Guide to diamond ring settings

Choosing the right ring setting for your ring is important. It doesn’t simply hold the diamond in place, it impacts the whole look and feel of your ring, and can also affect comfort. Our guide will explain how diamond rings are set, as well as the different options available when choosing a ring. 

How are diamond rings set? 

There is a great deal of craftsmanship involved in creating a diamond ring and transforming a loose stone into a glittering finished piece.

Step 1: Preparation

The jeweller sizes the setting precisely to the exact measurements of the diamond. There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all approach; two different diamonds weighing 1 carat will measure slightly differently, as every stone is unique.

During preparation, a seat is cut into the metal where the diamond will rest before it is secured into the setting.

Step 2: Alignment

Next, the diamond is inspected to ensure the best side is facing upwards, and it is carefully positioned with the facets aligned. While round shapes are more forgiving, fancy cuts such as pear or marquise require special attention to achieve perfect alignment.

Step 3: Placement

The diamond is then gently placed into its seat. Depending on the final look, the stone may rest between prongs or sit snugly inside a metal rim.

Step 4: Securing

Securing the diamond is the most delicate stage. Despite diamonds being nature’s hardest material, they can still chip or break if not set correctly. Specialist tools are used, and the work is done under a microscope. Prongs are tightened over the diamond’s girdle, while bezels are pressed or hammered around the stone.

Step 5: Checks

Final checks ensure the diamond doesn’t move or rattle and sits securely. It should be completely level and beautifully centred.

Step 6: Finishing

Once the diamond is set, the metal is smoothed, polished and refined to remove tool marks and minimise the risk of snagging prongs. Finally, it is cleaned to reveal the stone’s full sparkle.

What types of diamond ring settings are there? 

There are countless variations of diamond settings, but some of the most popular include:

Solitaire or Prong Setting

A solitaire ring is what many people picture when thinking of an engagement ring. It is a traditional yet classic choice. The diamond is usually held in place by 4–6 prongs, allowing maximum light to enter the stone — making it one of the sparkliest settings available. It offers medium protection and is a suitable choice for most couples.

Elegant Oval Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDMTSS709)

Halo setting

A halo setting features a central stone surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds, aptly named after an angel’s halo. This style is extremely popular as it amplifies the appearance of the centre stone, meaning you can opt for a smaller carat weight without sacrificing sparkle. Like a solitaire, a halo provides a medium level of protection.

Marquise and Round Diamond Single Halo Ring (SKU: SDRX5891)

 

Hidden halo setting

A hidden halo offers all the sparkle of a halo ring with a subtler appearance. The ring of smaller diamonds is positioned beneath the central stone rather than around it. From above, the ring looks like a solitaire, but from the side, it reveals a delicate band of sparkle.

A high-profile hidden halo may be less practical for hands exposed to frequent, hard-wearing activity, although low-set versions work well for most couples.

Radiant Diamond Low Set Hidden Halo Ring (SKU: SDLMLT1333GRA)

Bezel setting

Bezel settings have grown hugely in popularity in recent years. Sleek, modern and timeless, the bezel is also extremely secure, with metal completely encircling the diamond. While this reduces the amount of light entering the stone, it is the ideal choice for those with an active lifestyle due to its durability.

Oval Diamond Bezel Set Solitaire Ring (SKU: SDNBS1)

Pave setting

A pavé setting is more commonly used for eternity rings or wedding rings, although engagement rings can also feature pavé diamonds along the band leading to the centre stone.

The setting uses many small diamonds held in place by tiny metal beads, creating intense sparkle. It offers a mid-range level of security suitable for everyday wear.

HRRHE962 Wave Round cut 60% Eternity Ring (SKU: HRRHE962)

 

Channel setting

A channel setting is similar to pavé but features diamonds set between two metal walls. It’s typically used for eternity or wedding rings but can also be incorporated into the shoulders of an engagement ring to add extra brilliance.

Channel settings are among the most secure options, providing excellent peace of mind for everyday wear.

3.5mm Milgrain Round Diamond Eternity Ring (SKU: SDJXM04039HETCRND)

Toi et Moi setting

A toi et moi setting features two stunning stones set side by side instead of a single centre stone. These rings can be prong-set or bezel-set, depending on the design, meaning you may have two sets of prongs or bezels.

Emerald and Pear Toi Et Moi Designer Ring (SKU: SDRIAPX004DIA)

Trilogy setting

A trilogy or three-stone setting consists of three diamonds aligned across the band, typically with a larger centre stone flanked by two smaller stones.

Durability depends on the profile, but with three stones comes three times the sparkle of a solitaire.

Oval and Round Diamonds Trilogy Shoulder Set Ring (SKU: SDRX6293)

Choose the right diamond ring setting with Shining Diamonds

Choosing the right setting influences how secure the diamond is and how much light enters the stone, ultimately affecting sparkle. It can also change the perceived size of the diamond — with halo, trilogy and toi et moi styles offering the most impact.

If you’d like more help finding the perfect setting, we recommend booking an appointment so you can try on different styles and see how they look and feel. We have stores across the country, in London, Brighton and Birmingham, book an appointment with us today.