If you’re about to purchase a diamond, you’ve got some big decisions to make. Since

you’re ideally going to keeping your ring for a long, long time, it’s important to get a

design that you want to wear and look at for years to come.

 

When it comes to setting diamonds, there are dozens of variations. Some are traditional,

others are formal and classical, and yet others are wild and potentially gaudy. With a big

purchase like a diamond, it’s important research all your options and pick the one that’s

best for you.

 

 

Prong – This is the everyday diamond setting. The diamond is mounted high off the ring,

allowing the eye to focus on the quality and beauty of the gem. While this setting is quite

popular, it’s for good reason: you can’t go wrong with this timeless look.

 

V-prong – The V-prong is a slight variation on the above setting. The diamond is still

mounted far above the ring, but slightly inset under notches in the prong. This setting is

still very popular, and a great setting that separates the diamond from the ring assembly.

 

 

 

Bezel – This setting integrates the diamond into the ring setting more than the prong or

V-prong. The diamond is inset into the mounting, and held in place by a rim that holds

the diamond in its place. While it may look like a modern design, the bezel setting has

been used for centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Channel – The channel setting sets the stones in a groove within the ring, insetting them

within the ring. A unique, timeless look for multiple diamonds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pavé – Also designed for multiple diamonds, pave means “paved.” It’s designed to make

the ring look as if it’s covered, or paved, in jewels. This mounting technique is extremely

complex and often expensive. However, the final result is often quite stunning.

 

 

 

 

 

Bar – Visually, this multi-jewel setting is similar to the channel setting. The jewels are

mounted between bars, integrating them into the ring. The bars create a visual space

between the diamonds. Since the setting process can be hard on jewels, it’s reserved only

for hard diamonds.

 

 

 

 

 

Ballerina – Another multi-diamond design, the ballerina setting mounts smaller jewels

around a large central diamond. The effect resembles a ballerina’s tutu.

 

 

 

Tension – This setting places very hard gems within the ring assembly. The hardness

of the metal presses up against the jewel, holding it in place. Unique and beautiful, this

setting is a phenomenal design that features single jewels beautifully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flush – Modern and subtle, this setting insets the diamond into the ring until it’s flush

with the surface. This unique look often denies the ability to appreciate the diamond’s

light-reflecting qualities, however.