Engagement Ring Settings and Styles

Like the character of a stone, engagement ring settings can completely transform the appearance of a ring. And with so many engagement ring settings to choose from, there are endless ways to customize your personal ring style. Today, we’re exploring five popular settings we love to see on the fingers of brides to be.

Here are our top picks.

5 Popular Engagement Ring Settings 

 Traditional Prong Setting 
Starting with the most popular and traditional of the bunch, prong settings involve between three to six “claws” that hold a stone in place. Prongs may be pointed, flat, rounded, or V-shaped. Deciding on the number of prongs you want in your setting depends on how much you value the security of your diamond over the visibility of your diamond, as prongs will slightly overlap the edge of a stone. More prongs mean more hold.

Pavé Setting
Drawing from the French word for paved, pavé settings involve rows of small stones that may  frame the center stone or be set in the shoulders or shank of the ring, giving your setting a super-sparkly look. These stones are set into tiny holes, so they are level with the surface of the ring and do not rest above it. 

Halo Setting
Halo settings typically involve a larger center stone framed with a pavé setting. The smaller accent stones help create the illusion of a larger center stone. Some rings may have one, two, or more halos, varying in size and stone shape. For those looking for extra sparkle, halo and pavé settings are a great way to shine.

Bezel Setting
For those with a modern flair looking for less traditional engagement ring settings, bezels may be a good option. Slightly more casual than prong, pavé or halo, bezel settings involve a metal rim that encircles the center stone. This rim is level with the surface of the stone and helps to keep it in place. 

Tension Setting
Taking a more modern approach to engagement ring settings, the tension setting is a designed to create the illusion of a “floating” stone. The stone sits firmly between two ends of the shank, putting pressure on the stone from each end to secure it in place. The stone sits down in the ring and appears to hover in place, allowing more light to pass through the stone. Only very hard stones such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires can withstand the pressure of a tension setting.

Are you looking for just the right setting for your engagement ring? Sometimes, you won’t know what’s “you” until you’ve tried it on for yourself. Stop by Dondero’s Jewelry and talk to one of our experts about the different settings you’ve read about above or about finding the ring that suits your style. Visit us at 2439 North Delsea Drive in Vineland, NJ, or get a head start on the hunt by clicking here.