Settings For Engagement Rings

Do engagement rings’ different prongs and setting styles have you pulling your hair out? Are you searching for a simple understanding of words like solitaire, prong, Bezel, and Tiffany? This is an article with the best guide to unlocking all these mysteries of the diamond world. Here we will discuss Settings For Engagement Rings. Finding what you’re looking for can seem like a never-ending journey, and it’s pretty understandable with all of the complicated lingo associated with prongs and settings for diamond engagement rings.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a gift for someone you love, an engagement ring, or if this is your first diamond purchase. This simple guide for settings for engagement rings will explain with definitions that will help you understand this process and leave you confident in your next big purchase!

common engagement ring settings

Solitaire Setting

The most common ring setting is known as a prong setting. The prong is the tiny metal claws that secure a diamond and holds it in place. Some prongs can be flat, rounded, pointed, or V-shaped which is most commonly used in Princess cut diamonds. Prong settings will feature four or six prongs and with the former, the diamond is more visible, however, the latter offers more security. The benefit for a prong setting is that more of the diamond is exposed allowing more light to pass through adding more brilliance.

Bezel Setting

This is the second most popular type of setting and a better setting for someone with an active lifestyle. It has a modern look and instead of prongs holding a diamond in place, the Bezel setting encircles the diamond with a custom thin metal ring designed specifically to hold the stone in place.

Bezel settings come in either a partial setting that leaves the sides exposed or a full setting that completely encircles the diamond. A lot of professions for people like nurses and teachers like this style of setting because it will not snag and adequately protects the diamond.

Bezel Setting Pros

  • No prongs to inspect and easy to clean
  • Prevents damage and adds protection for the diamond
  • Will not snag on loose clothing or other materials
  • Excellent choice for people with active lifestyles

Bezel Setting Cons

  • Has less light reflection than a prong setting
  • Hides more of the diamond than a prong setting.

prong setting

Settings For Engagement Rings

Prong Setting Pros

  • Offers a timeless classic look
  • Easy to maintain and clean
  • Supports and compliments a wide variety of diamond sizes and shapes
  • It’s more prominent with the elevation making it more striking

Prong Setting Cons

  • Can loosen over time with wear and it’s recommended to have the prongs inspected every 2 years
  • Has a tendency to snag on furniture, clothing, and other materials if the prongs are high

Settings For Engagement Rings

Tiffany Setting

The Tiffany & Co company developed a patented solitaire 6 prong setting to gain the maximum return lighting on a diamond in 1986. The Tiffany setting has a plain band and is distinguished by the knife edge design on the shaft and prongs. Keeping in mind that there are a lot of similar designs available in quality retails stores and online, however, it will never be a Tiffany setting unless you pay for one because a Tiffany prong design is trademarked.

Tiffany Setting Pros

  • Has an authentic classic look that’s always in style
  • Easy to maintain and clean
  • Supports a variety of diamond shapes and carat sizes
  • The raised diamond is amplified by light reflection

Tiffany Setting Cons

  • The diamond may come loose if it’s not inspected every couple of years
  • Can snag on clothing and materials like blankets

In conclusion

We hope you found this article useful in making your diamond buying choice. As you can see there are many prongs and settings for diamond engagement rings that probably won’t make your choice any easier however with our pros and cons we hope we could help a little! Please comment and share this with all of your friends who may be in the market for a top quality ring soon!

Recommended Reading:
Diamond Anniversary Gifts
Engagement Ring Styles Guide

You might also like:
Different Shapes of Diamonds
Diamond Cut Types

Leave a Comment