Before purchasing a diamond ring, it is important to research all aspects of the ring, and one of these is the diamond setting used in the ring. Since there are hundreds of styles available, it’s very easy to get confused as many look quite similar but have different types of settings.
This article will help you discover the differences between different diamond settings. Some of the most popular settings in diamond rings are prong, bezel, tension, melee, pave, channel, shared prong, and flush settings.
Tip configuration:
Among all the others, the Prong setting is still the most popular setting. The prong setting uses thin metal prongs that extend from the base of the ring and hold the diamond in place by resting on its top edge. This type of setting holds the diamond securely in place while raising it above the rest of the ring.
The best advantage of the prong setting is that most of the diamond can be seen from the top and side perspective. This is a type of setting that exposes most of the diamond to light, while also holding it securely. Thus, the center stone becomes the focal point of the ring.
Pin configurations are also less expensive compared to others due to their popularity and simplicity of design.
The downside to the prong configuration is that for someone who leads an active lifestyle, the prong configuration can snag too easily on clothing or other materials. But as long as the ring is worn under normal conditions and the prongs are regularly inspected, almost anyone who wears prong diamond rings can do so for years without a problem. One only needs to make sure and regularly check that all the prongs are not damaged and that they sit well against the stone.
There are many variations on prong styles, and with a little difference, they can greatly change the look of the ring. Three-prong styles are not recommended for engagement rings, but four- and six-prong settings are popular, as are eight-prong settings, which group two prongs together for added security.
Bezel Adjustment:
The bezel setting is the second most popular setting and is used in new and creative ways every day. The bezel setting surrounds the center stone in a metal rim or necklace that extends slightly above the belt or top surface of the stone.
It can be complete, in which the metal completely surrounds the stone, or partial, in which parts of the side of the stone are visible.
The best advantage of the bezel configuration is the security it offers. The bezel is specially made for the diamond it will house, so it is always the right size. The outer belt is set into a small ridge inside the bezel setting, and then the top edge of the metal is folded down around the crown of the stone. The stone is held in place by the pressure of this lip, which created a protective circle of metal around the diamond.
Another advantage of the bezel setting is that it can enhance the appearance of a slightly flawed diamond by reflecting white light off a yellow-tinted stone or by covering flaws.
The main disadvantage of the bezel setting is the slightly lower level of light penetrating the stone. However, if the bezel setting is set with pavé diamonds, it can still reflect a lot of light for that brilliant look.
More setup types, such as Strain, Melee, Pave, Channel, Shared Tip, and Discharge Setup, will be explained in later parts of this article.