What Is A Ring Setting? Most Popular Ring Settings

Posted on January 8th, 2025 12:07 PM

What Is A Ring Setting?

Any rings that are made are set into a metal band, now how it is set is called the ring setting. It is the way the gemstone is mounted into the band and is the key design that will affect the look, feel and value of the gemstone

There are many types of ring settings, each one with its specific pros and cons. In this blog, we will discuss the most popular ring settings to choose from. 

The How’s of Ring Setting 

Before we move on to the types of ring settings, first let's discuss the hows of it: 

How it's made - The setting of a gemstone ring is made of a shank and a head. The shank is the part that encircles the finger while the head is what holds the gem. 

How it looks - How a ring is set can highly affect how the ring looks and if you are going to choose a ring for a proposal it is essential to choose the perfect engagement ring setting. 

How it feels - Some frames feel lighter and have less metal while some are heavy and some are intricate and need more carefulness. 

How it's valued - The number of stone, and their size affects the price more. The setting’s value will be higher only when it is difficult to make the setting that is when it's an intricate design. 

Also Read - What Is A Fancy Cut? Guide To Fancy Gem Cuts

Types Of Ring Settings

Different types of rings require different ring settings, some of the most popular ring settings are: 

Bezel Setting 

The bezel setting is the one in which in the head of the ring where the gem is set, the gem is held completely by the metal rim. This setting is the most secure one as it tightly holds the gem or diamond in place. A bezel setting can be full or partial as well. Partial is the one in which instead of full circle the metal rim is like a dotted line circle. 

Pros - Secure the gemstone making it an excellent choice for active lifestyles, gives a sleek look, protects the gem from damage, and does not snag on any clothing material. 

Cons - It hides the gem a little and the light reflection and brilliance are less. 

Know More - Best Bezel Set Engagement Rings To Choose From!

Bezel setting

Halo 

In the Halo setting, the gemstones are placed in concentric circles or the centre stone is surrounded by other gems completely in a square or any shape. The halo setting can be seen in various shapes and can make the centre stone look larger.

There is also a double halo setting in which there are two layers of outer gems, like in a circular halo there will be two concentric circles encircling the centre gemstone. 

Pro’s - Makes the centre gem look bigger, enhances the overall spark of the gem, supports any shape of the gem, and securely protects the centre stone. 

Cons - The side stones can be prone to damage and may loosen up plus the resizing of the ring will be very difficult. 

Halo setting

Prong Setting 

The Prong setting is one of the most classic types of ring frames. In it, the head is a metal claw which grips the gem at its place. These claws are prongs and can be four or six. Six prongs are more secure. These prongs can be round, flat, pointed or even v-shaped.

Pro’s - The metal is less in this type of set and so the gem is more visible plus light passes through the diamond easily making it more brilliant. Plus, it is easy to clean this setting type as well as it supports many gemstone shapes and sizes. 

Cons - The gem can loosen up over time and the prongs can snag on cloths as well. 

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Prong setting

Channel Setting 

In the channel setting, the shank is the one in which small gems are set in a row. The band of the ring contains gems, closely set together into the grooves of the channel. With the decorative sides, the gem at the head looks more beautiful. 

Pros - This type of ring set secures the gem and enhances its sparkle while the side stones give it an alluring design. 

Con - It needs more time to set this and needs more effort to clean, plus it can be challenging to resize the channel set ring.

Channel setting

Tension Setting 

As the name suggests, there is tension that is needed in this frame of the ring, the tension of the metal band holds the gem in its place. So it looks like the gem is just suspended at the two sides of the shank. The gem is held in its place by the pressure of the metal band which is pushing into the sides of the gem. 

This look is the most beautiful and less expensive but more complicated. In this set, the gem is visible from all angles so for it you have to choose a gem with less visible inclusions. 

Pros - This setting is one of the most unique ones and gives a modern appearance. Indeed, since there is minimal metal surrounding the gem, the light reflection is better. 

Cons - It is a hard setting type for rings and so it is expensive to resize the ring. In addition to it, however, it is rare but there is a chance that the stone could fall out if external force applies. 

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Tension setting

Solitaire Ring Setting 

Solitaire is the most popular engagement ring setting in which there is only a single gemstone which is the main focus of the ring. It is one of the most classic gemstone ring settings and the large-size gems look the best in it. This design is loved for its simplicity and modern look. 

The main stone in this frame can be any gem including emerald stone, sapphire stone and ruby stone.

Pro’s - It is the most popular type as it showcases the beauty of a single gem and allows light exposure, making the gem sparkle more. 

Con - The gem will be more prone to damage and the small-sized gems will look too small in this ring setting. 

Solitaire ring setting

Pave Setting 

In the Pave setting, the gemstones of small size are set together closely. The prongs hold the centre gem in place, while the gems used in the shank are mostly placed in the holed which are drilled into the metal band. Then mini prongs are used to secure them into the holes. 

Pave setting is also called the bead setting. 

Pros - The pave ring setting highlights the centre stone, and along with it, it provides extra sparkle to the ring. It also provides versatility in design. 

Con - Resizing the gem will be very difficult since the band also have gems. 

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Pave setting

Bar Setting 

In this type of ring set, the shank of the band has vertical bars and in these bars, the gemstones are set. In this setting, the gemstone is secure from two sides but is not secured from the other two. 

Pros - Amplifies the sparkle of the gem and can make the centre stone appear stunning.

Cons - Since the gems will be exposed from two sides, there will be a chance of chipping. 

Bar setting

Flush Setting / Gypsy 

A flush setting is also called the gypsy setting. In it, the gemstone is set in a drilled hole which is drilled in the band. The gem is totally fixed in the band. It is the most popular choice for men’s engagement rings or wedding bands. 

Pro’s - The gem is most secure in this type of ring set so it is one of the most protective ring settings and is durable for wearing daily. 

Cons - Since the stone is totally fit in the drilled hole, only the face up of the gem is visible. It hides most of the stone decreasing its sparkle. Plus, since in the process of the making, hammering the metal is required, softer stones like opal cannot be used. 

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Flush setting

Cluster Setting 

As the name suggests, the clustering of stones is the cluster ring setting. The stones are set together tightly which makes them appear as a large stone. 

Pro - Smaller stones together make the ring appear large, give a unique look as well and provide versatility in design. 

Con - There is a chance of smaller stones falling out, indeed it needs more effort to maintain. 

Cluster setting

Split Shank 

The shank of the ring is not single but rather split, that is the band of the ring that encircles your finger will be in two parts. 

Pros -  Attracts the eye, offers the option to add side stones, and makes the centre stone more noticeable. 

Con - Cannot be worn in daily life as it needs more cleaning and get damaged with external force. 

Read More - Gemstone Meanings & Powers: Significance of 25 Most Popular Gems

Split setting

Infinity Ring Setting 

The infinity or 8-shaped pattern will be seen in this type of setting. The shank og the ring is made up in the infinite symbol giving the ring a graceful and gorgeous look, plus symbolising forever love. The head of the ring can be a solitaire, halo or pave, etc. 

Pro - The infinite setting adds surface area and makes the centre stone more visible. 

Con - This mounting type needs more carefulness and cleaning. It is also a less efficient design. 

Infinity ring setting

What Is The Most Secure Ring Setting? 

The bezel setting is the most secure ring setting as per the experts. It is considered the best because it completely surrounds the gemstone and keeps it protected. 

In the Bezel setting, the metal rim completely or partially encases the gem which reduces the fear of a loose gem to an extent as well as will not let the gem prone to chipping. Therefore, it is also the most ideal type of ring setting for an active lifestyle. This also makes it one of the best engagement ring setting types. 

Also read - Why are Grading Reports Essential while Buying Gemstones?

Wrapping Up 

Gemstone or diamond ring setting styles play a role in the looks, feel, value and beauty of the ring. Plus, some of the frames are more secure than others. So, it is essential that you choose carefully considering all your options. Hence we have mentioned the many ring setting types here for you to choose your perfect one.

If you are looking forward to buy a ring, then make sure that you buy from a reputable seller like Navratan, the online gem bazaar, to get the best gem or gemstone jewelry. You can easily get your gemstone ring customized with Navratan.

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