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Choosing the right jewellery, such as an engagement ring, a pair of earrings or a necklace, is no easy matter. Today you can choose from a variety of precious metals, diamond cuts and diamond settings. As this last is often overlooked, we have outlined the various diamond settings here. This provides an introduction to all the options, helping you make the right choice.

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What is a diamond setting?

There are many ways a diamond can be mounted onto a ring’s precious metal band. We call this the diamond setting. Each diamond setting has its own effect on how the jewellery ultimately looks. But each diamond setting also carries advantages and disadvantages with regard to the protection of the precious stone, and how easy it is to look after. When choosing a ring, you do not have to limit yourself to solitaire rings, those with just a single diamond. You could also go for a Toi et Moi ring, having two gemstones, or a trilogy ring, having three. The setting is also very important for other jewellery. We can give you an introduction.

Types of diamond setting

Different diamond settings mean different looks. A tension setting, for instance, has a unique look because the diamond appears to float. The prong setting, on the other hand, is a classic version which is mainly used in solitaire rings, to make the diamond sparkle in the best possible way. The style of cut will also influence the type of setting. A pear-shaped diamond, for instance, suits a bezel or prong setting better.

There are plenty of diamond settings to choose from, but these are the most important:

  • The prong setting

  • The case or bezel setting

  • The cathedral setting

  • The tension setting

  • The channel setting

  • The pavé setting

The prong setting

Various types of prong setting – BAUNAT
Of all the diamond settings, the claw setting, also known as the prong setting, is the most popular. The diamond is mounted on the ring band using three to ten prongs. A prong setting with four or six prongs is usually chosen, however. Since the gemstone is not entirely surrounded by precious metal, it can reflect a lot of light, but it is also more susceptible to dirt and dust. Although the diamond is fully visible, the prong setting holds it firmly in place.

A prong setting is not only used for rings, but is also easy to use with other jewellery, such as earrings.

View a ring with a prong setting

The halo setting

Ring with halo setting, by BAUNAT
With a halo setting, diamonds are set to the sides around the central diamond. This setting is common with engagement rings, because the central diamond appears so much larger than it really is. As well as engagement rings, the halo setting also looks great with earrings.

With this setting it is also easy to substitute your central colourless diamond with a coloured gem, such as sapphire.

View this halo ring here

The case or bezel setting

Ring with bezel setting, by BAUNAT
The case, or bezel, setting is one of the most secure diamond settings, as the diamond is fully enclosed in a thin metal strip. This is why the bezel setting is also one of the more suitable diamond settings for jewellery you want to wear every day, such as an engagement ring. The diamond is fully protected against external factors and appears larger to the eye because the precious metal reflects the sparkle even more. Elegant and timeless, as seen in the Satellite collection.

See this ring in detail

The half-case

As well as a full case setting, there is also a half-case setting. Here, two thin strips of precious metal run east and west along the diamond. This allows more light to pass through the gemstone, so it will sparkle a little bit more than with a full bezel setting. However, the diamond is also less secure.

The cathedral setting

Ring with bezel setting, by BAUNAT
The cathedral setting is not undeserving of its name. The diamond is held in place by precious metal arches, so they tower over the rest of the ring like a Gothic cathedral. The height difference makes of the ring an impressive piece of jewellery, and makes the central stone appear larger. However, it is easier to get caught on clothing, hair and fabric, which makes the setting less suitable for daily use. You will also spend a little more time cleaning this ring than with other settings. The reward for your effort is an impressive engagement ring you can surely be proud of.

View this ring with cathedral setting here

The tension setting

Ring with floating diamond
Of all the diamond settings, the tension setting is the most original. With the tension setting, the jeweller makes tiny grooves in the ends of the precious metal, using a laser. The diamond is then gripped between these and held in place by pressure from the ring band. This makes it appear as if the gem is floating. It goes without saying that this technique calls for precision and craftsmanship. The big advantage of this type of setting is that the diamond can capture and reflect light to the maximum extent on all sides. On the other hand, the diamond is scarcely protected at all against adverse external factors, so it could be easier to lose. For this reason, we do not sell tension rings online at BAUNAT. You can reduce the risk using a metal bridge under the diamond which is not seen, but which provides support.

View this ring here

The channel setting

Ring with channel setting, by BAUNAT
The channel setting, also called rail setting, are similar diamond settings, where lots of small diamonds are set next to one another. With a channel setting, the stones are set into channels constructed from metal rails, ensuring a restrained, elegant appearance, such as with an eternity ring. This minimalist style is also very popular with men. Particularly with small, black diamonds. The perfect choice, for both her engagement ring and his wedding ring. The surface is nice and smooth, making it easy to combine the channel setting with other diamond settings and other ring designs.

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The shared prongs setting

Ring with shared prongs setting, by BAUNAT
The shared prongs setting is the same as the normal prong setting, except that here, several diamonds are held using the same prongs. The shared prong setting, unlike the rail setting, allows more light to pass through the diamonds, making them sparkle more brightly.

The diamonds are also more susceptible to damage, and more dust and dirt will gather in this setting.

View this ring here

The bar setting

Ring with bar setting – BAUNAT
The bar setting is a variation of the rail, or channel setting. The gemstones are secured between two parallel walls, so they are recessed and only the top is visible.

The ring’s outer surface is fairly flat and so it is also more secure. This setting can also be used on all kinds of jewellery, such as an eternity ring or trilogy ring.

The pavé setting

Ring with pavé setting, by BAUNAT
The term “pavé” in pavé setting comes from the French and means “paved”. Several small diamonds are mounted next to one other and held by small prongs which look like pearls. Those prongs are milled straight out of the metal, leaving hardly any precious metal visible. The effect is reminiscent of small cobblestones, hence the name. The pavé setting is very popular with more old-fashioned couples and looks great in combination with a central brilliant or princess cut diamond. The setting can easily be combined with other diamond settings.

View this ring with pavé setting here

The French pavé

Ring with French pavé setting, by BAUNAT
The French pavé setting, or castle setting, is a variant of the normal pavé setting. However, this one is more elegant and refined.

The diamonds are set into a V-shaped groove with small beads on the prongs. As a result, more light passes through than with the normal pavé setting, so the diamonds sparkle more.

See this ring closer up

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Find out more about settings

You have now had a great introduction to the various types of diamond settings available. Do you want to delve deeper into a particular setting, to find out, for instance, how you can mix and match it with another? Read more below.
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