Choosing Safe And Secure Engagement Ring Settings
The engagement ring, a symbol of everlasting love and commitment, deserves to be as durable and dazzling as the love it represents. And whilst the diamond often takes centre stage, correct engagement ring settings play a crucial role in both aesthetics, durability, and practicality. Opting for a safe and secure setting ensures your precious gemstone will withstand daily wear and tear, allowing you to wear your beautiful new engagement ring with confidence and peace of mind.
The Best Engagement Ring Settings, From A Jewellers’ Perspective
At Argyle Jewellers, we’ve sold thousands of engagement rings to couples over the years, and specialise in custom designed engagement rings as well. Here are just a few safe and secure engagement ring settings that we can recommend.
Take Into Account Claws And Their Placement
If you’re opting for a classic claw setting, you will want to choose the number of claws carefully to match your diamond’s cut. For example, round diamonds will benefit from a 6-claw setting that evenly distributes pressure, holding the stone firmly while showcasing its brilliance and providing better security should one claw be pulled.
Platinum Engagement Ring by Argyle Jewellers
Another example of claw placement is a north-south-east-west setting for emerald-cut diamonds or diamonds with corners: this is a potential disaster, since the stone is at risk of slipping out if just one claw is pulled. When the claws hug the corners of the stone, it is much less likely to be in danger of falling loose.
Bringing In Brilliance, With Halo Settings
The halo setting is a romantic design featuring a smaller diamond (or other precious gemstone) halo circling the centre stone, enhancing its size and brilliance. The additional metal offers extra protection, while pavé-set halos for extra security and a glamorous touch. There is of course a risk of the halo stones becoming damaged or loose, but they will typically be easier and cheaper to replace than your centre stone, making this setting a very viable option.
Australian Pink Diamond Ring by Argyle Jewellers
Beautiful Protection Can Be Provided By A Hidden Halo
Hidden halos have become very popular in recent years. In these engagement ring settings, instead of framing the centre stone like a traditional halo setting, the “hidden” halo sits below the stone, adding extra brilliance to your ring. This halo adds protection and beauty to your diamond from the side. If you opt for this addition without gemstones (that is, an additional band of metal below the centre stone), it’s referred to as a gallery rail.
Opt For Low-Set Diamonds
Nestled closer to the band, low-set diamonds offer a sleek and modern look while minimising snags and accidental bumps. This setting is ideal for active individuals or those seeking a minimalist aesthetic, but you also have to keep in mind how your wedding band will sit against the engagement ring. If you would like the pair to sit flush together, it can be tricky to find a wedding band that will do just this (although they do exist!). However, the payoff is an engagement ring set to be far more durable.
Diamond Engagement Ring by Argyle Jewellers
Consider Full Bezel Designs
The ultimate in security, full bezel settings completely encase the diamond in metal, offering maximum protection from chips and scratches. While slightly obscuring the diamond’s profile and brilliance, they are nonetheless perfect for those who work with their hands on a regular basis.
Channel-Set Designs Provide Excellent Security
Channel settings securely hold multiple smaller diamonds flush along the band, creating a continuous row of sparkle. While generally safe, choose thicker channels and avoid sharp edges to minimise the risk of snags. This setting is ideal for those who desire a sparkling band without a central stone.
What Are Some Of The Weaker Settings?
Are you curious as to what types of engagement ring settings you should avoid? One of the first we would recommend avoiding are any engagement rings that rely on a tension setting. Whilst these look aesthetically pleasing, these settings rely solely on pressure to hold the diamond, making them unsuitable for everyday wear. Similarly, very thin bands – which are increasing in popularity – are prone to bending or breaking. And whilst we think high-set diamonds are beautiful and would not necessarily caution against them, be aware that these rings are more susceptible to bumps and snags.
Ultimately, your ideal engagement ring setting is up to you – but we hope that these recommendations can help you choose an engagement ring that will stand the test of time. Discover something that’s uniquely you, with our extensive collection of high-grade diamond rings including engagement rings, lab-grown diamond engagement rings, and much more.