8 Popular Diamond Setting Types to Know for 2021

Choosing between diamond setting types probably isn’t at the top of your engagement ring priority list. However, it should warrant serious consideration, because a diamond setting can majorly enhance or change the look of a ring.

Today we’ll look at several different diamond setting types to help you craft the perfect ring.

What are Diamond Settings?

A diamond setting holds the gemstone on the ring. Diamonds may be held in place by several different methods, hence why there are many different types of diamond settings to choose from.

The most popular settings are pave and channel set diamonds. But there are also other options–– bead, shared prong, prong, bar, bezel set and invisible settings.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the more popular setting types.

Our 8 Favorite Diamond Setting Types

1.Channel Diamond Settings

Channel diamond settings are most often seen in a single row.  The gemstones flow in a continuous row, because no metal is used to separate them.

This technique is used often as side diamonds on engagement rings, and the diamonds can be virtually any shape.

2. Pave Diamond Settings

Pave settings are made up of lots of small gemstones, often diamonds, set closely together. The gems are separated and held in place by little beads of the setting metal. The result is what looks like a continuous surface of diamonds or other gems.

3. Invisible Diamond Settings

The invisible setting technique was developed in France more than two centuries ago. Grooves in each stone’s girdle slip into a metal framework below the surface, but the metal cannot be seen.

Gemstones sit side-by-side to create the appearance of a solid surface of gems.  These diamond settings have multiple rows that sit side by side, while channel set diamonds are usually only one row.

4. Bezel Diamond Setting

A bezel setting has a metal rim that encircles the sides of a diamond or gemstone and extends slightly above it. This setting holds a gemstone tightly and securely.

The low, protective profile it creates makes a bezel setting a good choice for people with active lifestyles. A bezel setting is one also one of the oldest diamond setting types.

5. Bead Setting

The Bead setting is a generic term for setting a stone directly into metal using gravers, which are essentially tiny chisels.  When you have multiple diamonds bead set next to each other it turns into a pave setting.

6. Prong Diamond Setting

Prong settings are the simplest and most common type of setting, largely because it uses the least amount of metal to hold the stone. Therefore this setting showcases the diamond better than other settings.

Generally it is simply some number of wires, called prongs, which are of a certain size and shape, arranged in a shape and size to hold the given stone, and fixed at the base.

Prong settings are typically seen in patterns of four or six.

7. Shared Prong Setting

This is a variation of the classic prong setting, where the prongs are wrapped around the crown of a stone to secure it in place. This type of setting minimizes the presence of metal, allowing more light to pass through a diamond or gemstone.

8. Bar Channel Diamond Setting

The Bar Channel Setting is a more secure variation of the traditional channel setting. The diamonds or gemstones are secured in place between two vertical metal walls on either side of each diamond.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Between Diamond Setting Types

There are lots of gemstone setting options, and hopefully you have a clearer picture of what they each look like.

Take these factors into account for choosing the perfect one:

• Do you have an active vs non-active lifestyle ?
• Is there a preference between showcasing the main diamond or the whole design?
• Do you want to see each individual diamond or prefer the look of a continuous diamond surface?

If you need help deciding, we’re always happy to walk you through the entire ring buying process! Come and see us today!

---