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Engagement Ring Settings
Anatomy of the Engagement Ring
In a wedding ring, the gemstone, be it diamond or any other stone, usually accounts for around 75 – 90% of the cost of the ring. The setting holds the centre stone. It is important to strike a balance between securing the stone and creating an attractive piece of fine jewellery. The band of the wedding ring is usually made of gold or platinum as these are the most hardwearing metals which will withstand everyday use. Most men shop for between one to three months before buying an engagement ring, and wedding rings are usually purchased three months before the wedding date. Many couples like their engagement and wedding rings to be in the same metal and style, especially as the woman usually wears them one on top of the other on the same finger.
View all Designer Rings at Astley Clarke.
Click here for more information about Diamonds at Astley Clarke.
Ring Settings
There are numerous different settings which are popular for engagement rings.
Prong
This holds the stone in a number of prongs, allowing the stone to be visible from all sides for maximum visibility and sparkle.
Cathedral/Contour
This is similar to the prong setting, but has rising slopes to protect the stone on two sides. It is a little more secure than the prong setting, but just as elegant.
Channel
In this setting, the stone, or stones, sit between two parallels of metal.
Bar
This has a thin metal bar separating each stone but leaves the sides open to bring in light. It was a particularly popular setting in the fifties and looks very glamorous.
Bezel
This is a simple and timeless setting, framing the stone in precious metal.
Pavé
This has tiny metal beads holding each stone in its own discreet setting. It is a subtle and beautiful setting which emphasises the beauty of the stone.
Tension
This grips the stone with 65-95 pounds of pressure, creating the illusion that the stone is hovering in space.
Flush
This is probably the most secure, setting small stones inside tiny holes in the metal.
Square or Round Stones
Although round diamonds are the most common choice for solitaire rings, square and oblong stones can be an unusual and attractive choice.
In a wedding ring, the gemstone, be it diamond or any other stone, usually accounts for around 75 – 90% of the cost of the ring. The setting holds the centre stone. It is important to strike a balance between securing the stone and creating an attractive piece of fine jewellery. The band of the wedding ring is usually made of gold or platinum as these are the most hardwearing metals which will withstand everyday use. Most men shop for between one to three months before buying an engagement ring, and wedding rings are usually purchased three months before the wedding date. Many couples like their engagement and wedding rings to be in the same metal and style, especially as the woman usually wears them one on top of the other on the same finger.
View all Designer Rings at Astley Clarke.
Click here for more information about Diamonds at Astley Clarke.
Ring Settings
There are numerous different settings which are popular for engagement rings.
Prong
This holds the stone in a number of prongs, allowing the stone to be visible from all sides for maximum visibility and sparkle.
Cathedral/Contour
This is similar to the prong setting, but has rising slopes to protect the stone on two sides. It is a little more secure than the prong setting, but just as elegant.
Channel
In this setting, the stone, or stones, sit between two parallels of metal.
Bar
This has a thin metal bar separating each stone but leaves the sides open to bring in light. It was a particularly popular setting in the fifties and looks very glamorous.
Bezel
This is a simple and timeless setting, framing the stone in precious metal.
Pavé
This has tiny metal beads holding each stone in its own discreet setting. It is a subtle and beautiful setting which emphasises the beauty of the stone.
Tension
This grips the stone with 65-95 pounds of pressure, creating the illusion that the stone is hovering in space.
Flush
This is probably the most secure, setting small stones inside tiny holes in the metal.
Square or Round Stones
Although round diamonds are the most common choice for solitaire rings, square and oblong stones can be an unusual and attractive choice.
