Choosing the right ring setting has a lot to do with your personal style and lifestyle. But with so many different types and pros and cons, it can be overwhelming.
Designed for solitaire rings, these settings feature prongs that hold the diamond in place. These are secure but can snag on clothing, so they may not be the best choice for active wearers.
1. Consider Your Lifestyle
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right engagement ring setting. One key factor is the fiance-to-be’s lifestyle. For example, if she has a hands-on career that requires lots of physical activity, she might prefer a ring with more durability like a bezel setting or a halo style. On the other hand, if she’s more of a social butterfly and tends to frequent events that require lots of attention to detail, she might enjoy a ring with pave diamonds or intricate engraving.
Likewise, the lifestyle of the fiance-to-be can influence her style preferences. If she’s a classic beauty who loves simplicity, a solitaire setting may be perfect for her. For those who prefer a bit of glitz and glamour, a halo or pave diamond ring is likely to be a great fit. For those who are drawn to vintage style, a ring set with design elements inspired by specific historical eras, such as Art Deco or Victorian, is a good choice.
The ring’s style and durability can also be determined by the type of precious metal chosen. Solid gold offers a timeless and sophisticated look, while yellow gold has a rich and traditional appearance. White gold is a popular option because it is both durable and versatile, while rose gold adds a romantic touch with its subtle blush color.
Finally, the style of the ring can be further defined by its shape, size, and color of the center stone or other gemstones. For example, a bezel setting is designed to protect the center stone from damage, while a basket setting features horizontal bands that hold a larger stone lower than a traditional prong. This minimizes the risk of nicking or chipping the diamond or gemstone.
Other considerations include the number of side stones and their size, as well as how the ring is sized. If you know that your fiance-to-be will want to upgrade her center stone in the future, it’s a good idea to select a setting that can accommodate an even bigger diamond. Finally, if you’re looking for something truly unique and special, consult with a jeweler to discuss custom designs. This allows you to incorporate the latest trends and her personal tastes into a truly one-of-a-kind ring that’s uniquely yours.
2. Think Long Term
The choice of engagement ring setting is an important one – not only because it’s something you’ll wear all the time and will be part of your daily wardrobe, but custom-made jewelry can convey your gratitude and affection. The right engagement ring setting can make all the difference when it comes to how a diamond or other gemstone catches the eye and is displayed to the world.
That’s why we spoke to a few experts to get their tips for choosing the perfect ring setting. So whether you’re looking for a classic or totally unique, read on to find some inspiration and help make the decision that will be a true reflection of your personal style.
Prong Setting
One of the most popular types of engagement ring settings, a prong setting has four or six metal strips that rise up from the bottom of a ring and hold the diamond in place. It’s a simple and elegant style that allows for light to reach the diamond from all sides.
Pave Setting
Another popular option, a pave setting uses tiny metal beads to create a halo around the center stone, making it look bigger and more luxurious. This type of engagement ring setting is often paired with larger center stones, and it can be a good choice for those who want a more traditional and understated look.
Three Stone Setting
A three stone ring usually has a large centre stone with two smaller ones either side, although this is not always the case. This is a very versatile type of engagement ring and can be set in a variety of styles, including a bezel, prong or cathedral setting. Three stone rings can be very secure and can work well with different types of diamond shapes.
Consider Future Rings
It’s always worth considering what you might want to add to your ring collection in the future, says Buckley Kayel. Adding a wedding band is one obvious consideration, but you might also like to wear additional rings for anniversaries or special occasions. Having this in mind can help you decide on a size for your ring, as you’ll want to ensure that it fits comfortably with any other rings you might wear.
3. Think About the Diamond
The setting is where the ring’s true personality shines through, and it can really amplify or detract from the diamond. For example, if you want your diamond to look bigger than its carat size, you might opt for a pave or halo setting that creates a “frame” around the stone. This can make it appear larger without the extra cost of going up in diamond carat size.
Other settings can make a diamond feel smaller, depending on how they are designed. For example, a cathedral setting features arches that make the stone feel larger because it sets it up higher on the finger. This can make it less prone to accidental bumps and snags that can occur with other jewelry or everyday activities (nurse, teacher, gym rats). A bezel setting may also work for a similar reason, as it wraps up the sides of the diamond in a way that protects it from damage.
In addition to a ring’s general design, the setting can also have a big impact on how much light is reflected from a diamond. Some settings like pave and halo may reflect more light, which can make the stone seem larger and more lustrous.
Lastly, some rings have additional gemstones in the band to add a pop of color or interest. Sapphires and aquamarines are great choices because they are durable enough for daily wear and a nice complement to diamonds.
Of course, the most important thing to keep in mind when picking out a ring is that it will be uniquely perfect for you and your partner. The “perfect” ring will be whatever is meaningful to both of you and fits your lifestyle and budget. This could mean a ring that is as elegant and classic as she is, or it might be something more modern and contemporary for the guy. The key is to find a piece that makes her smile every time she looks at it.
4. Think About the Setting
While the center stone is the main focal point, the ring’s setting also plays an important role. It’s what makes your diamond sparkle, so picking the right ring setting is key to making sure you love the look of your ring for years to come.
Choosing the right setting depends on your personal style, and it’s often where the fun starts. There are many different ring settings to choose from, with each having its own pros and cons. Some are more secure, while others are more delicate. The style of your setting can even affect how comfortable it is to wear.
For example, a prong setting is one of the most popular options. It uses four to six prongs to hold a single diamond in place, and this setting is great for anyone who wants their stone to stand out. However, it’s not the best option for people who live active lifestyles, as the prongs can snag on clothing and rub against your skin. An alternative is a bezel setting, which fully covers the diamond and provides more security.
Halo settings are another popular option. They feature a circle of smaller, accent diamonds that surround a larger center diamond to make it look bigger and more sparkly. Halo settings are also available in unique designs, including octagonal and scalloped halos, which add more character and individuality to the look.
Side stone rings, or two-stone rings, are another great choice for adding more color and personality to your ring. They can be set with identical stones or a combination of emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and other birthstones. These rings can be incredibly romantic and are perfect for those looking for something more symbolic than a typical solitaire engagement ring.
Another option is a classic setting, which features a row (or two) of small ‘accent’ diamonds that run along the band of the ring. This is a simple, classic look that is great for those who want to have more sparkle than a solitaire ring offers. However, this ring style can require more frequent cleaning and maintenance than other ring styles, so it’s important to consider how frequently you plan to wear your ring.