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A Beginner’s Guide to 5 Popular Diamond Ring Setting Types

You can never go wrong with diamond rings. They’re the queens of the jewelry world, their brilliance and elegance unmatched no matter how they’re worn. However, there are certain considerations you can make to further highlight the beauty of a diamond ring. Learning how different kinds of settings complement diamonds as well as their pros and cons is a good place to start. 

Have these tips in mind and you’ll be able to level up your diamond ring game in no time.

Diamond Ring Setting Types

Prong Setting

Pros: The prong setting is a classic and the most popular in the market. It was designed to allow a diamond to be at front and center. Mimicking the shape of a claw, prong settings let light pass through diamonds to bring attention to their sparkle. The stone is the center of attraction here. Its metal setting, be it yellow or white gold, is simply a way to secure the diamond. It is a good choice for diamonds of every size, but it is mostly recommended for diamond cuts that have delicate corners. Wearers choose between a four or six-prong design. There is also the multi-prong setting which still utilizes the same basic design, with the only difference being two stones share the same prongs. There are several ways to execute a shared prong design and your jeweler may be able to suggest the right one for you. 

Cons: Prongs that stick out or do not hug diamonds tightly enough may snag clothes, and prongs may loosen over time. This poses an obvious risk: you may end up with a diamond-less ring and be left only with its metal setting. To prevent this, always examine your prong setting after every use. Make sure that it is professionally maintained be so prongs can be adjusted accordingly and stay firmly in place. 

Pave Setting

Pros: Pave settings are secure but look best when you want a ring featuring several small diamonds. It works by lining up diamonds in a metal setting, and then fitting them tightly together by filling in spaces with tiny “beads” made from the same metal so they stay in place. The result makes diamonds look like they are in continuous lines or rows on your ring, sort of like they are “encrusted.” Pave settings are stylish and more playful, and a jeweler may even combine diamonds with other stones if you’re up for a more creative design. 

Cons: This diamond ring setting type doesn’t work for larger diamonds. If smaller stones are not your style, this setting isn’t for you. Diamonds also need to be set quite deeply within a ring and some wearers might feel that this decreases their shine. 

Channel Setting

Pros: The channel setting secures diamonds by having small notches carved out for each stone so they can “sit” comfortably and then lining them up between vertical “walls” that are gently hammered to keep them in place. Though similar to the pave setting, the channel setting does not have beads between diamonds. The spaces left between diamonds let more light shine through, giving this ring a tad bit more sparkle than the pave setting. A slight variation called the bar channel setting can also be executed. In this case, small “bars” between diamonds can squeeze diamonds. 

Cons: This ring can be difficult to clean thoroughly by yourself. Because of all the little spaces it has between each stone, dirt can gather quickly and it is risky to use non-professional cleaning aids as you may chip a diamond or dislodge one completely. It demands a bit more maintenance than other settings.

Inset Setting

Pros: This setting is simple, good for everyday use, and low maintenance. Its subtlety is perfect for those who want to wear diamond rings but don’t want to announce that they are. How it’s made is simple: a simple metal band is chosen and small notches are carved out for small diamonds to sit in. Notches are deep enough so that only the top (the heads) of diamonds are visible. For added creativity, notches can be carved out in a pattern of the wearer’s choice. Generally, because diamonds are protected from all sides, this is a durable setting. 

Cons: Sometimes, wearers may find the inset setting underwhelming. Depending on one’s style, some people may feel that if you wear diamonds, then, you might as well put them on display. This is just a matter of preference however and not a true disadvantage for this style. 

Bezel Setting

Pros: The bezel setting is closely related to the prong setting in that it shows off a singular diamond. It’s comparably fuss-free, and in some cases, even more secure. The name “bezel” comes from the fact that a diamond is enclosed in a metal setting that goes all around it, allowing only a small portion of its upper half to stick out. More so, wearers may opt for bezel settings to give the illusion of a larger diamond. 

Cons: The biggest thing that this design takes away from a diamond is visibility. Its thicker setting allows a diamond to only peek through (rather than display it in full). This means you’ll have a more understated ring. Debris may also accumulate in the small gap between the diamond and setting, so it might require periodic touch-ups done by professionals.  

If you happen to be more adventurous and unconventional with your diamonds, there are diamond ring setting types and styles that match that vibe, too. Ask your jeweler about the cathedral setting (which features arches that hold a diamond slightly higher and give the appearance of a larger stone), the bar setting (which sandwiches diamonds between vertical bars to keep them in place), the cluster setting (which sets tiny diamonds into an almost flower-like shape, thus making them look like one large stone), and the halo setting (which features a larger diamond mounted on a band that is outlined by smaller diamonds). 

This snapshot of the most timeless diamond ring setting types should now help you choose which look is best for you.

Do you need your diamond ring or diamonds appraised?

For accurate and professional jewelry appraisals, trust Willyn Villarica. As a certified gemologist and graduate of the GIA Graduate Gemologist® program, she is one of the few experts in the Philippines and the only NAJA-recognized Filipino appraiser. With her extensive experience, you can be assured of precise and trustworthy valuations of your diamond rings and other precious gemstones. Trust Willyn Villarica to expertly appraise and grade your diamonds.

Send your inquiries via willynvillarica@willynvillaricajewelry.com or through Facebook (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) or Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry).

  • Willyn Villarica

    Willyn Villarica, a third-generation jeweler from the Philippines, brings a wealth of expertise to the world of gemology and jewelry appraisal. As a licensed Graduate Gemologist, accredited by the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, she is not only a master of her craft but also holds the distinction of being the first Filipino member of the National Associ...

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