The choices of settings for engagement rings are numerous today. While some are high on security, others are hot on aesthetics. A select few in between serves both the ends industriously. The importance of setting is often under-emphasized and that leads buyers to focus overly on other factors not many of which are directly proportional to the durability of the ring. In fact, the point of sturdiness of a ring should be minutely studied and evaluated especially in engagement rings because these are wear-on pieces that are exposed to the strife and struggle of everyday lives. So, aside from all other points of consideration, there are certain factors in the setting too when buying an engagement ring, from vendors like Diamonds-USA.com .
Listed and elaborated below are the top 10 settings that occur from most popular to fairly popular. Take a glance.
Prongs/Claws Setting
Let’s start from the top. The prong is the most popular setting in engagement rings, considering the clamor for solitaires. After solitaires did so well in the engagement front, the prong setting became a coveted style of setting in rings. A prong setting, also known as the claw setting, is a style in which prongs in number 4 or 6 are used to hold a diamond down into the ring. Prongs wrap the crown of a diamond from all sides giving it a smug, but elegant setting. One advantage of prong setting is that it uses very little metal. That makes it economical, and delicate-looking which is its highest selling point. In addition to that, the prong setting also has some advantage to offer to the stone. It holds the gem up in a mild elevation which ensures that it catches more light and sparkles brighter. (Image Above)
Halo Setting
A ring setting which rose to the top in a minimum timespan, the halo setting is a globally coveted setting. Ornate and glamorous, a halo setting gives designs a certain richness which is self-evident. The halo style resonates vintage patterns which is taken advantage of by many designers to infuse a quality of antiquity in a ring. A sizeable center stone hugged by a surrounding row of small gems which is the basic constitution of a halo comes in a wide variety of styles. The setting is known for maximizing the size of the center stone and introducing a blinding brilliance to rings.
Cathedral Setting
A very desirable setting that gained grounds with a particular section of buyers, the cathedral setting is a more elaborate and equally elegant version of prong settings. Featured by arching strips that emerge from the shoulder to meet the prongs on their sides, the cathedral setting offers a strategic elevation to the stone. You may also opt for a celtic gold ring that adds a unique touch to any engagement ring.
Bezel Setting
Bezel is the second most popular setting style that caught up as a favorite among buyers of all age groups. If you know a bezel by sight, you probably have some idea about its durability as a setting. The bezel features a metal band that wraps the gemstone from all around creating a sturdy barrier around the girdle which is the most brittle point of a gem. A bezel setting is very secure and protective, but it has a low-profile which is sometimes seen as a disadvantage. Being low-set, it does not make much allowance for the gemstone to catch or reflect ample light. On the brighter side, a bezel setting guards its gems from all possible damages. By exposing just the crown of the stone, it makes stone of any size appear bigger than its carat weight.
Bezel set engagement ring with Cushion, image: Diamonds-USA
Cluster Setting
Cluster setting came up as a popular style with cluster diamond jewelries which seconded the popularity of solitaires. In this setting, a set of diamond chips are placed together in a way so that they look whole than separate. A cluster setting is for one, highly cost-effectively and for another, an aesthetic joy. One of the most economic settings there, the cluster style is a decent way to dodge the bullet of a chunky diamond.
Tension Setting
The tension setting is self-explanatory, a setting that uses tension as the glue to hold a stone together. If it sounds tricky, its’ because it is, but it’s nothing flimsy. The tension setting holds a diamond in place with the help of the pressure created by bringing the two ends of the metal band together. It squeezes the stone in place in a floating effect which is a pleasure for the eyes.
Your wedding ring is a symbol of eternal love between you and your spouse. From top to bottom, this list of engagement rings settings will help you choose the perfect one for you.
