Learn about Diamond Settings

The setting for your stone is like a picture frame: it holds and protects the stone, and enhances its beauty. Most fine jewelers offer several different setting styles. As you search for the perfect piece of jewelry, it helps to know that different settings will complement your stone and your lifestyle. For example, a high prong setting on an engagement ring raises a diamond and makes it stand out beautifully. But if you lead an active lifestyle, a lower prong setting or a bezel setting, which holds the stone closer to your finger, may be more practical.

Types of Diamond Settings

	Prong Four or 6 evenly spaced prongs of precious metal encircle the stone and hold it securely in place.
	Channel A number of small gems are set in a groove that is carved into the metal.
	Bezel The stone is placed in a lip of precious metal that is hammered around the edge of the stone.
	Pavé From the French word meaning "to pave," many tiny diamonds or cubic zirconia are imbedded close together to "pave" the surface of the jewelry so it shimmers.
	Invisible Stones are grooved in the ring and set close together without visible prongs.
	Bar Bars of precious metal hold the stones in a channel-set fashion.
	Chevron V-shaped prongs hold the points of a marquise or princess-cut stone.