Designer Jewelry Gems

When most people think of settings or mountings for engagement rings they have a mental image of the traditional prong style settings that secure the diamond to the band. While these types of settings are beautiful, simple and very discrete, there are other types of settings or mountings that can be used on engagement rings to highlight and enhance the appearance of the diamond.

Ideally any type of engagement ring settings should allow light into and around the diamond. This allows the diamond facets to reflect the light and give the brilliance and fire to the stone. The setting also either holds the diamond flush to the surface of the band or raises it up above the band as seen in solitaire and three diamond engagement rings for example.

There are some solid types of mountings that also are designed to maximum the security of the diamond but also attract light. One such option is the bezel setting, very common on both antique and modern styles of engagement rings. Bezel settings are like a collar around the gem and can be full or half, depending on the style of the ring and the shape of the diamond.

Many women don’t want raised diamonds on engagement rings and prefer the diamonds to be set into the band. This style, known as channel setting, is actually a very secure way to keep moderate to small sized diamonds securely in the band. A groove or channel is formed down the center of the ring to hold the base of the diamonds. A smaller channel close to the ring’s surface holds the edges of the round or baguette diamonds into the channel. The diamonds then reflect light through each other as well as down the channel for a dazzling look.

Bar channel settings have literally metal bars between each of the diamonds in the groove. These types of engagement rings often are in white gold or platinum since the reflective surface of the metal enhances the light entering into the diamonds.

Ornate types of settings are called bead settings on engagement rings. Smaller or larger drops or beads of metal are engraved and styled to both add to the appearance of the ring but also secure the diamonds and other gems in place.

Invisible settings or mountings on engagement rings are also very popular since they are largely if not complete hidden by the stones themselves. Pave settings are largely invisible and are formed by drilling tiny holes into the band into which each individual diamond chip or stone is then placed. Small beading is then used to secure the diamonds.

Checking the settings on engagement rings, regardless of the setting style, is very important. Jewelry stores often offer free inspections of engagement rings and other diamond jewelry to determine if there is any need for repair.