From engagement rings and wedding bands to diamond eternity rings that make unforgettable gifts, choosing the perfect diamond ring can feel a little daunting. There is a whole range of beautiful diamond rings to choose from in a range of metal types and styles. To make the search a little easier, in this article, we discuss our top 8 types of settings for diamond rings.
1. Prong settings
A prong setting is one of the most popular setting styles for diamond rings - in particular engagement rings. This setting style consists of several metal prongs that claw or grip the diamond tightly and secure it in place.
The most common prong settings feature four or six prongs and, prongs can be round, pointed, flat or v-shaped. A ring with a smaller number of prongs allows more light to hit the diamond and therefore creates the most sparkle. However, settings with a higher number of prongs tend to be more secure.
2. Pavé settings
Pavé settings are a popular choice for diamond engagement rings. The word pavé is taken from the French word “to pave”. This setting style looks like it is paved with diamonds - as the name suggests. Every tiny diamond is closely set together with almost invisible metal beads or prongs. This setting style is known for its continuous sparkle and elegant finish.
3. Bezel settings
A bezel setting is when the diamond (or stone) is encircled entirely with metal. This setting type is one of the most secure, therefore making it ideal for those with an active lifestyle due to its durability. Also, due to the lack of prongs, this style is easy to clean and maintain. The metal rim gives this setting a beautiful, modern appearance that is favoured by many.
4. Halo settings
A halo setting consists of a centre diamond that is surrounded by a “halo” of intricate diamonds. This beautiful setting style is perfect if you are searching for an impressive engagement ring, as the halo gives the illusion of a larger diamond. Therefore, a halo setting can be a great way to save money on an engagement ring.
Halo styles are also perfect for gemstones. Often coloured gemstones feature a halo of beautiful diamonds for contrast.
5. Channel settings
Not to be confused with pavé settings, channel settings are where diamonds are set in place between vertical metal rows in the band, creating the appearance of one continuous row of diamonds. Unlike pavé-set diamonds, diamonds in a channel setting do not require prongs and sit flush to the band.
This setting is a popular choice for diamond wedding bands and other styles that require no centre diamond.
6. Cathedral settings
Cathedral settings are timeless and elegant in style. This setting looks similar to the arches in a cathedral and is a popular choice for engagement rings. In this style, diamonds can be set in a number of ways such as prongs or bezel, but it is the arches that ultimately frames the stone. As this setting style generally allows the diamond to be set higher, it can make it appear larger and more impressive.
7. Split shank settings
A split shank setting is perfect if you are looking for a unique engagement ring style. It is where the shank splits into two, creating an open section on the band, as it meets the diamond. If you wish to draw a lot of attention to your chosen centre stone, a split shank setting is a great choice.
8. Cluster settings
A cluster setting is where a design is created by setting a “cluster” of smaller diamonds together, giving the illusion of one large diamond. A cluster setting tends to be more affordable than other styles as clusters of tiny diamonds will be cheaper than a single diamond of comparable weight.
Discover our entire range of diamond rings or learn more about diamonds in our diamond education guide. Head to our ring size guide to request your free ring sizer and for tips on how to find your size.
From engagement rings and wedding bands to diamond eternity rings that make unforgettable gifts, choosing the perfect diamond ring can feel a little daunting. There is a whole range of beautiful diamond rings to choose from in a range of metal types and styles. To make the search a little easier, in this article, we discuss our top 8 types of settings for diamond rings.
White Gold Round Diamond Engagement Ring
From £883
Semi Bezel Setting Large Engagement Ring
From £721
White Gold Round Diamond Engagement Ring
From £418
White Gold Round Diamond Engagement Ring
From £502
Channel Setting Plain Engagement Ring
From £707
White Gold Round Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
From £826
White Gold Oval Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
From £971
Prong Setting Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
From £1,315
Prong Setting Plain Engagement Ring
From £544
White Gold Round Diamond Engagement Ring
From £881
Prong Setting Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
From £569
Full Bezel Setting Round Diamond Side Stone Engagement Ring
From £578
1. Prong settings
A prong setting is one of the most popular setting styles for diamond rings - in particular engagement rings. This setting style consists of several metal prongs that claw or grip the diamond tightly and secure it in place.
The most common prong settings feature four or six prongs and, prongs can be round, pointed, flat or v-shaped. A ring with a smaller number of prongs allows more light to hit the diamond and therefore creates the most sparkle. However, settings with a higher number of prongs tend to be more secure.
2. Pavé settings
Pavé settings are a popular choice for diamond engagement rings. The word pavé is taken from the French word “to pave”. This setting style looks like it is paved with diamonds - as the name suggests. Every tiny diamond is closely set together with almost invisible metal beads or prongs. This setting style is known for its continuous sparkle and elegant finish.
3. Bezel settings
A bezel setting is when the diamond (or stone) is encircled entirely with metal. This setting type is one of the most secure, therefore making it ideal for those with an active lifestyle due to its durability. Also, due to the lack of prongs, this style is easy to clean and maintain. The metal rim gives this setting a beautiful, modern appearance that is favoured by many.
4. Halo settings
A halo setting consists of a centre diamond that is surrounded by a “halo” of intricate diamonds. This beautiful setting style is perfect if you are searching for an impressive engagement ring, as the halo gives the illusion of a larger diamond. Therefore, a halo setting can be a great way to save money on an engagement ring.
Halo styles are also perfect for gemstones. Often coloured gemstones feature a halo of beautiful diamonds for contrast.
5. Channel settings
Not to be confused with pavé settings, channel settings are where diamonds are set in place between vertical metal rows in the band, creating the appearance of one continuous row of diamonds. Unlike pavé-set diamonds, diamonds in a channel setting do not require prongs and sit flush to the band.
This setting is a popular choice for diamond wedding bands and other styles that require no centre diamond.
6. Cathedral settings
Cathedral settings are timeless and elegant in style. This setting looks similar to the arches in a cathedral and is a popular choice for engagement rings. In this style, diamonds can be set in a number of ways such as prongs or bezel, but it is the arches that ultimately frames the stone. As this setting style generally allows the diamond to be set higher, it can make it appear larger and more impressive.
7. Split shank settings
A split shank setting is perfect if you are looking for a unique engagement ring style. It is where the shank splits into two, creating an open section on the band, as it meets the diamond. If you wish to draw a lot of attention to your chosen centre stone, a split shank setting is a great choice.
8. Cluster settings
A cluster setting is where a design is created by setting a “cluster” of smaller diamonds together, giving the illusion of one large diamond. A cluster setting tends to be more affordable than other styles as clusters of tiny diamonds will be cheaper than a single diamond of comparable weight.
Discover our entire range of diamond rings or learn more about diamonds in our diamond education guide. Head to our ring size guide to request your free ring sizer and for tips on how to find your size.