Diamond Engagement Ring Setting
The "setting" is what you probably think of as the "ring" portion -- the band, accent stones, and the prongs. It is everything except the center diamond. Settings come in a variety of metals and styles. Most diamond engagement rings are set in gold (yellow, white, or "two-toned", and various karats) or platinum.
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Prong setting:
The prong setting, sometimes called a claw setting, is the most commonly used gemstone setting and is especially popular for solitaire engagement rings.
The diamond is placed in a metal basket and secured with three or more prongs or claws, making it appear to hang from the prongs. Prong settings allow more of the diamond to be visible than most other settings and can be used with almost any stone shape. Prong settings also allow for the most light to enter the diamond and be refracted, increasing the diamond's sparkle. The visible prong ends are often rounded, but they can be shaped into ovals, points, V-shapes, left flat or even formed into decorative shapes.
A prong setting can be tall, perching the diamond well above the ring's band, or it can be short, with the stone resting closer to your finger. The disadvantages of the prong setting include its tendency to get caught on hair and clothing. Furthermore, thin prongs may be easily bent or twisted, increasing the chance of losing or damaging the diamond.
Pave Setting:
On a pave setting, small stones are encrusted along the surface of the ring that gives the illusion of a solid diamond surface rather than a metal band. Unlike channel or bezel settings, a pave setting uses only tiny beads or minute prongs to hold each stone, minimizing the appearance of the metal while maximizing the illusion of free-standing diamonds. Most pave settings are constructed from white gold or platinum in order to further minimize the appearance of the metal, though yellow gold can add a measure
of traditional elegance. All you see is diamonds since no metal is visible to the eye. This setting reflects quality, elegance, and brilliance.
Channel Setting:
Two strips of gold or platinum create a dramatic channel for stones to be placed side-by-side. The gems flow in a continuous row of diamonds, because no metal is used to separate them. The strips offer your diamond a very good protection for from snags. The disadvantage is that it diminish the light to pass through the stone slightly.
Bezel setting:
A bezel is a collar of precious metal that wraps around the diamond. In doing this, the craftsman made the stone looks larger than it is and conceals the nicks and chips around the girdle.
The bezel is attached to the top of the ring and stands up above it, adding height and another dimension to the setting. Although solid bezels have a very traditional look, the bezel may be 'split' into two sections, arcing around just part of the diamond. This is called a half bezel.
Flush setting:
The flush setting is one of the most delicate diamond-setting techniques. Stones are inserted into the mounting until they are nearly level or flush with the surface. Only the table of the stone and a bit of the upper pavilion facets shows to the viewer. This technique seems to go against everything we know about diamonds in relation to light, but it's become quite a popular setting. It's a very subtle look, and one that appeals to the woman who likes the idea of tiny, glittering bits of light twinkling like
stars in the sky. The flush setting is also used for larger stones, offering great protection and a modern look.
Invisible Setting:
The invisible setting technique was developed in France more than two centuries ago. Grooves in each stone's girdle slip into a metal framework below the surface, but the metal cannot be seen, so stones sit side-by-side to create the appearance of a solid surface of gems. Jewelry designers use invisible setting techniques to create the illusion of larger diamonds in engagement rings.
Three-Stone Diamond Setting
Three stones are mounted together, in three prong settings. By placing three diamonds together the craftsman could create a larger, more impressive look of the diamonds. This setting helps the light to pass through the diamonds and thus they can show better color and brilliance.
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