| Types of Setting |
| While the shape, cut, carat, color and clarity of the diamond and the metal used have significant roles to play in the creation of a charming diamond ring, it is the setting that decides its overall attractiveness. The main functions of a diamond setting are to hold the diamonds in place, provide them with maximum protection from wear and tear and also to dazzle the beholder with sheer beauty. There are several ways to set a diamond ring, each of which uses varying techniques and skill levels. Some of the best known settings are: |
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| Diamond Settings |
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Channel Setting |
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Prong Setting |
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Tension Setting |
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Bezel Setting |
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Flush Setting |
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Pavé Setting |
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Cluster Setting |
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Ballerina Setting |
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 In its simplest form, the channel setting holds a row of diamonds within a channel formed by two metal lips on either edge of the ring. That is, the diamonds are set flush with the surface of the ring with no metal separating them, resulting in a simple but stylish look.
Considered to be a sturdy design, it protects the gems from wear and tear. Also, minor flaws and imperfections are hidden well in this setting, thus giving even less expensive diamonds a good appearance.
The use of round diamonds is very common. But since this inevitably results in some space between the diamonds, dirt may accumulate and cause difficulty in cleaning. The use of princess and emerald cut diamonds can avoid this problem. This setting may also limit the sparkle to a certain level because of the deep setting. |
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 If you want to flaunt the beauty of your beautiful solitaire diamond, then prong setting would be the most ideal choice. This setting makes it possible for the diamond to be displayed prominently well above the metal and make it look bigger.
Prong setting is a classic style of arrangement in which the diamonds are held by metal prongs or wires running from the base to just below the top surface of the diamond. Three, four or six prongs are used commonly; however, as many as 24 prongs may be used depending on the design, the size of the diamond etc.
Since only a minimum area of the diamond is covered by metal, the light entering the diamond is reflected most advantageously. |
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 Tension setting is a unique setting in which the diamond is held by the tensile stress exerted by the band on the gem. The diamond thus appears to be suspended in thin air within the ring.
The aspect which makes this possible is the carefully calibrated metal which is designed to exert a certain amount of pressure on the gem to hold it in place. Small niches are also made at the points of contact to hold the diamond.
Because the gem is subjected to stress, only gems of sufficient hardness such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies can be used for this setting. Also the gems should not have major internal flaws or imperfections.
Even though tension setting does not give the impression of being sturdy with seemingly minimum support, it is in fact quite secure because of the use of strong metal and more area of contact than in a prong setting. |
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 Also known as rub-over setting, bezel setting is a traditional type of arrangement, in which the diamond is set into the ring with a collar of metal just above the girdle but below the top surface of the diamond. The collar may either cover the entire circumference of the diamond or only partially.
It is a strong design which can protect the diamond from abrasion and prevent it from getting dislodged. It also helps to cover any defects in the diamond. |
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 As the name suggests, the diamond is mounted flush to the metal surface. In this case only the top portion or the table of the diamond is visible.
The advantage of this setting is that it allows easy cleaning and gives good protection to your diamond. Also if well-cut diamonds are used the sparkle is not affected. |
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 Pavé (pronounced Pa Vay) is a beautiful setting in which tiny diamonds are arranged very close to each other in small grooves on the ring. The corners of the diamonds are embellished with tiny beads of gold or platinum making the ring look as though it has been paved with glitter.
Since small diamonds are used for this setting, the cost is considerably reduced. The perfection of the ring depends on the uniform sizing of the diamonds and its accurate placing. Thus the workmanship and skill of the jeweler is quite significant for this type of setting |
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| Cluster Setting |
Diamonds placed in a group form a cluster setting. It can produce a striking look in a variety of styles ranging from the classic flower-shaped arrangement to modern or abstract looks with diamonds placed in multi-levels. Care has to be taken while wearing such rings since they may get damaged during vigorous activities.
Elaborate arrangements can make the finger look longer and thinner while a tight fitting arrangement is ideal for slender and beautiful hands. |
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| Ballerina Setting |
| This setting makes use of tapered baguettes, which are placed around a raised gemstone creating the effect of a tutu, the skirt worn by a ballet dancer. This is a stunning setting of considerable size and looks great on a relatively large hand. |
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 This popular and labor-intensive technique was developed in France two centuries ago and made famous at the end of the 20th century by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. In the invisible setting the stones (typically square shaped diamonds – princess or emerald cut – for better fit) are set next to each other without any visible metal holding them in place. To ensure that the stones do not fall out, jewelers create small grooves in the pavilion of the stones, slightly below the crown. These grooves slip into a metal framework below the crown surface in a way that makes the frame invisible from above, creating the appearance of a solid surface of gemstones. In some sense, the result looks somewhat similar to the pavé technique. The invisible setting creates the illusion of larger diamonds, and the technique can be used to create the impression of a larger central stone (consisting of several smaller ones) or to accent a larger central gemstone. |
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 The concept of the bar setting is somewhat similar to that of the channel setting, in that the diamonds are held in place supported on two sides by metal bars. The difference is that in the channel setting the stones are enclosed on all sides. In the bar setting, the stones are held in place by a thin bar of metal, perpendicular to the ring band, with the stones exposed on two sides, which increases both the sparkle and the likelihood of damage to the diamonds. |
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