Setting Types

Prong

A prong setting - which usually has 4 or 6 prongs - is one of the most popular settings on the market, and is used for all types of faceted stones. This setting allows for more light to reflect off of the center stone. Therefore, making the ring bling all the more! You've probably heard of the Tiffany style setting. It is essentially a 6 prong setting. While the original Tiffany design is patented and cannot be exactly reproduced, the basic idea has been used time and again both because of the quality design and the security the setting provides for those with a busy lifestyle. 


Shared Prong

Similar to the Prong setting, the Shared Prong gets its name from prongs of metal placed between two stones. Essentially, both stones are held by the same prongs, which allows for a closer fit.



Bezel

A versatile choice used for any type of stone, the bezel setting sees the diamond set deep inside of the mounting while the metal is folded over the stone to create a strip that holds the diamond in place. It is known for being the safest, most protective setting and is wonderful for the active lady who's always on the move.



Half Bezel

This setting utilizes essentially the same approach as the Bezel setting, except a Half Bezel is when the stone’s girdle is not fully covered. Because the Bezel setting fully encases the stone to best protect it, there is not a lot of light reflecting off the stone, which reduces the diamond's sparkle. However, the Half Bezel setting allows more light in, therefore providing protection and sparkle for your ring. 


Channel

A great setting for the girl with an active lifestyle is the channel setting since the stones are set down in a groove. To make this setting, the goldsmith carves out the channel and then cuts seats into the setting where the stones will sit. After each stone is placed in the new channel, the goldsmith affixes the stones by hammering the upper sides of the channel walls securely around the stones. Additionally, Channel set stones are set side-by-side inside of the channel for a unique design that is also highly protective and is least likely to snag on clothes.                 

Pavé

With pavé settings, several small gemstones - usually diamonds - are set closely together. The stones are separated by small beads of the setting metal that also holds the gemstones in place. This produces what resembles a continuous string of diamonds or other gems on its surface. It is typically seen on the shanks of rings and on diamond bands.




Tension

A tension ring is a type of ring in which the gemstone is held in place by pressure rather than prongs, a bezel, or any mounting. This requires gemstones to have a Hardness level of 9 or above. These settings are beautiful and enhance the ring with a unique design. However, if you live an active lifestyle, then we would recommend having the stone in prong settings with a Tesion setting design to give the stone extra security. You end up with the desired look as well as piece of mind that you won't loose your stone.


Bar

Similar to the Channel setting, the Bar setting holds diamonds between bars. The difference is that the diamonds are secured by vertical bars on either side and the horizontal sides of the diamond are left essentially open. Because the vertical bars create a setting similar in execution to the Tension setting, gemstones featured in a ring with this setting must have a Hardness level of 9 or above.