When you’re shopping for an engagement ring (new or used), you’re going to get barraged with a whole new set of industry terms and lingo. You may not know the difference between a princess cut and a marquise cut, but these are important terms to learn so that you can understand exactly what your future ring will look like. Another important term that applies to every diamond engagement ring is setting.

In today’s guide, we’re going to take a closer look at different engagement ring styles as they relate to settings, but first, let’s explain what we mean when we say “engagement ring setting.”

What Is An Engagement Ring Setting?

The simplest way to think of a diamond ring setting is to just imagine the part of the ring that “holds” the central diamond. But this is just one piece of the puzzle. The actual, physical elements of a ring that hold the central diamond are usually called prongs (though some designs may not feature actual prongs). The design of the prongs or other elements that surround and shape the center stone are vital components of the setting. In other words, the setting generally refers to the entire design, arrangement, and configuration of a ring’s central stone.

The setting has a surprisingly big impact on the aesthetic appeal of a ring. Most ring designs try to make the setting blend in; the designers want you to focus more on the diamond itself than the parts holding it in place. However, some designs feature the different elements of the setting quite prominently. This can help distinguish the entire ring design from other brands and appeal to specific consumer requirements. 

The Most Common Engagement Ring Settings

There are a lot of different settings, some of which are very niche and rare, and some of which you can find in nearly every jewelry store on the planet. In this section, we’re going to take a look at some of the most common and popular engagement ring settings on the market:

• Prong (Claw) Setting - If you’ve spent any time looking at rings (especially Solitaire rings), you’ve almost certainly come across the Prong or “Claw” Setting. As the name implies, this setting features several prongs (usually 4) that extend from the band and hold the central stone in place. This minimalist setting typically allows more light to hit the diamond, which can help showcase the stone’s brilliance. 

• Halo Setting - The Halo Setting generally denotes a larger “face” when you’re looking at a top-down view of the ring. The “halo” refers to various smaller diamonds that surround the central diamond and are held in place by a metal underlay.

• Pave Setting - Like the Halo Setting, the Pave setting features smaller diamonds that accompany the central stone. However, with the Pave Setting, these diamonds are typically placed along the band of the ring. This design helps create extra sparkle without taking attention away from the main stone. 

• Bezel (Rubover) Setting - The Bezel Setting is the natural opposite of the Prong Setting. Rather than having individual prongs that stick out, the Bezel or “Rubover” Setting features a metal trim that surrounds the stone. This can offer better protection, but it also reduces the amount of light that reaches the central diamond. 

• Channel Setting - A Channel Setting often uses the entire band to display smaller diamonds of equal size. Unlike most other settings, the Channel Setting does not typically have a “central” diamond. 

• Cluster Setting - The Cluster Setting uses several small stones bunched or clustered together to give the impression of a much larger stone. 

• Gypsy Setting - The Gypsy Setting keeps the diamond flush with the band of the ring. While this does create a smooth and seamless visual, it also reduces the amount of light that can reach the diamond (thereby making it sparkle less). 

• Bar Setting - The Bar Setting can vary a little based on the overall design of the ring, but it typically involves a series of diamonds that are flush with the top of the band and separated by metal bars. 

What Is The Best Diamond Setting?

As you can imagine, it’s impossible to choose one “best” diamond setting. It all comes down to your personal preferences. That said, there are some factors that may influence your decision and help you pick one setting over another. We will explore some of these factors in the sections below:

What Setting Makes A Diamond Look Bigger?

While not everyone wants a “flashy” ring, many people want to get their money’s worth when buying a diamond engagement ring. Therefore, making the diamond itself look as big as possible is important. Certain settings can showcase a stone’s size more than others. For example, Prong and Halo Settings typically make central diamonds look larger, while Bezel and Gypsy Settings can make the central diamond look a little smaller. 

There are also some less common settings that you may want to consider. For example, the Lumino Setting elevates the central diamond to sit above the band, allowing more light to hit the stone. This also ensures that more of the stone can be seen. However, you also have to keep in mind that more visibility may have the opposite effect. If your ring has a small stone, it may be more useful to pick a setting that covers part of the diamond. This way, people can see the top of the diamond, but the rest is left to the imagination!

Which Diamond Setting Is Most Secure? 

If you live an active lifestyle, you might be worried about actually having your diamond come loose from the setting. Though this is pretty uncommon, you might prefer the security of a setting that can really hold your diamond in place. Typically, the deeper set the diamond is in the band or surrounding metal, the more secure it will be. For example, the Bezel, Channel, Gypsy, and Bar Settings are all quite secure. But again, if you’re getting a ring that was made by a quality brand, you can usually rest assured that the diamond will remain in place at all times. 

Which Setting Provides Maximum Protection For A Diamond? 

Even if you’re not worried about your diamond falling out of place, you could be worried about chipping. Since diamonds are extremely hard, chipping is very hard to do, but still, you don’t want to ruin such an important investment! So, if you want to get the maximum protection for your diamond, you should generally opt for the Bezel Setting. Alternatively, if you prefer rings with many smaller diamond pieces, you might go with the Channel or Bar Settings. 

Is It Normal For Diamonds To Move In The Setting?

The short answer is no, your diamond should not be moving around in the setting. Unless you got a highly unique, customized design that somehow features a purposefully mobile diamond (highly unlikely), any movement is a sign that your ring needs to be repaired. So, if you notice movement or hear a rattling sound, you should take your ring to a trusted jeweler as soon as possible.

We hope you enjoyed our guide on diamond engagement ring settings! Are you currently trying to buy or sell a used engagement ring? If so, be sure to contact HYSTR today!