Diamond rings are prized in our society. You won’t find too many engagement rings that do not have diamonds. Diamond rings also make beautiful presents.

However, the setting of a diamond ring is important because it is what determines its beauty and presentation.

There are five commonly used diamond ring settings. Each one has its own unique way of displaying a diamond’s beauty.

Prong Settings

Prong setting is the most common diamond ring setting. In this style, the diamond is secured using metal tines called prongs attached to the top of the ring. A prong setting involves a head which can have 3, 4, or 6 prongs. Heads come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the shape and size of the diamond.

Bezel Setting

Bezel setting involves molding the ring with a flap on each side to secure a single diamond. It is perhaps the earliest method of setting stones into jewelry. The bezel is formed based on the size and shape of the diamond and then soldered in place on the ring.

Channel Setting

Channel setting involves cutting a groove into the center of the ring. The diamonds are set between two strips of metal. The sides are a bit narrower than the width of the diamonds to be set. Then, using burrs similar to those used in prong setting, a tiny notch is cut into each wall. The diamonds are set in these notches and the metal top is pushed down, securing the stone in place.

Pavé Setting

Pave setting involves drilling a hold directly into the metal surface and then a burr is used to create a concave dent the size of the diamond. The diamond is then inserted into this space. a graver or burin is then used to push a bit of metal over the edge of the stone to secure it. A steel shaft with a concave dimple on the tip is used to push onto a bit of metal, rounding and smoothing until it creates a bead. This technique is actually called a bead setting. When many stones are set closely together in this manner, covering a surface it is then called Pavé setting.