When looking at diamond settings for your stone, there a few things you should first consider.
Will it be platinum, white gold or yellow gold? Will the band be plain and simple or adorned with additional side stones? Do your tastes run modern, vintage, romantic or contemporary? Here is a look at some of the popular mounting styles to better help make your decision.
PRONG This type of setting is the most popular style, especially for a solitaire stones.
Designed to highlight the diamond, it features a set of metal "claws" or prongs that create a basket for the gemstone to sit.
Four or six prong styles are the most preferred choices as they provide a firm, yet symmetrical mounting that allows for maximum light to shine through the stone.
In a prong setting, the diamond sits high off the finger, therefore it is not recommended for athletic or extremely active women.
CHANNEL In this type of setting, two strips of gold or platinum hold the gemstone(s) in place at the sides, with no metal in between them.
This creates a dramatic channel for diamonds set side by side.
This type of mounting protects the girdle of the stone and additionally secures smaller stones more effectively then most setting styles.
Gemstones that are channel set sit flush with the mounting, which makes them less likely to get snagged on hair or clothing.
The ability for light to shine through, however, will be slightly diminished.
PAVE Inspired by the French, this design features small diamonds that are fit into tiny holes and set almost level with the surface of the ring.
They are mounted in rows, with no metal in between them, which gives them the appearance of having been paved like a street of cobblestones.
The surrounding metal is raised to form tiny beads that are not only esthetically pleasing, they also serve to secure the stones in place.
Although the beads can provide a less secure mounting than other styles, the pave setting can give the the illusion that the stones are much bigger than they really are.
Because it provides less security, it is best to use smaller diamonds for this type of ring mounting.
BAR A simultaneously contemporary and classic design, the bar betting is a variation of the channel set.
Here, the stones are placed in the channel with supporting bars on either side of each stone.
These bars hold the gems firmly in place and at the same time, showcase the appearance of the ring's metal.
In this type of mounting, the metal bars rise to the top level of the stone, which allows more light to enter the side stones, creating a scalloped edge of brilliance.
When looking for diamond settings, it should be noted that the uneveness of this design may cause discomfort to the wearer, especially if worn every day.
BEZEL This type of mounting holds a gemstone in place by using a thin band of metal that surrounds the stone at it's girdle, or middle.
Depending on the style and look desired, it can completely or partially surround the stone.
The bezel set provides great protection for the girdle and the bottom (pavilion) of a gem.
If you choose to go with the bezel style, be sure to choose the right type of metal, as this can affect the brilliance of the stone.
For instance, a white metal that surrounds a white or clear stone can make it appear much bigger, while yellow metals can bring out the colors from a red or green gemstone.
Do not, however, choose a yellow metal for a white stone.
This will actually make it appear smaller.
While diamond settings are really a matter or personal taste, you should keep in mind that certain styles can enhance the beauty of a stone shape better than others.
The presentation of a gemstone depends directly on the way it is mounted, so make sure you choose a setting that shows off the fire and brilliance of yours.
Will it be platinum, white gold or yellow gold? Will the band be plain and simple or adorned with additional side stones? Do your tastes run modern, vintage, romantic or contemporary? Here is a look at some of the popular mounting styles to better help make your decision.
PRONG This type of setting is the most popular style, especially for a solitaire stones.
Designed to highlight the diamond, it features a set of metal "claws" or prongs that create a basket for the gemstone to sit.
Four or six prong styles are the most preferred choices as they provide a firm, yet symmetrical mounting that allows for maximum light to shine through the stone.
In a prong setting, the diamond sits high off the finger, therefore it is not recommended for athletic or extremely active women.
CHANNEL In this type of setting, two strips of gold or platinum hold the gemstone(s) in place at the sides, with no metal in between them.
This creates a dramatic channel for diamonds set side by side.
This type of mounting protects the girdle of the stone and additionally secures smaller stones more effectively then most setting styles.
Gemstones that are channel set sit flush with the mounting, which makes them less likely to get snagged on hair or clothing.
The ability for light to shine through, however, will be slightly diminished.
PAVE Inspired by the French, this design features small diamonds that are fit into tiny holes and set almost level with the surface of the ring.
They are mounted in rows, with no metal in between them, which gives them the appearance of having been paved like a street of cobblestones.
The surrounding metal is raised to form tiny beads that are not only esthetically pleasing, they also serve to secure the stones in place.
Although the beads can provide a less secure mounting than other styles, the pave setting can give the the illusion that the stones are much bigger than they really are.
Because it provides less security, it is best to use smaller diamonds for this type of ring mounting.
BAR A simultaneously contemporary and classic design, the bar betting is a variation of the channel set.
Here, the stones are placed in the channel with supporting bars on either side of each stone.
These bars hold the gems firmly in place and at the same time, showcase the appearance of the ring's metal.
In this type of mounting, the metal bars rise to the top level of the stone, which allows more light to enter the side stones, creating a scalloped edge of brilliance.
When looking for diamond settings, it should be noted that the uneveness of this design may cause discomfort to the wearer, especially if worn every day.
BEZEL This type of mounting holds a gemstone in place by using a thin band of metal that surrounds the stone at it's girdle, or middle.
Depending on the style and look desired, it can completely or partially surround the stone.
The bezel set provides great protection for the girdle and the bottom (pavilion) of a gem.
If you choose to go with the bezel style, be sure to choose the right type of metal, as this can affect the brilliance of the stone.
For instance, a white metal that surrounds a white or clear stone can make it appear much bigger, while yellow metals can bring out the colors from a red or green gemstone.
Do not, however, choose a yellow metal for a white stone.
This will actually make it appear smaller.
While diamond settings are really a matter or personal taste, you should keep in mind that certain styles can enhance the beauty of a stone shape better than others.
The presentation of a gemstone depends directly on the way it is mounted, so make sure you choose a setting that shows off the fire and brilliance of yours.
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