subject: Know Your Engagement Ring Settings [print this page] Know Your Engagement Ring Settings Know Your Engagement Ring Settings
So you've decided to settle down and tie the knot. Marriage is a wonderful thing and is a good way to show a willingness to commit to the right person, and there's no better material reminder of that than a good engagement ring. The selection of the ring is, of course, something that deserves careful attention - it is not just a financial investment, but also an emotional one. There are a lot of choices out there that can make it difficult to settle on just one, but they say if there's a woman going to get married, there's a perfect engagement ring for her.
Attractive engagement rings abound, but for simpler ones, just the right setting can make it look like it was worth a million dollars. The setting, in this case, covers a number of details, such as the band and the means by which the central stone is held in place. Any additional stones can fall under this.
The Types of Engagement Ring Settings:
Prong
The prong setting is the most popular choice for engagement rings. It has four to six hooks that are used to hold the diamond in place a small amount of distance above the band itself. These are slender and discreet, not getting in the way of the gem or blocking light. This has a tendency to make the diamond look much larger and more stunning, which has led to its popularity. The setting can be adjusted to accommodate larger diamonds than most other settings, making it very flexible. Elegance is a common trait, though others have preferred it to look more ornate or quaint - it varies depending on taste, as well as the size and cut of the diamond itself.
Channel
This setting places multiple diamonds right next to each other. There are no visible hooks or anything to hold them in place, but instead, they sit in a metal channel to give the appearance of flowing smoothly around the band. In well-done instances, they can look as if they are submerged inside the band, with the exterior of the ring being smooth. This actually provides better protection than most other settings because the gems aren't elevated, reducing the risk of loss or damage. It also has the interesting feature of making a middle-set diamond much more prominent, if it was designed to do so.
Bezel
This setting uses a metal rim to surround the diamond and keep it secured. The rim extends slightly above the gem itself, protecting the edges. This one is popular among those with active lifestyles due to the protection it provides the gem while only sacrificing some of its "wow" factor. It is practically impossible to dislodge the diamond in this setting barring a jeweler's tools or damage to the ring itself. It is extremely versatile, but those that prefer more flash for their stone might prefer another setting.
Pave (Pa Vay)
This one is arguably the setting that favors the diamond the most. The Pave uses a cluster of small diamonds encrusted along the surface of the band itself, with tiny beads to hold them secure. The metal base underneath is barely noticeable, so it can have the appearance of the diamonds sticking to the skin or standing independently. This setting, however, requires great care. Unlike other engagement ring settings, the diamonds are far more exposed and are at a higher risk of being damaged or dislodged.
