| | Claw settings |
 | Claw settings, or prong settings as they are also known, are a very popular style of setting for engagement rings. The size, shape and number of claws can vary, each providing a different look. 6 claw settings offer a traditional yet modern look whilst holding the diamond securely, and are the most popular choice for a round brilliant cut diamond. 4 claw settings have a contemporary feel, and are often used for princess cut diamonds, but can also be used for other diamond cuts. 8 claw settings offer great protection and are sometimes used for very large stones, but the diamond can appear a little crowded. Some diamond shapes and ring designs can call for 3 or even 2 claws. The tips of the claws can also be shaped, but rounded claws are the most popular as they are the least likely to catch. |
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| | Bezel settings |
 | The bezel, or rub-over style, is where the metal completely encircles the outer edge of the stone. The metal is quite literally pushed over the edge of the stone, thereby creating a very secure type of setting for a diamond. The width of the bezel can be varied for different designs and looks. Semi-bezels are where sections of the bezel have been removed to expose some edges of the stone. A well cut diamond doesn’t need light to enter from the sides of the stone, so a bezel setting does not reduce the brilliance or sparkle of a diamond. Some coloured gemstones can be better protected using a bezel, hence prolonging their longevity when worn. The bezel setting offers an excellent method to protect both the girdle (edge) and the pavilion (bottom) of a gemstone from chips and scratches. |
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| | Channel settings |
 | Popular for diamond wedding rings, eternity rings and ring shoulders, the channel setting is a very neat and continuous method of setting diamonds within a channel, creating a uniform flow of diamonds. It is crucial that the diamonds are calibrated (all the exact same size) in order to be precision set with each diamond touching the edge of the next diamond. This is a particularly popular setting due to the diamonds uninterrupted flow along the ring with no metal in between. The diamonds sit within small recesses cut into each side of the ring within the channel and are securely held in place. Princess cut diamonds are particularly effective with this design along with baguettes since they follow the lines of the channel with no gaps in between. |
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| | Bead / Pave settings |
 | Bead setting is used for small diamonds, holding them into the surface of the metal using small beads of metal raised from the ring itself, acting like tiny claws. When there is more than one row of diamonds being set, it is referred to as a pave’ setting, which literally means paved with diamonds. These styles are quite traditional ways of setting a number of small stones in a ring, and when the edges have a millgrain finish this type of setting can achieve an antique look. Bead settings are often used on the shoulders of engagement rings, or to set a row of stones into a wedding ring. |
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| | Gypsy / hammer settings |
 | The gypsy setting, or hammer setting as it is also known, involves setting the diamond within the metal itself, flush with the surface. The metal is first cut out to accommodate the stone which is then set into this recess before the ring is polished. The effect is perfect for scattered diamonds in a wedding band or accent stones on the shoulders of an engagement ring. This technique can also be used for fancy diamond shapes. The stones are well protected as they do not protrude above the surface of the ring and due to the metal surrounding them. |
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| | Tension settings |
| | This technique relies on the pressure of the metal to hold the diamond in place, making the stone appear as if it is floating. Many contemporary designs use this technique to create a simple method of allowing the maximum amount of light to penetrate into the diamond. For a tension setting to be secure, the ring needs to be quite thick to ensure the diamond is held firmly. Platinum is the best metal to use for a tension setting. We would only recommend diamonds to be used for this kind of setting, as they are the hardest material and will withstand the impacts that these designs inevitably attract with wear. |