For the mounting to have both aesthetic and practical qualities, it is important that the model is well-chosen. It is quite a delicate matter to find the diamond engagement ring settings that will securely hold the diamond in its place and will allow light to enter for maximum brilliance.

Prong Setting

Also known as the “claw setting”, it is the most commonly used mounting, especially popular for diamond solitaire engagement rings. Three or more prongs are attached to the central setting, arching over the diamond to form a secure grip just past the stone's girdle.

A prong setting emphasizes the stone not the metal, allows easier cleaning of the stone and is less expensive as it is easier to make.

On the other hand, prong settings offer less protection to the stone, and are more likely to catch on clothing.

Necessary Conditions

• Prong points should be rounded, smoothly finished
• Prongs should be placed at the key points of the stone, evenly spaced around the stone
• The setting should ensure close hold of the stone so it doesn't move
• Prongs should hold the stone at an even height
• The size of the prongs should be moderate: not too thin, as they could break or wear away; not too thick, as they might interfere with the diamond's brilliance making the setting less attractive; not too short, as they do not offer enough contact with the stone and are likely to catch on clothing

As it requires less metal but strong hold, the preferred metal is platinum, which is dense and strong.

Bezel Setting

A bezel is a collar of precious metal wrapping around the gem. The bezel is placed on top of the ring and adds height to the setting. There is also the variant of a half bezel — a split bezel arching around a part of a diamond.

Channel Setting

Small diamonds (round or baguettes) are placed in a channel-like mounting.

• The setting goes well with a center stone
• A diamond engagement ring with channel set offers the advantage that the diamonds are very well protected

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Pave Setting

The surface of the ring is actually paved with tiny stones. It is a very demanding technique: the stones are placed in small holes drilled out of the ring shank. The diamonds are usually the same size and are placed in such a manner as to cover most of the surface without touching. After positioning the stones, small amounts of metal are pushed over the edge of each diamond to hold it.

• Small diamonds may be used alone but the ring might also have a central main stone
• A pave diamond engagement ring will have a special, glittery appearance
• A disadvantage might be that the main stone (if there is one) is not very well emphasized

Flush Setting

The stones are sunk into the setting until they are nearly at the same level with the surface allowing to show the table and a bit of the crown.

• Although it doesn't allow the diamond to reflect much light, it gives the ring a modern look, also offering great protection to the stone

Tension Setting

The diamond is fixed on two sides by the pressure of the setting which does not go all around the stone. It is a modern design.

Usually the setting metal is platinum, due to its resilience and superior strength, and the diamond is relatively small. The advantage of this setting is that it allows light to shine through the stone

The tension setting is often referred to as “floating” because of the way the stone is fixed in a floating-like manner.

A special model is the floating diamond engagement ring — the center diamond seems to float in the setting. The effect can be created using various settings.

Usually this model is for a wide band diamond engagement ring. The band is wide enough as to allow a space in its center (that can be circular, rectangular, heart-shaped etc.) where the diamond seems to be floating, as it is practically suspended using ingenious techniques:

• it can be fixed by prongs that are linked to the ring at the basis of the shank — usually the stone is placed exactly in the center
• it can be fixed by means of a bezel, and in this case the bezel that wraps the stone is linked to the setting on one side — it is asymmetrically placed in the center space

Other Gems That Add Charm To Diamond Engagement Rings

You may want to consider the possibility of mixing diamonds and other precious stones. A suggestion would be to maintain a diamond as a main stone and come with other precious gems as side stones, maybe the birthstone or a favorite gemstone. As for example diamond engagement ring amethyst side stones would be a nice, thoughtful choice for a girl born in february but also for someone who is aware of the significance of amethyst.

These are the months of the year and the corresponding stones with their symbolism:

Anyway, remember that a ring is supposed to last for a lifetime, so it is advisable that the complementary stones are hard enough, above 7 on the Mohs scale. The Mohs is available on the AMFED website. A diamond ruby or diamond sapphire engagement ring would be the safest combination, as sapphires and rubies come immediately after diamond on the scale with a 9 hardness.

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