Understanding Ring Styles

Diamonds are beautiful, stunning and magnificent. The adjectives are infinite. Without the right style to propel your ring into the spotlight, you would be left with a valuable, loose diamond. That is why I am here to explain the several types of styles. Of course, there are general styles for rings and then there are ones for pendants or necklaces. We are going to focus on the many different kinds for ring styles, starting with the most popular.

The Prong Style

Otherwise known as the claw, the prong setting is the most popular for a number of reasons. The biggest reason is that it uses the least amount of metal to hold its diamonds, allowing the maximum amount of light to hit the stone. It is also the easiest to make which means it's the least expensive. Rings are usually set in 2, 3, 4 or 6 prong settings.

The Bezel Style

Known as one of the oldest settings around, the bezel setting is actually considered modern. My closest friend loved this type because of its ability to protect the diamond from falling out. Since she uses her hands a lot, it was a perfect choice. The setting will hide imperfections and even make your diamond appear larger.

The Channel Style

I love this setting because of its ability to hold several diamonds in place. Stones will appear as if they are floating due to the way they are placed. Oval Shaped, Emerald Cut, Round Brilliant Cut and Princess Cut diamond rings are perfect for this setting.

The Pave Style

The best way to remember this setting is the saying, "Your street is paved with diamonds." By using small stones, this setting gives people the appearance that the entire surface of your ring is covered with diamonds. "Pave" is a French word that means "cobble-stoned," so it makes sense that this style is named accordingly. Men's rings can come in this setting as well, often times in the form of a wedding band.

The Flush Style

If you want subtle, this is the look for you. The flush setting is set below the metal's surface creating a subtle, yet beautiful look. Compared to the bezel's setting, stones are sunk into small holes drilled into the metal band, and with the use of a rubbing tool, the metal is pushed around each stone until the ring is left with a super smooth surface. Contemporary beauty is the only way to describe something so extravagant.

The Invisible Style

Ring styles are all about visibility and the invisible style is no different, even though the setting is the illusion. Colored, square-shaped gems are favored with this style but diamonds can be used. I love this setting because you cannot see any metal, creating a virtual carpet of stones. The setting may be expensive but the brilliance and craftsmanship is well worth it.

The Solitaire

This is the most classic of the styles because of its elegance and sleekness. The setting showcases the diamond and it enhances the luster and brilliance by showing as much of the diamond as humanly possible.

The Three-Stone

This style symbolizes past, present and future with sentiment and simplicity giving this setting the potential to make the most of its stones.

There might have been some less commonly used styles not listed, especially when it comes to men's rings. If you have any questions on these or other settings, feel free to leave a comment!

by: Vanessa LeBeau