reduce the amount of visible metal in the band. One of the most common uses with this setting is with rings that feature smaller stones and are paired with a wedding band and other pieces of jewelry. The Channel setting is unlikely to snag on clothing or furniture while providing a secure, unique, and elegant look to the ring.
Pave Setting
Originating from the French word, which is pronounced as “pa-vay” translates to “pave,” which is describing the way the diamonds or stones are placed in the ring. Meaning, the ring is paved with stones that are placed close to one another to reduce the number of visible metal beads or prongs. The beads or prongs hold the stone securely in place but are not visible, which offers a continuous and elegant look. Typically using smaller stones, this setting is designed to highlight the center stone, provide magnification to the overall piece, and holds a vintage-modern look. There is a wide variety of setting styles and types to choose from. When it comes to designing the perfect ring, it is important to do your research to determine what you like and do not like before even consulting a jeweler about getting started. The overall process should be fun and exciting, so be sure to take your time and choose the perfect style, setting, and design.