BEZEL SETTING A bezel setting is held in place by creating a metal frame around the circumference of the stone or at its girdle (the thin edge of the stone). It can wrap all the way around the stone or only partially surround it, depending on the style of the ring. This type of diamond ring setting is good for protecting the girdle and often makes the stone look larger.

INVISIBLE SETTING Invisibly set gemstones sit very close together with their metal settings hidden underneath. So you see a continuous, uninterrupted surface of diamonds or gemstones. We think this type of setting is a great way to showcase the brilliance of princess cut diamonds, because there are no prongs or bezels blocking the light as it enters and illuminates each stone.

PRONG SETTING The most common type of setting style, especially for solitaire rings, is the prong setting which holds your stone securely while still allowing a good deal of light to enter your diamond or gemstone. To increase this effect, the center stone is sometimes raised above the shank, to give it a larger, more important appearance, with only a suggestion of metal showing.

In such a setting, the prongs are attached to the central setting of a ring, known as the head or basket. Each prong extends upward and outward from the head, gripping the diamond with an arch at the top.

Prongs can be placed at four corners of a stone or at five or six points evenly spaced around the stone. Other variations include V-prong setting which is used on marquise and pear shape gemstones to protect the pointed tips from chipping or breaking.

CHANNEL SETTING In a channel setting, diamond(s) or gemstone(s) are set flush between two strips of metal that holds them in place side by side with no additional prongs between the stones. This type of setting protects the edge, or girdle, of the gemstone, and is a very secure setting. Channel-set gemstones provide a smooth setting making them less likely to get snagged on hair or clothing.

PAVÉ SETTING Similar to channel setting, a pave ring setting has a band that is covered with dozens of tiny diamonds – so much so that the metal band barely shows through. The difference is that these diamonds are often very small and held in place with small prongs or beads. The result is a band that looks almost like it's made entirely of diamonds, whereas in a channel setting, the diamonds are bigger, more distinct and clearly set within the metal band.

CLUSTER SETTING When diamonds or gemstones are set close together in a group, the result is known as a cluster setting. Sometimes the stones can be arranged in the form of a stylized flower, or just in an abstract arrangement. Cluster rings are usually multi-level, with considerable height above the hand. The arrangement of the stones can be open and airy looking, or they may be more tightly arranged.

BAR SETTING Similar to a channel setting, a bar setting uses a thin bar of u- or v-shaped metal to hold diamonds or gemstones in place on two sides. When there is a series of stones set next to each other using this technique, you will see a narrow bar between each one.

TENSION SETTING This sleek, modern diamond ring setting uses pressure to hold a stone between two open ends of a metal mounting, creating the illusion that the stone is floating. This setting is a beautiful choice for any bride-to-be who appreciates modern, cutting edge style.

ILLUSION SETTING A type of prong setting, this technique adds a faceted, shiny metal plate around the girdle of a diamond or gemstone. The reflective plate makes the stone appear larger and more brilliant.