How to Choose the Perfect Diamond Setting

The setting is the foundation of your ring design, but what should you choose first, the stone or the setting? The truth is, there really isn’t a correct answer to this FAQ. If you find yourself gravitating towards a certain cut, then that could limit your choice of setting. When it comes to any decisions related to your engagement ring, you’ll always want to consider your budget, lifestyle, and which aesthetic features are important to you.

The purpose of the setting is to showcase the stone’s best assets—or facets (see what we did there?). Each setting has unique pros and cons related to the cleaning and maintenance routine and the stone’s susceptibility to the elements. When all is said and done, you’ll most likely spend more time with your engagement ring than your actual fiancé, so you want to make sure your ring design is also the one!

CENTER STONE SETTINGS

Your center stone should be the main attraction of your ring’s design, and the right setting will highlight its beauty while keeping it secured firmly in place. In the Uneek collection, we most commonly use prong, bezel, or halo settings for our designs

Style # R018U

PRONG SETTING

The classic prong setting is the most popular, well-known design. It’s often seen on a solitaire style as it elevates the stone and allows the most light to pass through, maximizing the sparkle. This simple setting is suitable for a wide variety of diamond shapes and sizes, most frequently featuring either four or six prongs. The prongs encompass the stone in a pocket-like structure and can be pointed, rounded, flat, or V-shaped, depending on the shape of the stone. This high profile design exposes the stone to the elements from many sides which makes it a better choice for a less-active lifestyle. Pair this timeless style with a polished thin band and your stone is guaranteed to take center stage on this design.

Style # LVRMT0193R

BEZEL SETTING

The second most popular setting features a thin metal rim that either fully or partially encompasses the perimeter of the stone. While this setting can snugly hold most diamond cuts, it works particularly well with a round brilliant stone. A bezel-set stone features a more modern aesthetic than the classic prong setting and requires less maintenance since it’s more protected. This sleek, low-profile design is perfect for a Uneek woman with an active lifestyle.

Style # LVS943OV

HALO SETTING

For some additional impact, a halo setting will make your center stone appear larger. This design refers to most commonly pavé or micropavé diamonds placed in a concentric shape around a center stone. A halo setting is also very secure and can feature virtually any diamond cut for the center stone. If you’re into customization, you’ll love the playful contrast you can add with different colored stones, metals, or geometric shapes in a halo engagement ring.

BAND SETTINGS

If you’re aiming for that extra wow-factor, you can jazz your ring design up with a diamond band featuring pavé or channel set diamonds. This extra bling is perfect for the girl who can’t get enough sparkle but you should keep in mind that these styles can sometimes present challenges when it comes to resizing.

Style # WB229C

PAVÉ SETTING

Pavé set diamonds are seated in holes that are level with the surface and surrounded by balls of metal that secure the gems. Also known as a bead setting, the name pavé comes from the French word that means “to pave” and most commonly features round diamonds. Think of this setting as a means of “paving” the way to magnify your center stone. This style will also contribute to the illusion of a bigger stone when used in a halo design as we described earlier.

Style # SWS172

CHANNEL SETTING

A channel setting is a snag-free and secure way to set small diamonds in a row along your band. This grooved design enhances the sparkle of your ring by placing rows of stones between parallel polished metal channels. While this design may look similar to a pavé set band, the style typically features thicker metal and has a smoother texture.

OTHER SETTING OPTIONS

Style # LVS855

THREE-STONE SETTING

A three-stone setting is another way to add an extra dimension of sparkle to your ring design. This meaningful style is often said to symbolize your past, present, and future with your fiancé. A round-, emerald- or princess-cut is most commonly featured in this style, but a three-stone setting can incorporate a variety of stone shapes. Our collection is home to an endless array of three-stone options—from halos on all three stones to dazzling micropavé diamonds on uniquely-styled shanks. If personalization and meaning are important to you, you can also add your birthstones as the complementary stones.

Style # LVS795

VINTAGE-INSPIRED SETTING

Transport your engagement ring back to a time period that suits your personal style with an antique design from our vintage-inspired collection. These pieces often feature filigree, a delicate type of metalwork comprised of tiny metal beads or twisted thread, and milgrain, an engraving embellishment that adds the quintessential antique look. Intricate details like these will add character and charm to your design, truly making it a timeless, heirloom-worthy ring.

Style # LVRD2554W

CLUSTER SETTING

It’s all about the sparkle in a cluster design. This setting emphasizes dimension with smaller stones set tightly together to mimic a large diamond. This trend takes a dramatic turn away from a traditional solitaire diamond setting with coordinated diamond clusters that can be united into different shapes and sizes. You can opt for a big impact with a large cluster or achieve a subtle sparkle with a smaller style.

Your engagement should be your chance to join a timeless romantic tradition while also getting a piece of jewelry that suits your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. No matter what type of stone and setting combination you choose, you’ll get a beautifully designed piece that’s made from the finest materials when you shop our collection.

Check out Uneek and all the other brands A Bryan’s has to offer in our Engagement Studio!