Ring Settings Series #3
"Home" For the Precious Diamond


Our last series...the last three settings we are going to show you are: Channel, Bar, and Gypsy Settings

7. Channel Setting

In this setting, diamonds are set between two parallel channels of metal on the ring band. The diamonds are usually held in a straight line around the entire band without metal to separate them.

Round and Princess cuts are very popular for this setting.

One thing you will have to consider is the sizing of the ring as it is harder to resize ring in channel setting compared to other settings like prongs.

8. Bar Setting
Bar setting is actually very similar to channel setting.

A bar setting uses a thin bar of metal to hold the stones in place on either side, so that each bar has a stone on either side of it.

9. Gypsy Setting

Gypsy setting sinks a stone into the metal band. This type of setting is commonly used on bands and men rings.



A lot of blink blink education going on...Finally, we have graduated from the Basic Diamond Ring Education 101! Phewww ~

It isn't hard but it will take you some time and efforts to locate "THE RING" for your girlfriend/fiancee. Once you understand well about her personality and style, you should be able to find the one that makes her proud of wearing the ring ALL DAY, NIGHT YEAR, and FOREVER.

In our next blog, we will tell you where to shop and what to look for.
Stay tune! ^.*





Sources:
1. Settings and Mounts, The Wedding Book by Mindy Weiss and Lisbeth Levine, pg 408
2. Channel Settings for Engagement Rings by Carly Wickell, About.com
3. Gipsy Setting, Jewelry Dictionary, All About Jewels

Photo Credits:
1. Channel Diamond Ring Setting, aboutbuyingdiamonds.com
2. Engagement Ring, Diamond Ideals New York
3. Jewelry Settings, Platinum Wedding and Engagement Rings
4. 14K White Gold Wedding Ring, Elsa, Custom Rings
5. Tiffany & Co. Victorian Fancy Yellow Diamond Three-stone Engagement Ring, Fay Cullen
6. 1ct. Gypsy Dome Ring, Ziamond
7. 14K White Gold with Scattered Diamonds Ring by Christian Bauer, Wedding Rings

Ring Settings Series #2
"Home" For the Precious Diamond


Here, we continue our list from yesterday...


4. Pave Setting

This setting features three or more rows of very small stones set closely together and held in place by metal beads to create a relatively smooth surface. Pave diamond ring give you a very stunning visual appearance as not much metal is visible, but rather there is a massive sparkle from the large amount of tiny diamonds set all over the surface of the metal in the diamond ring setting.


5. Cluster Setting
This is another setting features a number of smaller diamonds set in a circular shape.

Diamonds arranged in the form of a flower shape, or an abstract arrangement are pretty common for the cluster setting.

Some arrangement of diamonds gives an open and airy look, and yet some other come with a more tightly arrangement. The openwork design will lengthen the look of the finger and the hand, while the more closed design will draw the eye toward the hand. Nice!

6. Illusions/Invisible Setting

Designers use invisible setting to create the illusion of a much larger diamonds when smaller diamonds are clustered together. The diamonds are placed closely together, with the metal concealed underneath the diamonds.

This setting allows more light to enter the diamonds, therefore, it is an excellent way to showcase the brilliance of the diamonds themselves.

That's all for tonight, we will show you the last three settings tomorrow!

Sweet Dream everyone,





Sources:
1. Settings and Mounts, The Wedding Book by Mindy Weiss and Lisbeth Levine, pg 408
2. What is a Pave Setting? By Carly Wickell, About.com
3. Diamond Ring Settings, Cluster Setting, Diamond Buying Guide
4. What Is an Invisible Setting? By Carly Wickell, About.com

Photo Credits:
1. Pave Diamond Ring Setting, aboutbuyingdiamonds.com
2. 18K White Gold Split Shank Pave Set Diamond Engagement Ring, jamesallen.com
3. Diamond Flower Cluster Ring in 14K White Gold Band, angara.com
4. Invisible Setting Diamond Rings, Sun Jewelry

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