What are the Ring Settings?
Choosing the setting is one of the most important steps when buying a ring. This is because it determines how the ring looks, as well as what diamond shape would be the best option for your desired ring. Ring settings vary hugely in appearance and personality, and therefore, it can be difficult to know which one would reflect your personal style, taste and values. We hope that this guide will help you to have a better understanding of what you are looking for.
Solitaire Settings
The solitaire setting is synonymous with the diamond engagement ring and perhaps the first setting style that you think of when looking for a ring with which to propose. A single diamond is set to take centre stage, and this tends to be the most popular choice. However, any shape is sure to look beautiful in this ring design. It is a classic setting that never goes out of style. Its sophisticated simplicity is something to adore for years to come.
Claw, or prong settings are the most popular when it comes to engagement rings. They consist of delicate metal arms that are angled around the centre stone, holding it in place. Whether it’s a 4 claw, 6 claw or a compass point, a claw setting allows maximum light to move through the diamond from all directions, displaying breathtaking fire and brilliance.
Also known as a rub over setting, a bezel set ring features a stone surrounded by a metal rim that is enclosed to hold the centre stone in place. The bezel setting provides protection to the diamond and provides a modern aesthetic, as well as being easy to maintain.
A solitaire tension setting uses compression to secure the centre stone, and gives the appearance that your diamond is floating. Pressure is applied by two pieces of metal that are set to surround and squeeze the centre gemstone. The twist or swirl is another example of a tension setting.
Halo Settings
As its name suggests, a halo setting showcases a dazzling centre stone encircled by smaller diamonds. Besides the round shape that comes to mind with a halo, you can find the centre stone in many different shapes, with the halo set to suit. As well as adding brilliance to a ring, a halo setting makes the centre stone appear larger and therefore, more striking. Paired with diamond shoulders, a halo truly is a high impact design with a romantic feel.
A traditional halo setting places the surrounding diamonds with their halo being viewed from above, adding to the circumference of the ring. The more contemporary hidden halo style sets a circle of diamonds below the centre stone, providing a stunning view from all angles. While a classic halo showcases a single band of diamonds, double halo and even triple halo have been seen featuring two or three separate rings of diamonds respectively. 
Multi-Stone Settings
Representing the past, present and future of a couples relationship, the meaningful trilogy setting has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. This along with other multi-stone settings, allow a variety both in colour and in the gemstones chosen. A combination of different shaped stones can also be particularly eye-catching.
Another multi-stone setting, known as an Entourage, showcases a larger centre stone that is surrounded by a row of smaller stones. An Entourage setting is comparable to a halo setting, but with larger surrounding stones. Similar to the Entourage, a cluster setting tends to feature stones of a similar size set closely together, giving the impression of one larger diamond.
Wedding Bands and Eternity Rings
Despite their name, wedding bands can be anything but plain. Even if you don’t opt for a diamond set band, there is a rich variety available to truly reflect your individual style. You can select from a soft brushed finish, or a highly reflective polished appearance, as well as choosing from a number of ring profiles-from a classic rounded court to the simple modern lines of a flat profile. If worn with an engagement ring, your wedding band can be perfectly coordinated to sit alongside the engagement design, known as a bridal set.
Adding diamonds to your wedding band increases the ‘Wow factor’. A diamond set wedding band tends to feature stones set into the upper half of the ring, whereas the diamonds in an eternity ring are set around the entire ring, symbolising an everlasting love. 
