Diamond Ring Settings

Micro Pavé Setting

The micro pavé setting is one of the more difficult of techniques for setting small diamonds. The micro pavé setting requires use of a microscope and exceptional hand-eye coordination. The array of diamonds closely knit and usually adjacent results in dazzling continuity of diamonds with minute prongs, barely visible to the naked eye. Our diamond wedding rings and promise rings can be found with pavé set diamond accents.

Diamonds can be set with the pavé setting part around the ring - usually 1/2 to 3/4 the way round or can be set all the way around. The advantage of having fewer diamonds and leaving a plain area of metal is for future resizing.

Bezel Setting

The bezel setting is a diamond setting technique usually used for medium to large size diamonds by surrounding the stone with a usually thin perimeter of the chosen metal. Often, the bezel setting itself is pave set to create an effect of a larger center diamond. This setting is the most secure possible setting for diamonds.

In recent years, the bezel 'halo' setting, with small pavé set diamonds around the main diamond has become one of the most popular settings after the prong setting. The halo design beautifully accentuates the main diamond and adds an elegant touch of sparkle.

Prong Setting

The prong setting is by far the most popular choice for setting diamonds. The most common options are 4 and 6 prong settings, where a ridge in the gold is made for the diamond to be tapped into professionally.

One type of prong setting is the 'basket' setting, where the prongs are linked together with thin horizontal bars, creating a basket shaped center-piece, to hold the prongs and the diamond securely in place.

Shared Prong Setting

For smaller diamonds, especially where there's a calibrated, matched row of diamonds, for clean minimalism, diamonds can be set with split or shared prongs. More sturdy prongs and bridge between the diamonds is recommended to ensure that the shared prong can't be easily knocked out of place - causing diamonds to come loose.

Tension Setting

The tension setting is one of the more precarious of settings, using a combination of tiny ridges in the metal and pressure to hold the stone in place. Well made tension set rings will have a hidden security bar or basket to ensure that the diamond cannot come loose even if accidentally knocked.

The tension setting allows for alternative and avant-garde designed rings with the main diamond showcased from all angles.

Channel Setting

Channel set diamonds create a smooth array of diamonds, touching edge to edge in a channel of gold or platinum. Channel settings require perfectly matching sized diamonds and in especially in the case of baguette and princess cut diamonds, the cut of the diamond should also be matched so that the facets of all the stones are nicely aligned.

Resizing a channel-set ring is a significant challenge, particularly if the diamonds are set all the way round. In many cases, making a new ring would be required if the size change is more than minimal.

Diamond Setting FAQs

What are some popular setting techniques for diamonds?

While prong and pavé settings continue to stand the test of time in popularity, other styles like invisible, tension, and channel settings have also made a splash as trendy choices.

What should I look for in a prong setting?

A well-crafted prong setting will feature a thicker base to ensure stability and thinner tops to maximize the diamond's exposure. For smaller to medium-sized diamonds, at least four prongs are advisable, while larger stones should have between four and eight prongs for optimal security.

Are channel settings secure, and what are the challenges if a stone falls out?

Although channel settings are highly secure, replacing a dislodged diamond can be a complex process. This usually requires removing all the channel-set stones, making it a labor-intensive repair job.

Is pavé setting suitable for daily wear?

Yes, a quality pavé setting, where tiny diamonds pave the surface of the metal, is ideal for daily wear. The diamonds are meticulously set under a microscope by a master diamond setter using tiny prongs.

Which metal provides the strongest setting?

For a setting that balances durability and elegance, 14K white or yellow gold is your best bet. It's stronger than 18K gold, which has a softer composition, and more rigid than platinum, which is heavier but more flexible.

What are the advantages of choosing a halo setting?

Halo settings amplify the appearance of your central diamond, offering additional sparkle and presence. They are an excellent choice for engagement rings, pendants, and stud earrings.