Ring Settings Series #1
"Home" For the Precious Diamond


Now that you have an idea "what diamond is", what 4C means, and etc...It is time to shop for the setting ^.*

It is true that diamond usually costs much more than the setting and often accounts for as much as 90% of the total cost of the ring. However, it is also important to have a proper and strong setting to hold the stones in place and served as a protection "home" for your great investment. On top of that, making the right choice on setting that goes well with your diamonds is crucial too, as it will affect how diamonds will look and how the ring will look on your finger.

Once you have set on which cut, color, clarity, and carat for your diamond, here are some questions you should ask yourself when choosing the right setting for your diamonds. Are you planning to wear both engagement and wedding rings on the same finger? Or do you opt to switch the engagement ring to your right hand after marriage? Do your daily activities involve a lot of physical activities? These are some of the major aspects (but not limited to these) you should take into account before deciding on the ring setting that suits you the most.

Here is the list of different ring settings available in the classy and artsy jewelry market.

1. Prong or Claw
2. Bezel
3. Tension
4. Pave
5. Cluster
6. Channel
7. Bar
8. Gypsy
9. Illusions (a touch of Vintage style)

In today's posting, we will discuss the first three styles on the list which are prong or claw, bezel, and tension settings.


1. Prong or Claw Setting

This is the most popular setting for solitaire* engagement ring by far. The design is simple and usually comes with three to six prongs to hold and raise the diamond up.

The minimum amount of metal around the diamond allows the most light exposure from all angles and create the sparkles.

It is recommended to compliment your beautiful, flawless diamond with this clean and classic setting.

*Solitaire ring means ring with only a single stone mounted to the setting.

2. Bezel Setting

Diamond is held by a metal rim/collar that encircles the sides of the stone and extends slightly above it. The rim can stretch around the diamond entirely (Whole Bezel) or only a portion of the diamond (Half Bezel).

Although bezel setting does block the light from penetrate through the diamond, the reflection of metal color can actually enhance the look of the diamond ring. For example, a white metal will enhance a white diamond and a yellow gold bezel will flatter a yellow diamond.

Bezel setting is good for covering up the imperfections on a damaged heirloom diamond such as a damaged girdle* on a diamond. Also, it is highly recommended for people with active lifestyle because of the low and protective setting on bezel setting.

*Girdle means the outer edge of a diamond which forms a band around the stone.

3. Tension Setting

This setting imposes heavy pressure in the shank of the ring to hold the diamond in place, it looks as it is floating, with no structural support on the underside.

It allows a lot of light into the diamond. However, this setting is only suitable for extremely hard stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Only they can withstand high pressure required to keep the stone in place.



Those are the clean, simple and classic styles we have in today's posting. If you are interested to know more about the rest of the ring settings, stay tune! Yours Moment has more to offer ^.*

Sorry for the late posting...I have a friend visited New York City last week =)
Stay warm, everyone!






Sources:
1. Settings and Mounts, The Wedding Book by Mindy Weiss and Lisbeth Levine, pg 408
2. Engagement Ring Settings, About.com
3. Bezel Settings - Engagement Ring Settings, About.com
4. Engagement Rings: Settings 101, The Knot, wedding.theknot.com

Photo Credits:
1. Design of Sun Jewelry
2. Prong/Claw Diamond Ring Setting, aboutbuyingdiamonds.com
3. Four-Prong Ring, Blue Nile
4. Bezel/Rub-over Diamond Ring Setting, aboutbuyingdiamonds.com
5. 14K White Gold Half Bezel Diamond Engagement Ring, Jewelry Central
6. 14K White Gold Bezel Set Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, Jewelry Central
7. Basic Tension Setting, AllExperts
8. Tension Engagement Rings, e-DiamondGuide