Choosing an engagement ring is simultaneously exciting and intimidating. Which gemstone should my ring have? How many should it have? What shape should they be? Which precious metal do I want? What style should I choose? Modern? Vintage? Classic? So many questions! You probably didn’t even think of half of them before you started shopping around. Setting style, for example, is a very important feature of an engagement ring because it enhances the beauty and brilliance of the diamond. But what exactly is setting style? Keep reading to learn more about this important jewelry feature.

What Is Setting Style?

The setting style refers to the way the metal base holds a gemstone or diamond in place. It is in fact, one of the most defining characteristics of an engagement ring and affects not just its appearance, but also how large or small the stone appears. The most common engagement ring diamond setting styles are described below:

Prong – The prong setting, aka the claw setting, typically secures the diamond in place with 4-6 metal prongs extending up from the ring’s basket. This setting also lets more light enter the stone. It is the most common and classic setting. Pear-shaped engagement rings look beautiful with a prong setting.

Flower style engagement ring with a prong setting

Basket – Similar to the prong setting, in that it allows for maximum light to pass through the diamond and that it secures the stone in place with 4 prongs. It differs however in that the prongs in a basket setting weave through the horizontal band to hold the center stone in place, thus giving the appearance of a woven basket.

Solitaire engagement ring with a basket setting

Bezel – In a bezel setting, instead of being secured in place by prongs, the diamond is secured by a thin metal rim that surrounds the outside of the stone. A bezel is not only beautiful but also does a good job of protecting the diamond from damage and keeping its edges safe from chipping and breaking.

Solitaire engagement ring with a bezel setting

Half-Bezel – Half-bezel settings are the same as regular bezel settings except, as the name suggests, half-bezels only encompass half of the ring (on each side) rather than the entire ring.Wedding bed with diamonds in half-bezel setting.

Channel – In the channel setting, the diamonds are set into a channel or groove made from two metal strips in the band. One of the benefits of the channel setting is the absence of prongs which provides a snag-free, but secure setting.

Engagement ring with channel setting on the shank.

Tension – In tension settings, pressure from two open ends of the band holds the diamond is held in place giving the illusion that the diamond is suspended between two sides of the shank. Their uniqueness makes them a popular choice for engagement rings.

Solitaire tension set ring

Cathedral – The cathedral setting is designed to mimic the elegant design of a cathedral in that the diamond is held up and displayed by arching prongs that rise up high above the shank. This setting adds height to the ring as well as makes the diamond appear larger.

Engagement ring with a cathedral setting.

Pavé – With the pave setting, the shank of the engagement ring is lined with diamonds. The name was taken from the French word ‘pavé ’, which means ‘to pave’, as the setting gives the appearance that the shank is ‘paved with diamonds’. Usually, the diamonds lining the shank are small.

Wedding set with pave setting.

Gypsy – The Gypsy setting is an understated, more casual, but beautiful look where the diamonds sit flush on the surface of the band. The most classic style of Gypsy set engagement rings feature three diamonds set into the band, but of course, there are many variations to choose from.

Engagement style ring with Gypsy set diamonds.

Cluster – As its name suggests, the cluster setting is a cluster of small diamonds set closely together to give the appearance of a large diamond. Sometimes the cluster centers around a large center diamond or a group of equally-sized diamonds and forms a geometric shape such as a flower.

Engagement ring with a cluster setting.

Halo – The halo engagement ring setting features a large center diamond encircled by a ring of small accent stones, often pavé diamonds. The halo diamonds can be the same shape as the center diamond or a different shape altogether.

Dream bridal set with a halo setting.

Have you decided?

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when picking an engagement ring setting. However, if you take your time, look at plenty of different examples, you will find the setting that’s just right for you. When you’re ready to get started, we’re here for you!

I’ve decided and want to start my custom engagement ring!