Have you ever noticed someone else’s engagement ring never stops sparkling? Or found out that someone’s ring looks way bigger than what it actually is? It’s all about the setting, guys. The setting can make or break the finishing touch of your ring. Even the most extravagant diamond can look dull and smaller with the wrong setting. So, how do you know what ring setting to get?
There is a ring setting that works best for every shape and size of diamond. There is a ring setting that is better for when you opt for a colored gem or another kind of stone instead of a diamond. There are ring settings that will make a smaller diamond look bigger. Ring settings that will make your ring sparkle brighter. Certain settings can protect your ring if you are a little rougher in your day-to-day business. The most fun thing about picking a setting is that you can transform your ring and give it a different personality. From basic prongs to vintage fairytale settings, we want to help you find your perfect fit.
Well, be ready to get your mind blown. Let’s learn about all of these settings to find the one that best fits your personality and style. Let’s jump in and see what the deal is with all of the settings. There are a lot, so you might want to grab a cup of coffee for the ride. Here we go.
Solitaire Prong Setting
Let’s get this basic one out of the way. I get that a regular prong setting can make a diamond look amazing. But unless you are shelling out JLo money, your stone has to be pretty grand for a prong setting to shine.
But there are a ton of options with this classic setup if you love the minimalistic look. You can do 4 or 6 prongs and can have the prongs rounded, flat, or pointed. You can have the stone sit higher or lower on the prongs. But your rock has to bring it with this setting because that’s all you have.
What makes it awesome
- Can’t beat a basic prong setting
- Works with any gem or stone
- Most cost-effective
Why you should skip it
- Snags and scratches
- Stone can become lose faster
>> See more Solitaire Ring Setting styles <<
Also take a look at the 12 Most Popular Styles of Solitaire Engagement Rings
Cathedral Setting
I can’t lie, if you want a basic prong and band setting, the only option I like is a cathedral setting. It is stunning. It gives off classic, vintage vibes. It still makes the stone the center of it all. But look at it from the side and you get a gorgeous view.
The cathedral setting cradles the stone in a basket-like position. Then you’ll add in some beautiful metal arches on the sides. It’s a great way to throw in a little something to your setting without the cost of extra diamonds. For a classic setting with a twist, get the cathedral.
What makes it awesome
- Beautiful design work
- Can make smaller stones appear larger
Why you should skip it
- Cleaning is more intricate
>> See more Cathedral Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Cathedral Settings
Halo
I have to admit, this one looks pretty. Like a sparkly flower right on your finger. The center stone is surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds. You can do any shape of stone with this setting.
The other cool thing about this setting is that you can do different color gems on the outer halo. This will give it that flower effect. You can even go a bit extra and do a double halo setting. If you love a vintage feel but don’t want an antique ring, this is the perfect option.
What makes it awesome
- Makes smaller stones look huge
- Loads of sparkle
Why you should skip it
- Resizing could be difficult
- With those smaller stones, one becoming loose is a possibility
>> See more Halo Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Halo Settings
Pavé
However you want to pronounce it, a pave setting can make a sparkly impact on your ring. The main feature is that those smaller stones are around the main stone. They make a little road around the center stone. This setting is usually used with brilliant or round stones.
Having the additional smaller stones can bring some bling to your finger. You can do a half-paved or a full-paved setting. The tricky thing with a pave setting is that resizing it is going to be a pain because of all of the smaller stones around the band.
What makes it awesome
- Makes the diamond look bigger
- Lets the sparkle shine
Why you should skip it
- Could take away from the center stone
- Not great for gems
>> See more Pave Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Pave Settings
Channel Setting
If you like pave, try a channel.
A channel setting is super close to a pave setting. The difference is in the setting of the side accent diamonds. In a pave setting, the side diamonds have their own prongs. But in a channel set engagement ring, the side diamonds are held in there by a smooth strip of metal without any prongs. It gives a more seamless look and there’s less metal to distract from the stones.
Anniversary bands usually go for a channel setting. If you don’t like the look of the additional prongs, go for a channel. If you are like me and snag your ring on everything as it is, go for a channel setting.
>> See more Channel Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Channel Settings
Tension or Floating
This is one of the newest ways to set your ring. If you want a futuristic but chic look, a tension setting can bring an edge. The stone is held in only at minimal points and makes the diamond look like it’s suspended in the air.
This isn’t the best option if you have a diamond, though, or if you use your hands all day. This is more for the gorgeous aesthetic look for a precious stone. As long as you don’t think you’ll have to resize it, it’s a stunning way to show off your entire stone. Not my style, but it looks amazing. I’d “ooh” and “awe” over one.
What makes it awesome
- More modern look
- Easier to care for
Why you should skip it
- Hard to resize/repair
- Not for the active lifestyle
>> See more Tension Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Tension Settings and Floating Settings
Bezel Setting
A bezel setting is the way to go if you are constantly using your hands for work. If you hate always catching your ring on your cardigans, the smoother style will keep the snags to a minimum. That is music to my ears. So many sweater casualties.
The stone sits just inside a smooth rim. It has a retro vibe to it that I love. The only downside I can see is if you want that big sparkle, this won’t make that happen. It’s tucked in and won’t have light bouncing all over it. But it sure looks fun.
What makes it awesome
- Won’t always catch on your clothes
- Great for active hands
Why you should skip it
- Diamond won’t shine as brightly
- Can throw the tint off
>> See more Bezel Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Bezel Settings
Gypsy Ring Setting
If you like the bezel look, try a gypsy setting.
I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between bezel and gypsy at first glance. But with the gypsy setting, the stone is set into the band. As in that stone isn’t going anywhere. The metal is hammered all around the stone to fit in perfectly flush to the stone. This setting is also known as a “flush setting” so there you go.
There is none of the stone sticking out and there are no prongs. This would be the best choice if your profession has you working with your hands all day. Or if you hate your ring getting caught on stuff. It’s not a flashy way to show off your stone, but it will keep it safe and your clothes safer. The only real downside is it’s not recommended for precious gems.
>> See more Gypsy Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Gypsy Ring Settings
Flush Setting
This is really close to the gypsy setting.
A flush setting and a gypsy setting are so close to the same thing. You will probably see the words interchanged. The stone is put into a hole that’s drilled into the band. The metal is hammered around the stone so there is no part of the stone sticking out.
But the main difference with a flush setting is that it’s for smaller stones, and more for accent stones. If you have a main larger stone, that uses a gypsy setting. Flush is for stackable rings. Rings that use smaller stones. The flush setting is better for creating gorgeous art within the band.
>> See more Flush Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Flush Ring Settings
Cluster
A cluster setting can be a gorgeous way to bring some personality to your ring when you don’t want to spend a ton on a huge diamond. It uses smaller stones clustered tightly together to give off the idea that it’s one larger stone.
You can use gems, diamonds, or a combination to create your own look. You can do a geometric shape or just fool everyone into thinking your stone is one large diamond. This one would be really fun to play with and best for someone who wants a ring with a personality. It’s also an extremely affordable option while still being a stunning piece of jewelry.
What makes it awesome
- Makes smaller stones appear to be a larger stone
- Can do unique shapes
Why you should skip it
- More stones mean some may come loose
- Cleaning and maintenance need to happen more often
>> See more Cluster Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Cluster Ring Settings
Illusion Settings
This is another setting that relies on smaller stones to create one bigger, beautiful illusion setting. You can set smaller princess cut stones together to make it look like you have one large cut. Or you can set a smaller stone surrounded by colored stones to make a gorgeous pattern.
However you set your ring, it will give the impression that the stones are larger than they are. It’s more intricate so cleaning and regular maintenance is a must on this one, but the results are amazing.
What makes it awesome
- Uses smaller stones so more cost-efficient
- Looks intricate up close
Why you should skip it
- Lots of smaller spaces to clean
- Stones can become loose easily
<< See more Illusion Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Illusion Ring Settings
Bar Ring Settings
If you want something a little different you could go for a bar setting. This is perfect for a wedding or anniversary band. But you could still rock this for an engagement ring.
The stones will be set in metal bars. From what I can tell, it seems like you can add as many or as few stones as you want. You can do stones all the way around the band or just half of it. Basically, instead of prongs, the stones are held in place by metal bars. It’s not my favorite, but it’s different.
What makes it awesome
- Metal bars keep the stones in place
- Gives stones more exposure, more chance to shine
Why you should skip it
- High chance of chipping
- Resizing will be expensive
>> See more Bar Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Bar Ring Settings
Three Stone Setting
The three stone setting needs no explanation. But I’ll go through it quickly anyway. You’ll have the one main stone in the center flanked by 2 smaller stones. The side stones should be smaller, so the main stone still packs a punch.
The three stone setting is nice if you want to customize your ring a bit. You can do colored gems on the sides or do different shapes for something unique. If you are into symbolism, this ring is said to represent a couple’s past, present, and future.
What makes it awesome
- Great way to personalize the ring
- So much sparkle
Why you should skip it
- Needs regular, consistent cleaning and maintenance
- If done poorly, the middle stone looks smaller
>> See more Three Stone Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Three Stone Settings
Side Stone Setting
This one is basically the three stone setting, but you don’t have to stick to only one additional stone on each side. You can do as many as you want. Normally, the side stones are the same shape as the center. But I don’t like that. It’s too matchy-matchy. Bring some personality by seeing how different shapes can go together. You could also do different sizes of the same shape to mix it up.
As long as the side stones are small enough to not take away from the center stone, you can do pretty much what you want. Just watch out – this one could get expensive. If you have had a solitaire and want to change it up, switching over to a side stone setting can be a beautiful way to refresh your ring.
What makes it awesome
- Can make the center stone pop
- Easy to customize and make unique
Why you should skip it
- Can get expensive
- Can make the center stone look smaller
>> See more Side Stone Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Side Stone Ring Settings
Infinity
If you want a slightly different look to your setting, then an infinity look can help with that. The band twists and comes back together to create a delicate look. Think a figure eight. This setting can make a smaller stone look bigger as well. The infinity symbol stands for forever love.
The curves and twists of this setting will give the ring a little something else that most don’t. It will be more delicate and not for someone who uses their hands all day for work. But it is a way to have your ring stand out and bring a bit of enchantment to the look.
What makes it awesome
- It’s a different setting not usually seen
- Stands for forever love
Why you should skip it
- Intertwining makes it more delicate
- Not great for active hands
>> See more Infinity Setting styles <<
Learn more about Infinity Ring Settings
Split Shank
Do you like the idea of an infinity setting, but aren’t that into the symbolism? Then you should go for a splint shank setting. It will still grab some attention without being too over-the-top. It won’t distract from the sparkle of your center stone but will still lend a bit of pop in the detail work.
The band will split into two pieces and come together to be the prongs for your center setting. The size of the gap and length of the shank is completely up to how you want it to look. So you can customize this one how you like. I’m not a fan of the infinity, but the split shank works for me for some reason.
What makes it awesome
- Makes the ring more noticeable
- Take your solitaire diamond up a notch
Why you should skip it
- Not the best for an active lifestyle
- Keeping clean can be difficult
>> See more Split Shank Ring Setting styles <<
Learn more about Split Shank Ring Settings
Tiffany Settings
Speaking of prongs, let’s go over the Tiffany setting. If you love a classic look that can become a family heirloom, the Tiffany setting can do just that. While this is too fancy for my blood, if you can afford to walk into a Tiffany’s, this setting is timeless.
The signature six prongs and plain band will make your stone the absolute star. This trademarked setting is made for light to hit the diamond perfectly. It is made to catch your eye.
What makes it awesome
- Makes the stone the sole focus
- Cleaning is easy
Why you should skip it
- Can only get it at a Tiffany store
- Stone can become loose easily
>> See more Tiffany Setting styles <<
Learn more about Tiffany Ring Settings
Vintage Settings
Talking about a vintage setting really gets me hyped up. You can browse antique stores searching for that perfect one or create your own to look like a vintage throwback. The pieces are always intricate and breathtaking. Whether you love Victorian or Edwardian, the filigree on these kinds of settings is stunning.
These tend to be lower in price since the focus isn’t a giant stone. The vintage setting can be done in a few ways so there’s no excuse for not finding a drop-dead gorgeous vintage setting.
- Filigree
- Milgrain
- Art deco
- Floral
- Halo
- Cathedral
If you can find a vintage ring from a second-hand shop you can bring new life to a gorgeous ring.
What makes it awesome
- Oozes beauty and sophistication
- Extremely unique
Why you should skip it
- Design can make cleaning and maintenance tiresome
- Nothing else, this setting is perfection
> See more Vintage Setting styles <<
Learn more about Vintage Ring Settings
We get it – picking one will be tough
There are so many ring settings. I don’t know how you are going to pick one. But a good thing to keep in mind before you commit (no pun intended) is to think about a couple of things.
- How often are you going to wear your ring?
- How hard do you think you’ll be on your ring?
- Are you more concerned with the safety of your stones or the sparkle factor?
Some settings are better or worse in these categories. Knowing how you are going to go about wearing your ring will help narrow down which setting you should get.
I know, I know. That’s a lot. And your coffee is probably cold. You know have the info on all the best ring settings so you can get the perfect engagement ring. You can now make the best decision for your lifestyle and personal style. So go get designing and find that ring no one can say “no” to.
