Know Everything About Choosing a Unique Engagement Ring
When you and
your fianc�e are ready to choose an unique engagement ring
together, looking at such a vast assortment of styles can be
confusing, on top of the pressure to choose the right diamond for the
setting. To take it one step at a time, let�s begin looking at
the setting styles.
Any piece of
jewelry with a stone, whether it is a ring, a pair of earrings, or a
pendant, all have the same basic components regardless of the setting
style or size of diamond. The gallery is the place where the stone
(as in a solitaire), or several stones are set, and the style of
gallery is what differentiates one setting from another.
Most common is
the prong setting, where small prongs, usually platinum for strength,
are curved over the girdle to hold it in place. There are usually
four to six prongs for most diamond cuts (called Tiffany set) except
for the Marquise and Trilliant cuts. These need two or three V-shaped
prongs at the corners. The prong setting is raised and shows off the
cut of the diamond; however, some prongs are so high that the stone
may be more easily caught on objects such as gloves and pockets. Keep
in mind your daily activities and whether a tall ring would be
suitable for your lifestyle. A solitaire diamond is the usual setting
for an engagement ring, but sometimes a diamond set between two
smaller diamonds could be a more unique engagement ring.
The bezel
setting is a tiny cup or diskette that holds the diamond to the ring,
also by its girdle. Often very ornately embellished, the bezel
setting is difficult because the diskette must be carefully contoured
to the shape of the stone. Oval and round stones are less complicated
to set and have the advantage of showing off the diamond while
protecting its edges, girdle, and pavilion. It works for active
lifestyles, and is a good setting for earrings,
necklaces, and bracelets also.
Literally
meaning �paved,� the pave setting looks like a band paved
with diamonds. Tiny prongs or little bits of the ring�s surface
are scooped out, creating a nest for the diamond to set in. Many
smaller diamonds close together create a dazzling effect of a much
larger diamond, and are often set in white gold or platinum. An
advantage of a pave setting is that there are no high stones to risk
snagging in daily wear.
Stones that
are precision cut to have the same pavilions are used in channel
settings. Nestled between two raised tracks of gold or silver, they
are packed together so tightly that they look like a single stone.
They are often seen in promise rings, friendship rings, and eternity
bands. Because there is no metal between them, the stones can
show off their brilliance.
Bar settings
are vertical bars between each stone that hold them in place.
Sometimes two or more stones are stacked between the bars, as in a
channel setting, to give the band more width. Often combined with
colored gemstones, such as birthstones, this engagement
ring can personalize the ring to the wearer. Like the channel
ring, this setting is low on the band and is good for busy hands.
Understanding
the ways that diamonds and gemstones are set can help you make the
choice for the engagement ring
that is a symbol of eternal promise.
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