How to choose the best setting for your ring
The setting of your stone(s) is what defines the look and showcases the stone(s) to their best advantage. Choosing a setting is important as this determines how the stones will be held in place, how visible they will be and how easy your ring will be to clean and care for. Here are some of the more popular settings…
CHANNEL
In a channel setting the stones are set next to each other with no metal separating them, the outer ridge of the metal is then worked over the edges of the stones – which keeps them secure and well-protected from accidental hits. If you have a channel set ring you don’t want to have it sized much as this can cause the stones to move. You also want to have the stones set close together as it looks nicer and minimises the risk of dirt getting in-between the stones. This is the most frequently used setting for wedding bands, it has a simplistic, modern look and fits alongside other rings with ease.
CLAW
The claw setting is one of the most popular settings for rings, in particular solitaire diamonds. The claws hold the stone in place, most rings will have four or six claws. Generally speaking, the more claws a setting has, the safer it is, as the claws keep the stone secure. As claws only take up a small amount of space, more of the stone’s surface is visible – which is great for diamonds as this allows more light in which creates greater brilliance. However, claws are delicate and may get caught on clothes or hair. To keep your ring and claws in good condition it pays to have your ring checked annually.
PAVE
A pave setting, pronounced ‘pa-vay’, involves closely setting small diamonds together which are held in place by tiny metal beads or prongs. The visual effect created by this type of setting is striking – a great choice if you want to enhance the centre stone with added sparkle. Make sure to check your pave setting is well-constructed and secure with straight prongs and no loose stones.
BEZEL
A bezel setting (also known as a rubover setting) holds the diamond or gemstone with a strip of metal wrapped around the stone – it’s a unique look. You can have a full or partial bezel setting. The full encircles the stone entirely, while this is a safe option as your stone is very well protected, it also conceals part of the stone. The partial setting leaves the sides visible which means more of the stone is visible, but there’s more at risk of damage.
It’s important to consider your lifestyle and career when choosing your setting as this will impact how well your ring wears over time, not to mention it will affect the overall look of your ring and how well your diamond shines! Talk to us in-store about which setting would be best for you and how to get the best out of your diamonds.