Choosing an Engagement Ring Setting

There are a few different factors that go into choosing engagement ring settings. Price, style and lifestyle are all things to consider when choosing the perfect setting. You’ll also want to take into consideration the shape of the diamond you choose and the kind of band when choosing the best engagement ring setting for your special someone. Simple and elegant, this is the classic engagement ring setting. Solitaires are most often seen with a raised prong (or claw) setting. Another popular type of solitaire setting is the pavé, which is still a raised setting, but there is a band of metal around the stone. Another option is a flush setting, where the solitaire is embedded in the band.

Solitaire with Side Stones

If you want to set off your solitaire with a little more sparkle, you might want to add some side stones to your engagement ring setting. This is a good choice if you can’t afford a very large solitaire. You can add an arc of smaller stones on either side, or even all the way around the band. One way to do this is to add the stones in prong settings, but this can get a little bulky for some people, especially if they work with their hands or aren’t used to wearing rings. Another option is the channel setting, where the stones are set in a hollow groove inside the band.

Three-Stone

An elegant and elaborate choice is the three-stone setting, also referred to as the trinity setting. This engagement ring setting has one large center stone with two slightly smaller stones on either side. There are many options when considering this style: the two smaller stones can match the type and shape of the center stone; they can have a different gem, but the same cut as the center stone; or the type of gem can match the center stone, but shape can be different.

Other Engagement Ring Settings

Many antique rings have raised gallery settings, which often include an intricate filigree design (elaborate metal work that includes loops, scrolls, flowers and leaves). Another common aspect of vintage rings is a center stone surrounded by milgrain (a kind of metalwork that looks like tiny beads) or filigree. The center stone can even be encircled by tiny gems—again, you can choose the same type of gem or set off the center stone with complimentary stones. A new trend is to buy an engagement ring with a matching wedding ring, which is called a bridal set. These two bands are designed to fit together, sort of like a puzzle.

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