Diamonds
05-22-2005, 08:29 PM
Talking about settings can get very confusing to those new to shopping for rings. Below are a few definitions of ring styles and how they interact with stones.
Diamond Solitaire Ring, Classic Diamond Solitaire Setting
If you are unsure about what setting to choose, the solitaire is the most classic engagement ring setting. The prong setting ensures your diamond is visible from all sides, and the prong setting enables the diamond to catch the most light. A four-prong setting allows you to see more of your diamond, while a six-prong setting offers a slight security advantage for those who are hard on jewelry.
Cathedral Setting
A very popular setting, the cathedral, offers a more substantial look in a classic style. In a cathedral setting, a prong-set diamond lies almost flush with the setting, which protects the diamond from abrasions. The open sides allow light to enter for brilliance.
Prong-Set Side Stones, Prong-Set Side Stone Setting
Also called a three-stone ring, this style is more brilliant with diamond side stones, or gemstone side stones to add a touch of color and embellish a smaller diamond or highlight a larger diamond. The prong-set side stones receive light from all angles to reflect light brilliantly.
Channel-Set Side Stones, Channel-Set Side Stone Setting
Like the prong-set side stone setting, the channel setting embellishes a center diamond by presenting additional sparkle. Channel settings also protect gemstones from abrasions by keeping them flush. Multiple diamonds in a channel setting create a clear band of light and elegantly accentuate a center diamond.
Bar-Channel Setting
The bar-channel setting allows more light to enter the side diamonds creating even more sparkle. The small metal bars leave the edges of each diamond open creating a scalloped edge of brilliance, rather than the closed metal sides of traditional channel settings. If you're looking for a unique ring design, try combining the bar-channel setting with a fancy shaped diamond like a princess-cut, emerald-cut, or marquise-cut.
Contour Setting
If you are unsure what setting to choose, the contour setting is a safe choice as a modern twist on the classic solitaire style. The elegant lines of the contour setting rise up to protect the diamond on two sides and keep the diamond flush with the ring. The prong setting lifts the diamond off the ring, allowing it to catch light
Diamond Solitaire Ring, Classic Diamond Solitaire Setting
If you are unsure about what setting to choose, the solitaire is the most classic engagement ring setting. The prong setting ensures your diamond is visible from all sides, and the prong setting enables the diamond to catch the most light. A four-prong setting allows you to see more of your diamond, while a six-prong setting offers a slight security advantage for those who are hard on jewelry.
Cathedral Setting
A very popular setting, the cathedral, offers a more substantial look in a classic style. In a cathedral setting, a prong-set diamond lies almost flush with the setting, which protects the diamond from abrasions. The open sides allow light to enter for brilliance.
Prong-Set Side Stones, Prong-Set Side Stone Setting
Also called a three-stone ring, this style is more brilliant with diamond side stones, or gemstone side stones to add a touch of color and embellish a smaller diamond or highlight a larger diamond. The prong-set side stones receive light from all angles to reflect light brilliantly.
Channel-Set Side Stones, Channel-Set Side Stone Setting
Like the prong-set side stone setting, the channel setting embellishes a center diamond by presenting additional sparkle. Channel settings also protect gemstones from abrasions by keeping them flush. Multiple diamonds in a channel setting create a clear band of light and elegantly accentuate a center diamond.
Bar-Channel Setting
The bar-channel setting allows more light to enter the side diamonds creating even more sparkle. The small metal bars leave the edges of each diamond open creating a scalloped edge of brilliance, rather than the closed metal sides of traditional channel settings. If you're looking for a unique ring design, try combining the bar-channel setting with a fancy shaped diamond like a princess-cut, emerald-cut, or marquise-cut.
Contour Setting
If you are unsure what setting to choose, the contour setting is a safe choice as a modern twist on the classic solitaire style. The elegant lines of the contour setting rise up to protect the diamond on two sides and keep the diamond flush with the ring. The prong setting lifts the diamond off the ring, allowing it to catch light