The Engagement Ring Settings Guide–And Which One Suits Your Style
The quality and the size of the stone matters–but it's the setting that sets the tone for your ring's style.
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When it comes to your engagement ring, the first thing you think about is the diamond–the cut, carat, color and clarity; but what often gets overlooked is the setting.
Take note, because the setting is just as important as the center stone, as it dictates the whole style of your ring. A setting choice can turn an old European diamond into something suddenly modern, or it can make a simple round brilliant diamond look like an intricate floral cluster. If your style is considered, then your setting should be too, especially if you're looking to achieve a ring design that perfectly suits your personal style, or decide how to incorporate a family stone into the ring you've been dreaming of. Here, a guide to any and every setting to narrow down what you'd like to see on your ring finger.
Solitaire
Your style is chic and simple, and you are most likely to rock a silk slip dress to your wedding with some serious jewelry. You care more about quality than quantity and your closet is full of staples that never go out of style. A solitaire setting is your perfect match. Solitaires, often set prong style, are the most popular and give maximum exposure to your diamond; they are essentially a pedestal for your stone, so very good quality is essential in this setting.
Ashley Zhang “Victoria” old european cut engagement ring solitaire diamond, $2,600, ashleyzhangjewelry.com.
SHOP
Solitaire
Forevermark Black Label Collection solitaire ring with black label oval diamond in 18K white gold, price upon request, Forevermark.com.
Solitaire
Marisa Perry designed by Douglas Elliott “Robin” princess cut engagement ring in 18K yellow gold, 28,500, marisaperry.com.
Pave
You are all about the center diamond but just need that little extra oomph. This setting, like solitaire, highlights the center diamond– but the band gets a lot of love, too. Pave (pronounced pah-vay) settings can be full pave in which diamonds go around the entire band, or half pave where the diamonds go halfway down the band. There is also micro-pave which uses tiny diamonds and can actually be more costly due to the labor required to set all the small stones. When shopping, pave generally means a diamond encrusted band and the end result is a very chic sparkle that does not take away from the center stone, but adds more drama to the whole look.
Ken & Dana Design “Ivy” ring, $1,595, kenanddanadesign.com.
Pave
Lauren Addison round brilliant-cut diamond ring in platinum and 18K yellow gold, price upon request, laurenaddison.com.
Pave
Lindsey Scoggins “Pave Compass” ring, $7,795 without center stone, lindseyscoggins.com.
Pave
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany “Novo®” princess cut engagement ring in platinum, $62,000, tiffany.com.
Halo
Halo settings are stones set around the center stone and often give the illusion of the stone being larger. However, this does not mean the center stone has to be small. In recent years, the halo has become just as popular as a solitaire setting for its grand look. This setting can make a large diamond even more impactful, or it can make a natural cut stone look a little more refined. The halo setting is the white tee and jeans of settings, it's as universal as it is timeless.
Cartier Destinée solitaire ring in platinum with emerald-cut diamond and brilliant-cut pavé diamonds, price upon request, 1-800-CARTIER.
Halo
Eva Fehren "The Gatsby" in platinum with rose cut pear diamond, price upon request, EvaFehren.com.
Halo
Martin Katz square emerald cut diamond set in 18K white gold and microset with single cut diamonds, $75,000, martinkatz.com.
Halo
Nina Runsdorf diamond flip ring in 18K white gold, price upon request, Nina Runsdorf, 20 E 69th St , New York, NY 10021.
Halo
Solange Azagury Partridge “Milk” ring in 18K white gold, price upon request, solange.co.uk.
Split Shank
Split shank settings have negative space alongside the diamond and frame it in a unique way. This peek-a-boo style setting is not only durable but it also shows off the diamond cut. This setting is for the girl who appreciates simplicity but still wants a ring that is distinctive and somewhat modern.
Front Jewelers “The Carissa” ring with radiant cut diamond, $4,695, frontjewelers.net.
Split Shank
Liven Co. emerald cut split shank white topaz ring, $898, livenco.com.
Split Shank
Verdura “Lace” diamond ring in platinum with a cushion cut diamond, price upon request, verdura.com.
Channel
You are sporty but you're still a little girly. You like to hike, workout, and take charge but you appreciate the pretty things. Channel settings are diamonds set in a row along the band in between two metal edges–the channel of the band. The benefit of channel set diamond bands is that the diamonds are well protected in between the two metal bars. If you are very active, or work with your hands, this setting doesn't run the risk of damaging or losing a diamond in your day-to-day, while still giving off that pretty sparkle.
Gabriel & Co. vintage 14K white gold cushion cut halo, $2,500, gabrielny.com.
Channel
Gemfields x David Gross oval shaped ring with emerald and baguettes, price upon request, davidgrossgroup.com.
Channel
Michael M The Crown Collection ‘V’ channel-set diamond ring semi-mount in 18K gold, $3,600, michaelmcollection.com.
Colleen Banks is a seasoned jewelry and weddings editor, having been a style editor at Martha Stewart Weddings for 8+ years. Colleen’s love for the best-of-the-best jewels, bold color, whimsical details and epic parties make her an expert at thinking outside-the-box when it comes to weddings. When Colleen isn’t styling a wedding or writing about them, she’s most likely filling her online shopping cart with the Gucci she’s currently coveting, listening to Britney Spears, or taking Instagram pictures of her cat, Shelby.
