When choosing a setting for your lab-grown diamond, it’s important to understand the various types available. Each setting enhances the beauty of the diamond in unique ways. Here's a breakdown of the most popular types of settings, along with real-life images to help you visualize them.
-
Prong Setting
The prong setting is one of the most common settings for diamonds. It features metal claws (prongs) that hold the diamond securely in place. The prongs can be rounded, flat, or V-shaped, depending on the shape of the diamond. This setting maximizes the visibility of the diamond, allowing light to pass through it for maximum brilliance.
- Best For: Round, princess, and oval-shaped diamonds.
- Why Choose This: If you're looking for a setting that highlights your diamond’s sparkle, prong settings are perfect.
-
Bezel Setting
The bezel setting encircles the diamond with a thin metal rim. This setting offers a sleek, modern look and is highly secure, protecting the diamond from chipping. Full bezel settings surround the entire stone, while partial bezel settings hold only part of the diamond.
- Best For: Active lifestyles or those seeking extra protection for their diamond.
- Why Choose This: It’s ideal for people who prefer a more understated design with additional durability.
-
Pavé Setting
The pavé setting consists of tiny diamonds set closely together on the band, giving the appearance of a continuous sparkle. The surface of the ring looks like it's paved with diamonds, enhancing the overall brilliance.
- Best For: Couples looking for an extra touch of glam.
- Why Choose This: Pavé settings add an elegant touch to any ring without overshadowing the center diamond.
-
Halo Setting
In a halo setting, a circle of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone. This setting amplifies the size and sparkle of the center diamond, creating a dazzling effect. You can choose between round, cushion, or other shaped halos to match your center stone.
- Best For: Those wanting to make the center diamond appear larger.
- Why Choose This: It’s perfect if you want to maximize the brilliance and visual impact of your ring.
-
Channel Setting
The channel setting places small diamonds in a groove between two strips of metal, creating a seamless line of diamonds. This is a classic and secure setting option often used for wedding bands or side stones.
- Best For: Bands that need extra sparkle.
- Why Choose This: The diamonds in the channel setting are protected from daily wear, making it ideal for an active lifestyle.
-
Tension Setting
The tension setting uses the ring’s metal to hold the diamond in place by compressing it between the band’s sides. This type of setting creates the illusion that the diamond is floating.
- Best For: Modern, minimalist designs.
- Why Choose This: If you want a contemporary ring design with a unique floating diamond effect, this setting is a standout choice.
-
Cathedral Setting
The cathedral setting has metal arches that curve upwards towards the diamond, much like the arches of a cathedral. This setting offers a traditional look while elevating the diamond for added prominence.
- Best For: Vintage-inspired designs.
- Why Choose This: It’s ideal if you love the look of elevated, elegant settings that make the diamond stand out.
-
Three-Stone Setting
In a three-stone setting, the center diamond is flanked by two smaller diamonds on either side. The side stones can be any shape, but round and princess cuts are the most popular. This setting symbolizes the past, present, and future.
- Best For: Couples who want extra symbolism in their ring.
- Why Choose This: It’s a meaningful design that adds extra sparkle and significance to your jewelry.
Conclusion
Each setting offers a different level of security, style, and sparkle for your lab-grown diamond. Whether you prefer the minimalist elegance of a bezel setting or the timeless brilliance of a prong setting, choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle and personal style.