Understanding the Different Styles of Engagement Ring Settings

So, you’ve found the perfect partner, learned the 4 C’s (color, cut, clarity, carat), and have chosen a great diamond with the right cut and color. Now what? Now it’s time to choose a setting! Engagement ring settings not only showcase the cut and clarity of the diamond, they also reflect the wearer’s personality.

Here at Nelson Coleman Jewelers, we understand the importance of choosing the right setting and we’re here to help you find the one that both you and your partner will love. Keep reading to learn about different engagement ring settings and how to pick the perfect one.

Selecting the perfect ring setting can be difficult, so let our team help! Call us at (410) 994-5997or click the button below to schedule an appointment today.

Engagement Ring Settings

The engagement ring has been around for a very long time, originally starting as a plain band. Then in 1920, Tiffany & Co. introduced the Halo, which is still one of the most popular and classic styles of engagement rings today. Engagement rings have obviously evolved over time, so here are a few things to keep in mind.

For the modern woman, choose something with clean lines and high polished metal, like a channel set diamond engagement ring or perhaps a bezel set diamond solitaire. A classic woman may want a round diamond in a four prong setting with shared prong diamonds on the side of her ring.

Each couple is different, but we’ve found that often the man chooses the diamond while the woman chooses the ring. When choosing an engagement ring, it’s smart for a woman to look around and find what styles speak to her. It’s good to try them on and find out what setting styles look good on her finger and fit her personality.

There are many options to choose from, so let’s go over some popular setting types:

Prong set

The prong setting is the most popular engagement ring today. It consists of four to six claws that hold the diamond securely in place. This setting allows light to enter the stone at all angles, making it appear more radiant. When choosing a prong set, decide whether pointed, round, or v-shaped prongs are best for your stone. Longer shapes like pear or marquise benefit from v-shaped prongs, which protect the stone, while flat prongs are best for Emerald and Asscher cuts.

Tension set

With a tension setting, the center stone is held in place by the pressure exerted by the two sides of the ring, making it look as if it is suspended in the air. This setting should only be used with hard stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies–other stones may not be able to withstand the pressure.

Channel set

This setting is commonly used for wedding bands. It consists of a row of diamonds running along the interior of the wedding band with no metal between them. This setting works well for smaller stones which are securely fastened by horizontal bands.

Bezel set

With a bezel setting, the center stone is completely surrounded by a ring of metal. This setting is often combined with a channel set, meshing the center stone of a bezel, with the row of stones typical of a channel set. This setting looks great with round brilliant and emerald cut stones. Just remember to use a white metal setting with white diamonds. The white metal can make a diamond appear larger, while a gold setting can make the diamond appear yellow. A gold setting however, compliments colored gemstones perfectly.

These aren’t your only options. Here at Nelson Coleman, we also have a great selection of estate and vintage rings, so if you’re looking for an antique, Art Deco, or even Victorian look, we have unique mountings to fit your style. You can also design your own! Combine elements of different settings to get a ring that is truly personal and unique.

Choosing a Wedding Band

When deciding between the different types of engagement ring settings, it’s important to have a wedding band in mind. Our team can help you find a matching wedding band, no matter how unique the ring is, but you may prefer to buy a wedding set. Sets allow you to buy both the engagement ring and the matching band simultaneously. Designer brands such as Martin Flyer, feature beautiful engagement rings and bands that are made to fit together perfectly, creating one unique design.

The jewelry experts at Nelson Coleman Jewelers are here to help you choose the right setting for your diamond and your style. Give us a call at (410) 994-5997 or click here to schedule an appointment today!

Nelson Coleman Jewelers has been helping customers choose engagement ring settings for over 100 years. Our experience, dedication to excellent customer service, and selection of high-quality pieces keep customers returning for all of their jewelry needs.