One of the more popular and modern setting types used in eternity and wedding ring designs. Channel setting allows the use of a variety of diamonds; from brilliant and princess cut, to baguette and emerald cut stones. The diamonds are placed in a metal channel, side by side, and are secured by hammering the upper sides of the channel walls to ensure the diamonds are held tightly.
Bead setting is a used for small diamonds where a row of diamonds is being set. They are drilled and held onto the surface of the ring by small beads of metal. A chisel-like tool known as a ‘graver’ is used to push metal onto the ‘corners’ of the stone to secure it in place. Bead setting is a traditional way of setting smaller diamonds to achieve a softer, antique look.
Pave
Three stunning ladies diamond rings showing Pave, Tension, and Bead Setting.
When many small stones are set very closely together, covering a surface, this is known as ‘Pave’ – the French word meaning paved or cobblestoned. The diamonds are therefore paved into the surface of the ring through a combination of tapered holes and tiny beads of metal holding the stones in place and next to each other.
Claw settings, also known as prong settings, are one of the most popular ways of setting diamonds for engagement and wedding rings. A single large diamond on an engagement ring or multiple smaller diamonds on a wedding band are held by metal ‘claws’ to keep the diamond fixed into the metal. The size, shape and number of claws can vary, with each providing a different look.
Also known as Burnish setting, Flush setting or Gypsy setting, a Rubbed in diamond appears recessed into the ring. Similar to Bead setting, it follows the same process of a stone being inserted into a space but instead of a ‘graver’ lifting beads of metal, the tool is used to push the metal around the stone. The stone therefore sits flush to the rings surface with a rubbed edge around it.
A unique and contemporary style of diamond setting in which a diamond is squeezed between two bars of metal that have been cut. This creates tension around the diamond and keeps it firmly gripped. Diamonds are ideal for this kind of setting, as their strength with withstand the impact and pressure created by the metal.