The Plus and Minus Factors of Different Ring Settings
A good number of couples choose their engagement rings based on the quality of the stone and the
design of the setting. Because of aesthetics, design is often a major factor in the selection. However, a wise couple will realize that there is more to a setting than meets the eye. The quality of a setting depends on the way the mounting is constructed, regardless of style or design. Jewellers have used less than a dozen basic settings for hundreds of years. These basic settings are embellished and enhanced to keep pace with trends and fashions as these come and go. The prong setting is the most frequently used mounting for gemstones today, especially for solitaire engagement rings. In this type of setting, three or more prongs hold the diamond securely. The ends of these prongs are bent over the crown of the stone, and sometimes these prongs are etched or shaped decoratively to give a round stone the appearance of a square cut gem.
Depending on the way this mounting is constructed, the diamond can be lifted considerably above the band or nestled close to it. In general, prong settings are used to produce dainty and delicate pieces of jewellery.
If you are bent on choosing a prong setting, make sure that the prongs are even in height, and the stone is squarely and securely set. Choose the sturdiest prongs possible, and make sure the surface of the ring has no sharp or jagged areas that would make it more prone to snagging.
With the tension setting, the stone is held in place through pressure. Because the metal band holds the gem without supporting prongs, the gem looks as if it is floating. This setting is only appropriate for extremely hard stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.
The Bezel setting is one of the oldest types of mounting used by jewellers. The diamond is secured
around its perimeter with a strip of metal that is bent over the gem’s girdle without covering any part of its table. This Bezel is now being successfully crafted to look like it has been combined with other mountings. The half-bezel setting is an example of this. By allowing the bezel’s lip to cover only parts of the stone, the setting looks like a modified tension setting.
The Channel setting sets a row of diamonds between two horizontal metal bars without prongs or any other framing to secure the gems. This mounting is very popular for wedding bands with diamonds as centre gems.
The bar setting uses prongs to secure the stone but these are elongated on two sides while leaving two
sides free. These prongs come out like thin vertical on the each side of the stones.
The gems in a pave setting engagement ring are imbedded into holes in the metal. The metal around the stones is then carefully raised using fine tools to seal the stones into the band. Usually multiple small diamonds are used in the pave setting.
The Gypsy setting is also called flush or burnish setting, names which are now preferred because they are deemed more politically correct. Stones are set into holes in the wedding rings, and then a burnishing tool is used to push the metal around the stones.
There are so many settings to choose from today when couples decide to pick an engagement ring. Many choose based on the quality of the center stone and the design of the ring. Some however, will look at the rings on display and think of the many factors involved in the construction of their ring’s setting. Hopefully, their thoughts will include questions about sturdiness and practicality.
The engagement ring should be as beautiful and attractive as possible. However, over and above this aesthetic consideration, a couple would do well to remember the engagement ring is more than just an accessory. It is a symbolic piece of jewellery that should be built to last, and it should be a ring that can stand a lot of wear and tear. In this respect, the ring becomes a reminder of what an engaged couple’s relationship should be like.
Types of Settings
1. The Prong Setting
Plus Factors
Minus Factors
2. The Tension Setting
Plus Factors
Minus Factors
3. The Bezel Setting
Plus Factors
Minus Factors
4. The Channel Setting
Plus Factors
Minus Factors
5. The Bar Setting
Plus Factors
Minus Factors
6. The Pave Setting
Plus Factors
Minus Factors
7. The Gypsy Setting
Plus Factors
Minus Factors
Choosing the Right Ring with the Right Setting