Ring Settings

Guide to Ring Settings
Executive Summary about Ring Setting By Cori Russell 

Ring Settings. When choosing a diamond engagement ring the main factor may be choosing the diamond although it is important not to discount the mounting in which the diamond is placed. Those around you will not only notice your beautiful diamond gemstone but the diamond ring setting as well. A beautiful diamond which is set in a less than satisfactory mounting may take away from the overall appearance of the diamond engagement ring.
Ring settings, the mountings that attach the diamond to the ring's band, are an integral component in achieving the right look for your ring, as some are more appropriate for certain diamond shapes.
Here is a complete rundown of the most common engagement ring settings.
Prong
Prong settings usually have six or four prongs (or claws) that cradle the diamond. The prong setting with a solitaire round brilliant stone is the classic engagement ring look.
Bar
This option highlights more metal without obscuring the stone as much as bezel or channel settings might
Bezel
In a part bezel setting, the metal only partially surrounds the diamond, leaving the top and bottom of the stone exposed.
Tension
The diamond is held in place by the pressure of the band's metal, resulting in the startling appearance of the diamond being held in midair.
Channel
A variation of the channel setting is the Channel End setting - which features thin vertical bars in between each of the stones. Diamonds of similar size and shape are lined in a row between the band's two horizontal sides.
Pave
This design coats the entire surface of the ring with gems, each set into either a minute depression or secured with thin, unobtrusive prongs.
Cluster
This setting surrounds a larger center stone with several smaller stones. It is designed to create a larger ring from many smaller stones.
Baguette
Setting Baguettes are rectangular shaped diamonds that can be added to the sides of a larger stone, adding dimension to a solitaire setting.

Three Stone Setting
The stones can either be of equal size or the center stone slightly larger.