There are numerous ways in which a diamond can be set. Below you will find illustrations and brief descriptions on how they are set.
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Claw Setting
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Claw settings are one of the most common settings used for engagement rings. There are usually four or more metal bars which secure the diamond in place which allow light to enter the diamond from all angles. A claw setting can be tall, positioning the diamond well above the band or it can be short, meaning the diamond is positioned closer to the finger. Care must be taken with claw settings as they are prone to snagging and over time the claws may loosen exposing the diamond. |
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Bezel Setting
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A bezel setting is a frame that wraps around the diamond offering the diamond greater protection. One of the disadvantages of a bezel setting is the lack of light that is permitted through which may result in the diamond looking smaller. To overcome this problem a half bezel setting can be created which still offers the security and allows light to the diamond. |
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Channel Setting
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Channel settings are quite common on engagement ring shoulders as well as wedding bands. A metal channel holds the diamonds securely together with the diamonds appearing in an elegant row. |
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Invisible Setting
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In an invisible or illusion setting the diamonds sit into a metal framework which cannot be seen. The diamonds sit side by side giving the appearance of larger diamonds. This type of setting is not as easy to repair as others however. |
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Pave Setting
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To produce a pave setting small holes are drilled into the shank of the ring which will allow the tiny diamonds to be placed into. In order to hold the diamonds securely, small beads of metal are placed in the setting. The diamonds should reduce in size in areas where the pave area narrows. Pave settings are time consuming to produce due to the precision required and as such can be more expensive. |
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Bar Setting
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A bar setting is similar to a channel setting except that the metal plates rise to the top of the diamond and are visible between the diamonds. |
Other settings not mentioned above include cluster settings where multiple stones are grouped together to give the appearance of a larger stone or to create abstract designs. Flush settings which set the diamonds into the ring so they sit flush with the surface and tension settings which hold the diamonds in place with minimum visible support but maximum protection.
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