One of the joys of getting engaged is the engagement ring.
There is an incredible amount of focus that is given to this symbol of love, and as such, it is important to understand the various diamond settings that are available.
When you are ready to propose to your partner, ring settings might seem far away from your mind. But knowing the various engagement ring settings will allow you to make the correct choice for the perfect ring.
What Are The Types Of Diamond Settings?
There are a variety of diamond settings that are worth considering for an engagement ring.
Prong Settings – The prong setting is perhaps the most common of the engagement ring settings. This setting makes use of small claws which rise up out of the ring and keep the stone held firmly in place. While the size of stone that can be accommodated is quite varied, it is typically used for a larger stone, or for diamonds that need to be held quite centrally on the design of the ring. You also have the choice of using 4 or 6 prongs.
A pro of this setting is that the stone is held quite high up, and so will allow the stone to dispense light easily. A con of this is that because the diamond is held up so high it might not give the feeling that the stone is well protected, and depending on what your partner’s hobbies are, the raised stone may get in the way.
Halo Settings – This ring setting holds a large central stone in place, which is then surrounded by a rim of much smaller stones. A pro of this setting is the look of having a ring with multiple diamonds. The surrounding ring also protects the main stone somewhat. A con with this halo setting is that because so many more stones are in use, there is the risk of one becoming loose.
Channel Setting – This engagement ring setting creates a line with a number of diamonds alongside each other in a channel formation. It is often used for wedding bands. A pro of this setting is that it keeps the stones safe, and creates a sparkling look. The main downside of this is that because of the metal and setting is required, the cost of these can increase.
Invisible Setting – The invisible setting is less common, but can be quite spectacular. In these rings, there is virtually no metal visible, and it gives the impression that the whole ring is made of diamonds. They require a certain degree of skill to create but are quite amazing to see.
The pro of this ring is that it is unique and quite modern or contemporary in looks. The biggest issue is that it can be quite difficult to keep all the diamonds in place, and as such losing one when it becomes loose is a real concern. Don’t forget to insure the ring against this type of risk.
What Is The Best Setting For A Diamond?
There is no best setting for a diamond. Diamond settings have various pros and cons. Always consider the person who is going to be wearing the ring, and what their priorities might be.
Whether they want a safe and secure diamond setting or one that holds the stone up proudly; think about what their life is like and what activities that they take part in. Also, think about what your partner would actually love the most. Of course, you should by this time know them very well and know exactly what they like!
Whatever choice you go for, remember to find a good jeweller. The value of a diamond ring is typically quite a lot, and so finding a good jeweller can make all the difference.
How Much Does It Cost To Set A Diamond In A Setting?
The cost of setting a diamond in a ring is completely varied and is determined by a wide range of factors.
The primary factor is what the jeweller will quote for their labour, as this can vary dramatically.
However, of equal importance is the value of the materials that are being used and their current market value. A good starting point is to look at around £650 for a diamond to be set, but the price can rise quite dramatically depending on many factors.
What Is The Safest And Most Secure Diamond Setting?
The answer to this is simple. The Bezel Setting.
The bezel ring setting surrounds the full stone in metal. This keeps the diamond really secure. Also, because no prongs or claws are utilized, there are fewer small pieces of metal that can be damaged, and the ring will be much easier to clean. This makes the bezel setting ideal for anybody who is quite active or who lives an active lifestyle.
Does A Higher Setting Make A Diamond Look Bigger?
For the most part, using a higher setting will give the impression of a bigger diamond. This is because of the way it stands up so proudly. What is worth noting though, is that if the diamond in question is less than 0.5 carats, a higher setting, in this case, can actually make the stone look smaller. Choosing the right-sized and well-balanced ring should portray the ring in its best possible form, which is why ring settings are so important.
How Long Does It Take To Put A Diamond Into A Setting?
There is no specific answer to this question, as it all depends on the complexity of the setting, as well as the availability of the jeweller.
Always allow a number of weeks before the proposal, as placing a stone in a setting can take 4-8 weeks. Remember that you might want further alterations made to the ring, so always allow plenty of time.
Does Setting Affect Diamond Sparkle?
A diamond setting will not necessarily impact the actual sparkle of the stone. However, settings that hold a stone higher up, or allow more light to pass through the diamond, will certainly give the impression of a more sparkly diamond.
If this is important, consider a setting that holds the diamond up proudly allowing the most light to pass through it. The choice of metal can also affect sparkle.
If you were thinking of popping the question, the setting of the diamond is an important consideration that often gets overlooked. Now you know all about the settings, you can choose a diamond engagement ring that your partner will love wearing!