A Guide To Pros and Cons of 15 Types of Ring Settings – How To Choose Your Right One?

There are many different types of jewelry rings sold by jewelers. If you look carefully, you will find that there are many types of settings for rings, and each of these jewelry settings has its own characteristics. Different kinds of ring settings are suitable for different rings, gemstone types and usage scenarios. Do you know the advantages and disadvantages of these different types of ring settings and how to choose the different ring settings according to your rings?

What is the setting of a ring?

The setting of a ring can be understood as the answer of how to set a gemstone in a ring. A complete ring consists of: different types of ring settings and mountings, different kinds of shank/band, head of ring.Ring settings types refers to the design structure used to fix the stone, which not only affects the appearance of the ring style, but also directly determines the safety and durability of the stone. Different types of rings use different types of ring settings.

Some different types of rings with special gems use specific settings for rings, such as solitaire diamond ring settings, cathedral setting ring, ring settings for oval gemstones, antique style ring settings, settings for marquise diamond, vintage settings for round diamonds, ring settings without stones.

How many types of ring settings are there?

There is no fixed number of ring setting methods, roughly more than 20, but different jewelry brands and designers may create more different types of setting methods according to their own design style, so the total number may vary.

Prong Setting

Prong setting is a setting used in many types of rings. This setting for a ring usually uses metal claws (usually 4 to 6) to fix the gemstone so that it is suspended on the ring head. The design of the claw setting can maximize the exposure of the gemstone surface, allowing light to enter the gemstone from all angles, thereby enhancing the sparkle of the gemstone. It is one of the most popular and best engagement ring settings.

Pros of Prong Setting

Versatile: Works well with different different engagement ring cutsand sizes of stones.
Classic appearance: This types of ring settings stylesoffers a timeless and traditional look, ideal for unique solitaire ring settings and different ring setting styles specially different types of engagement ring settings.

Cons of Prong Setting

Prone to snagging: The exposed prongs of the types of ring settings can easily catch on clothing, furniture, or hair.

Bezel Setting

A bezel setting uses a ring of metal around the edge of a gemstone to hold it in place. The metal can fully or partially surround the gemstone, keeping it firmly in place in the setting. Because the metal ring surrounds the gemstone tightly, this setting provides extra protection from scratches or loosening. This types of ring settings usually used in art deco style rings.

Pros of Bezel Setting

Excellent protection: The bezel completely surrounds the stone, making it a safer option for active wearers or those concerned about chipping or damage. This ring setting is often considered the most secure ring setting.
Smooth and modern look: The sleek appearance of a bezel setting appeals to those who prefer a modern ring settings diamonds and other gems.

Cons of Bezel Setting

Reduces sparkle: By covering more of the stone’s surface, this types of ring settingslimits how much light enters the gemstone, reducing its brilliance.
Costly: Bezel settings require more metal and craftsmanship, which can raise the cost of the ring.

Channel Setting

Channel setting is also a common gem setting method. This types of ring settings set a row of gems between two parallel metals, with no metal separating the gems, and the metal on top of the gems serves to secure the gems. This setting is often used in the loop portion of a ring, especially in wedding rings or anniversary rings, giving a neat and smooth look.

Pros of Channel Setting

Secure setting: The gemstones are embedded between two strips of metal, protecting the stones from impact or loosening.
Popular in wedding bands: This types of ring settings often used for eternity rings settings or wedding bands with smaller diamonds set along the band.

Cons of Channel Setting

Difficult to resize: The continuous row of stones makes resizing the ring complicated, potentially damaging the design.
Higher cost: Requires precise craftsmanship, which can drive up the price, especially with many stones.

Solitaire Setting

Solitaire setting is a very classic and common ring setting, usually used for engagement rings to form solitaire rings. This setting only sets one main stone without other gemstones, emphasizing the unique beauty of the main stone. Common single stone settings include claw settings.

Pros of Solitaire Setting

Classic Elegance: The solitaire setting is timeless and highlights the beauty of the center stone without distractions.
Versatility: Pairs well with various engagement ring styles and is suitable for all diamond shapes.
Focus on the Diamond: Since there are no additional stones, it draws full attention to the size and brilliance of the diamond or gemstone.
Easy to Maintain: Simple design makes cleaning and maintenance more straightforward compared to settings with intricate details.

Cons of Solitaire Setting

Minimalistic Design: May feel too simple for those who prefer more elaborate or embellished settings.

Pavé Setting

The pavé setting is a series of small gemstones arranged closely together on a metal surface, usually held in place by tiny metal beads or claws. This setting creates a continuous, sparkling effect, similar to a floor paved with gemstones, hence the name “Pavé,” which means “pavement” in French.

Pros of Pavé Setting

Dazzling effect: Tiny stones are set closely together, giving the ring a brilliant sparkle and making the center stone appear larger.
Customizable: The types of ring settings can be applied to both the band and the center setting, allowing for flexibility in design.

Cons of Pavé Setting

Fragility: Pavé settings are delicate and not recommended for rough, daily wear.

Bar Setting

Bar setting is similar to channel setting, except that channel setting exposes the entire gemstone between parallel metals, while bar setting exposes the top and bottom of the gemstone, exposing it on both sides.

Pros of Bar Setting

Enhanced Security: The bar setting holds the stone securely between metal bars on each side, protecting the edges of the stone and reducing the risk of damage.
Good for Stacking: This setting works well with other bands and is ideal for eternity or anniversary rings, as it can align with other rings without interfering.

Cons of Bar Setting

Less Light Than Prongs: Even though some light can enter, it’s still more restrictive than prong settings, so the brilliance might be slightly diminished.

Tension Setting

The Tension setting uses the pressure of the metal ring to firmly hold the gemstone at both ends, as if the gemstone is suspended in the center of the ring. This setting for a ring shows simple and modern visual effect.

Pros of Tension Setting

Unique, modern design: The stone of tension setting ringappears to float between the ring’s band, offering a sleek and contemporary look.

Cons of Tension Setting

Not suitable for all stones: Softer gemstones like opal or emerald may not withstand the pressure of a tension setting.
Difficult to resize: The types of ring settingsare challenging to resize, as they rely on exact measurements to hold the stone securely.

Halo Setting

Halo setting can also be understood as a style of ring (halo ring). It refers to setting a circle of smaller gemstones (usually diamonds) around the main stone to form a halo effect. This design can make the main stone look larger and more shining, increasing the visual effect and luxury of the ring.

Pros of Halo Setting

Adds extra sparkle: This settings of rings use a circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones around the center stone enhances the brilliance and size appearance of the ring.
Protects the center stone: The surrounding halo offers some degree of protection to the edges of the center gemstone.

Cons of Halo Setting

Resizing issues: The halo and pavé stones can make resizing difficult or costly.

Three-Stone Setting

Three-stone setting is usually used in three-stone rings. This type of ring setting has profound symbolic meaning. The three gemstones symbolize the past, present and future respectively, representing the eternity of love and commitment.

Pros of Three-Stone Setting

Symbolism: Often represents the past, present, and future, making it meaningful for engagements and anniversaries.
Variety: Allows for different combinations of stones and cuts, offering flexibility in design.

Cons of Three-Stone Setting

Higher Cost: The addition of side stones increases the overall cost compared to a single-stone setting.

Invisible Setting

The gemstones in the invisible setting seem to be without any metal support, as if they are suspended on the ring. The gemstones are cut into grooves at the bottom, arranged closely together, and embedded in the metal track. It is often used for square or rectangular gemstones, such as princess cut diamonds.

Pros of Invisible Setting

Seamless Look: The unique design of the setting of the ring makes stones appear to float without visible metal, creating a smooth, sleek look that maximizes the surface area of the stones.
More Sparkle: Since there’s less metal, more light enters the stones, enhancing their brilliance.

Cons of Invisible Setting

Expensive: The specialized technique increases the cost of production and repair.

Flush Setting

Flush setting places the gemstone directly into the metal surface of the ring, with the top flush with the metal. With no protruding claws or other structures, the gemstone is completely surrounded by the metal and firmly secured. This setting is often used for men’s rings or ring designs that require high durability.

Pros of Flush Setting

Durability: Since the stone is set into the band, it is highly protected from knocks and damage, making it ideal for active lifestyles.

Cons of Flush Setting

Limited Light: The stone is deeply embedded in the metal, so less light reaches it, potentially diminishing its brilliance.
Difficult to Resize: Like the invisible setting, the flush setting is harder to resize due to the stone being set into the band.
Not Ideal for Large Stones: This setting works better for small stones, as larger stones may not sit flush or be well-protected.

Cathedral Setting

Many people compare cathedral settings vs prong settings because they are similar. The cathedral setting has a metal bar that extends from the ring base, lifting the gemstone so that it is displayed high in the center of the ring. It is named because the shape of the metal resembles the arch of a cathedral.

Pros of Cathedral Setting

Works with various stones: Cathedral settings can accommodate a wide range of stone shapes and sizes.

Cons of Cathedral Setting

More prone to snagging: The elevated stone and arches can catch on clothing or hair.

Vintage/Antique Setting

When it comes to engagement rings, vintage and antique settings offer a unique charm and elegance. A vintage/antique setting typically refers to jewelry that is designed to reflect styles from the past, often inspired by specific historical periods. Vintage settings can range from Art Deco to Victorian designs.

Pros of Vintage/Antique Setting

Timeless Appeal: Vintage settings never go out of style, offering a classic, romantic aesthetic.

Cons of Vintage/Antique Setting

Limited Availability: Authentic vintage pieces can be hard to find or expensive, depending on the era or designer.

Split Shank Setting

The split shank setting separates the two sides of the ring band into two or more branches, which usually extend towards the central gemstone. This design can highlight the central gemstone and add visual depth to the ring.

Pros of Split Shank Setting

Allows for additional accents: This types of ring settings provides space for additional small diamonds or gemstones along the band.

Cons of Split Shank Setting

Difficult to resize: Like other intricate designs, resizing a split shank ring can be more complicated and costly.

Basket Setting

Basket setting resembles a small basket, usually with four or six prongs supporting the gemstone. This types of ring settings makes the gemstone appear to float above the ring, with the surrounding prongs or frame shaped like a basket.

Pros of Basket Setting

Durable and supportive: The basket design cradles the stone with additional support, making it more secure than a prong setting alone.

Cons of Basket Setting

Can collect dirt: The basket structure can trap dirt and dust, making it harder to clean than other settings.

How to choose your ring setting?

If you simply want to make the gemstone in your ring look bigger or more sparkly, no matter what type of engagement rings you have, there are many types of ring settings you can choose, like prong setting, halo setting, pavé setting, bezel setting with a thin frame and three-stone setting.

If you have some unique engagement ring styles that you don’t want to clean regularly, or if you prefer a ring setting that is less prone to dust accumulation and is durable and not prone to breakage or displacement, you can choose a bezel setting, flush setting or channel setting. These settings are more closed in design, reducing the gap between the gemstone and the metal of the ring, thereby reducing the chance of dirt accumulation. They are also easier to maintain and clean, and have a relatively tighter structure and more metal support.

Conclusion

The types of ring settings greatly affect the beauty, design and durability of the ring. After understanding the definition, advantages and disadvantages of each kind of ring setting, we can better choose which setting is suitable for us. Amanda offers a variety of ring styles and settings, contact Amanda to customize your ideal one.