When shopping for an engagement ring, there is much more than just choosing the stone. At first glance, you notice the center stone as it is the focal point – however, just as important is the setting. The setting secures the ring and directly impacts the appearance of the ring. Engagement rings are not one size fits all and it is important to find the right setting style that matches the personality of the person for whom you are shopping.

The industry experts at CMI Jewelry Showroom explain what you need to know about diamond setting types, and how to pick the best one for your ring.

WHAT IS A DIAMOND RING SETTING?

The setting is a crucial element of an engagement ring; much like the stone. According to Nadine Tacorian Arzerounian, COO and design director of TACORI, “The setting is important in both form and function. It protects and holds your center diamond, but also contributes to the look and feel of your engagement ring.”

To put it simply, every ring has a setting and the style you choose will decide what it looks like on the finger. The setting is designed to keep your center stone secure.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SETTING

Choosing the perfect ring setting depends on both the center stone and the personality of the person who will be wearing it. It is most traditional and common for diamond ring settings to have at least four prongs holding the stone in place. However, if the diamond is larger or in a fancy cut, you may want to consider more prongs.

A high-set diamond setting is more ideal for someone who leads an active lifestyle or frequently works with their hands. A lower setting is an option for rings that include larger stones.

WHAT SETTING MAKES MY RING LOOK BIGGER

If you want a ring to look big, then there are certain settings that can make a diamond look bigger. To keep costs down without increasing the carat size, you can opt for a smaller center stone and choose a setting to make it look larger than it really is. The type of setting that can do this is a halo setting. To amplify even more, you may want to choose a halo setting with smaller stones surrounding the diamond. Another option is to do a cluster setting with multiple side stones or a three stone ring as it takes up more space on the hand.
If you are looking for more sparkle and shine, consider a setting that has a solitaire with a hidden halo or a pave band. Both bring more sparkle and give the illusion of a brighter ring.

MOST COMMON DIAMOND RING SETTINGS

With so many diamond ring setting options to choose from, it can become overwhelming to choose the right one.

  • Prong – a prong setting features four to six prongs that hold a diamond in place, designed for single stone rings.
  • Halo – typically includes a larger center stone encircled by pave or micropavé accent stones.
  • Pave – from the French word for “paved”, this setting is made up of rows of several tiny stones that fit into holes that set them level with the surface of the ring.
  • Cathedral – weeping arcs that extend from the shank to frame the center stone, changing the focal point.
  • Bezel – there is a metal rim with edges fully or partially surrounding the perimeter of the stone.

Of course, if you’re still unsure of what you want to get, reach out to us at CMI Jewelry Showroom at 919-872-3346. Our professional team has the top experts to help you choose the right ring and setting for your budget, lifestyle and preferences.

A JEWELER YOU CAN TRUST

If you’re ready to pop the question but are still overwhelmed, you are welcome to visit our showroom and take your time to browse, ask questions, and learn. CMI Jewelry offers one of the largest selections available for all budgets. We personally hand select each pair of diamonds for the proper cut, so our diamond stud earrings look bigger and brighter than any you have likely seen at other jewelers. Because many of our pieces are one-of-a-kind or limited production, we encourage you to visit our showroom for a personal tour.

Call today at 919-872-3346, or visit our showroom at 6501 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh, NC 27615