5 Classic Setting Styles
Believe it or not, a big part of finding the perfect engagement ring is choosing a setting style. The style of setting you select can make all the difference to the security of the stones in a ring, as well as its brilliance and the level of comfort during wear. These are 5 classic settings that offer comfort, style, and security.
3-Stone
The 3-stone setting represents both an elegant and very meaningful choice. Often in this setting, a larger stone sits in the center and is flanked by two smaller stones at its sides. This particular setting symbolizes the past, present, and future of the couple it represents.
Because of the fact that cut diamonds are placed so close together, the 3-stone setting offers plenty of “wow” factor, showcasing a high degree of stone brilliance and sparkle, not to mention attracting lots of attention if the center stone is the largest.
There’s also lots of room for versatility; you can choose to have all three stones in the same size and also choose stones of any color. If considering this setting, the best fits will be princess cut or round cut stones.
Halo
The halo setting is incredibly charming and also has size-boosting power. With this choice, small stones are set around the outside of the band and also form a ring around the larger center stone. It’s this ring, or halo, that can make the center stone look larger than it truly is.
Choosing a halo engagement ring means getting lots of eye-catching sparkle and attracting all kinds of attention. However, it also means more stones and, ultimately, a higher cost. This setting also offers many opportunities for personalization. For example, virtually any shape of diamond can be placed as the center stone for a distinct and elegant look.
A variation on this setting is the double halo, in which the center stone is surrounded by two halos instead of one. Of course, because this variation also requires more stones, you can expect to see this reflected in the cost.
Bar
The popular bar setting places a metal bar on each side of a stone to separate them. This versatile setting works wonderfully for rings having several smaller stones. It can also work well for rings having a larger center stone and smaller stones at either side to accent it.
In addition to attracting attention to each individual stone, the bar setting also helps to hold each stone securely in place. This setting is often chosen for wedding ring sets, as it works well as a stackable ring when placed beside a more elaborate wedding band. Because it exposes more of each stone, the bar setting allows more light to pass through, resulting in lots of sparkle.
The bar setting can work well with several diamond shapes, including pear. However, pairing this setting with a round stone can also look absolutely lovely.
If considering the bar setting, it’s important to understand that it’s best suited to larger gemstones.
Pavé
From the French word for “paving,” the pavé setting literally means to pave the surface of a ring with stones. There are many types of pavé settings. Multiple stones can be set into rings that are wider at their tops for virtually endless sparkle and shine. Pavé can also refer to a single or double row of stones at each side of a center stone.
However, the term “pavé style” is also used, which can be confusing. “Pavé style” is a jeweler’s term that refers to the weight of the smaller diamonds in a ring; specifically, those stones that are .01 carat or larger.
If you see the term “micro pavé”, this also refers to stone weight, but describes stones that are less than .01 carat. “Petit pavé” represents the middle ground of stone weight, referring to stones that have the same small prongs you’d find in the micro pavé style, but that are of larger carat weight.
Channel
Although inspired by the Art Deco style that was popular in the 1920s, today’s channel setting is considered a very contemporary option for an engagement ring.
In the channel setting, stones are placed side by side into an opening, or channel, in the ring. Because of this, the top of each stone sits flush with the band. A channel setting can be partial or encircle the entire outside of the engagement ring.
This setting contains no prongs; instead, the stones are secured within the channel. As such, an engagement ring with the channel setting can be worn without fear of the snagging and loosening, which can lead to stone loss.
This is also a popular choice for engagement ring settings because it enhances the look of the ring. Instead of a single stone, the channel setting provides room for multiple stones. This adds visual interest to the band, attracting attention to the center stone, as it allows for enhanced sparkle.
How to Choose the Right Setting
You and your partner may be shopping together for an engagement ring, or you may be looking to surprise them. Whichever is true for you, considering a few points may help to narrow your list of preferred settings.
Budget and Cost
Of course, budget is always a consideration. That being said, some settings are more elaborate, and so will be costlier than others. As well, you may be able to save on the cost by purchasing a set, which can consist of two rings or three, depending on whether you plan to buy wedding bands for the both of you. Conducting some research is always recommended.
Wearability
Although you may not consider it at the outset, wearability is important. If you think your partner will be wearing their ring every day, then a setting like the channel may be the best option, as the diamonds are set inside the band, keeping them secure. A solitaire engagement ring can be the right choice if your partner has no issues with comfortable wear.
Personal Style
Your partner’s personal style will be another aspect that can help you choose the perfect setting. For example, the pavé setting can be the perfect match for someone who loves bling. A 3-stone or channel setting is an elegant option that can work well for someone who loves sparkle but prefers something on the subtle side.
Experience, Choice, Customer Service, and Commitment
Since The Diamond Vault team opened our wholesale diamond business in 2002, our mission has been simple: to offer clients the same ring styles and pricing options they’d get in a major city, with the customer attention they’d expect from a full-service retailer.
Today, The Diamond Vault is proud to continue producing and selling only the highest quality of diamonds. We ensure all of the diamonds we sell provide you with value for your money, ensuring the best cuts, clarity, color, and carat weight.
In addition to producing and selling certified diamonds of between one and ten carats, we are also proud to offer custom designs. Our design process is carried out right on our premises by a master jeweler and expert designers. This allows us to work one on one with each client and ensure top quality at every stage of the process.
Our customers enjoy lifetime warranties on everything we sell, as well as free lifetime cleaning and maintenance, to name a few.
If you’ve been searching for a beautiful engagement ring in a classic setting, look no further than The Diamond Vault’s online store. Start shopping today for quality engagement rings in rose gold, yellow gold, and more!