Choosing your engagement ring is an important decision that you have to make since this piece of jewelry is something that you’ll have to wear for many years. It has to be something that you’ll want to put on your finger every day and it has to reflect your personality. It is also important that the ring you choose will never go out of style.
This is why it is best to choose an engagement ring setting that is considered timeless and elegant. In this article, we have listed down five classic engagement ring settings to help you find the perfect ring that suits your sophisticated taste.
The Solitaire
Simple yet stunning, the solitaire or prong setting is definitely a classic favorite when it comes to timeless engagement rings settings. Exuding elegance that stands the test of time, the solitaire setting features a brilliant diamond, four to six prongs, and a simple, unadorned metal band. Its simplicity allows the diamond to shine and become more noticeable, allowing light to enter the stone for more brilliance and sparkle.
The prongs are metal claws that secure the diamond in place and also come in different styles such as rounded, pointed, or flat. Lesser prongs will allow your diamond to become more prominent while more prongs hold the stone in place better.
Advantages of a solitaire setting:
- Classic and timeless
- Makes the diamond more noticeable and increases its brilliance
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
Disadvantages of a solitaire setting:
- High prong settings can snag onto things
- Commonly worn by many others as well
- Diamond may loosen over time if not properly maintained
The Halo
A halo setting features a brilliant center diamond that is surrounded by a rim of smaller diamonds or other gemstones for added drama and brilliance. The halo setting will also make your center stone appear larger and improves the overall sparkle of your ring. The halo setting is a perfect choice for those who want an engagement ring with a lot of sparkles yet maintains a classic, sophisticated feel to it.
Advantages of a halo setting:
- The tiny stones that surround the center stone add more brilliance and sparkle to your timeless engagement rings
- Makes the center stone appear larger
- Securely holds the center stone in place
Disadvantages of a halo setting:
- May often require refastening of side stones or replacement of lost ones
- Cleaning can be time-consuming
The Bezel
The bezel is a perfect choice for those who want peace of mind that their stone will remain intact even if they have very active and busy lifestyles. This setting is popular not only because of its timeless elegance but also because it tightly holds the diamond in place by wrapping a thin metal strip around it.
This setting requires minimal maintenance, which makes it a practical choice as well. A full bezel has the diamond completely surrounded by a metal rim, while a partial bezel will not cover the entirety of the stone’s edge and leaves some portion of it exposed to allow more visibility and sparkle.
Advantages of a bezel setting:
- It is the most secure setting, better than using prongs to hold the stone in place
- The stone is protected from chipping, scratches, and other damages
- Easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance
- Will not easily snag onto other things
Disadvantages of a bezel setting:
- Diamond is less visible
- It is difficult for light to enter the stone, resulting in lesser brilliance
The Three-Stone
The three-stone setting refers to engagement rings wherein the center stone is placed between two side stones that are usually slightly smaller in size. This setting can be considered as an upgrade to the classic solitaire setting, wherein the added side stones make the center diamond stand out and appear larger. Having three stones will also improve the overall brilliance of your engagement ring.
Advantages of a three-stone setting:
- Adds more sparkle and brilliance to your timeless engagement rings
- The side stones add more security to your center stone
- Not as common as other engagement ring settings
Disadvantages of a three-stone setting:
- Usually more expensive as it has more stones
- You may need to have the side stones refastened or tightened regularly
- Harder to clean than solitaire setting
The Cathedral
If you want a piece of jewelry that is reminiscent of vintage glamour, a cathedral setting is definitely a great pick. This setting highlights the diamond by elevating it using arches that are similar to those of a cathedral, hence the name. The added height is a great way of accentuating your stone and making it appear larger and more brilliant without having to use smaller stones that greatly add to the cost of your ring.
Advantages of a cathedral setting:
- It is a practical way of making your stone more prominent
- Allows lots of light to pass through the stone for added brilliance
- Classic and timeless with a vintage appeal
Disadvantages of a cathedral setting:
- Very prone to snagging onto other things
- Stone is vulnerable to scratches, chipping, and other damages
- Cleaning the area under the stone can be difficult
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