Posts Tagged ‘engagement ring settings’

 

Cathedral Setting Engagement Rings

Monday, June 14th, 2010

When purchasing an engagement ring, choosing a setting is a critical step in finding the perfect ring for your bride-to-be, and cathedral settings are a simple yet elegant choice.

 

Cathedral settings are varied, and understanding the basics behind this gorgeous choice as well as the various design elements of this type of setting can help make finding the perfect engagement ring a much easier task.

 

Cathedral Settings

Cathedral settings are named for their ability to mimic the graceful and elegant arches that are an inherent part of real cathedrals. With these types of engagement rings, arches are created to act as a frame for the central gemstone.

 

Types of Cathedral Settings

As with real cathedrals, cathedral settings can be quite varied. Understanding these differences will help you decide whether this type of setting is the perfect choice for your engagement ring.

 

Dramatic arches can surround a higher setting, but arches in a cathedral setting can also be very small. The degree of the arch can vary from a little to a lot depending on the overall style of the ring.

 

Alternatively, the ends of the arches can be tapered to give a distinctive look to the ring, but they can also be squared or rounded for a unique look. The curves of each arch can also vary, depending on whether they are convex (rounded outward) or concave (rounded inward.)

 

Regardless of how the different features are designed, cathedral settings are distinctive because of the arches. Adding different design elements to a cathedral setting engagement ring can make the ring as distinctive and personal as you’d like.

 

Styles

If you’re interested in a cathedral setting, there are many customizations you can make that complement the distinctive arch design.

 

Adding additional gemstones into the side of each arch is a lovely way to not only complement the central stone, but highlight the unique arch structure. Alternatively, you can have small symbols such as hearts engraved into the side of the arch for a symbolic and meaningful addition to the engagement ring.

 

Incorporating small diamonds to accentuate the arches (such as with a pave setting) is also a popular choice.

 

As far as gemstone shapes, round diamonds or other gems are the most popular option available to you. Of course, you have many options at your disposal. Many brides-to-be enjoy the look of princess cut stones, and marquise stones are another elegant choice. If you choose a more unusual stone shape, the arches of the cathedral setting will need to be altered to create a more uniform look.

 

Cathedral settings are a lovely, elegant choice for any engagement ring. There’s no denying that there is something very simple yet regal about this type of setting, and it allows the central gemstone to be highlighted beautifully.

 

With so many design variations to choose from, any couple can customize a gorgeous cathedral setting to create the engagement ring of her dreams!

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Choosing a Unique Setting for your Engagement Ring

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

For the bride-to-be who desires something a little different from a traditional engagement ring setting, there are many unique settings that can add an extra bit of individuality and style to your engagement ring. While traditional settings are definitely the most common, a unique setting can help personalize an otherwise traditional engagement ring to make it truly your own.

 

Pave Settings

 

Pave setting engagement rings are simply stunning, and when done properly can actually enhance a stone and make it appear larger than it actually is. Pave settings use smaller stones adjacent to a larger central stone, or simply use small diamonds or other gemstones across the surface of the band.

 

Channel Settings

 

With channel settings, a small opening (or “trench”) is cut into the band, whereby small gemstones are placed inside the trench to form a beautiful row of gemstones within the band. Channel settings can either have an open back or a closed back, both of which have their own unique characteristics. A closed back keeps the stones more secure, while an open back allows more light through to the gemstones.

 

Flush Settings

 

Flush settings are a beautiful, unique engagement ring setting that looks absolutely amazing when done properly. This setting is ideal for women who lead a very active lifestyle, because the gemstones are placed into the band of the ring so only the tops of the stones are visible. Flush settings are similar to channel settings, but instead of forming one line of gemstones, stones can be scattered throughout the width of a wider band.

 

Cluster Setting

 

Cluster settings are delicate, breathtaking and a highly unique setting for any engagement ring. A collection of stones are used, typically to form some type of pattern (similar to a figural engagement ring,) or create the illusion of one big gemstone. Oftentimes, a cluster setting uses several levels of gemstones to elevate the design rather than a single, uniform level of stones.

 

Invisible Settings

 

Invisible settings should only be created by the most experienced jewelers, as a poorly done setting can cause the stones to become loose and fall out with regular wear. These settings are exceptionally unique, and are used to create the illusion of a larger stone. To create this type of setting, a frame for the gemstones is cut into the band (below the surface), whereby the stones can fit snugly against one another. Smaller stones are used to complete the illusion that the ring is actually made up of one large stone.

 

Even though unique engagement ring settings offer a beautiful alternative to a traditional setting as well as a personalized touch, make sure whichever setting you choose suits your bride-to-be’s finger. You also want to ensure that the setting you choose shows off the gemstones in the best way possible, as this is an investment that will ideally last a lifetime.

 

No matter what type of setting you choose for an engagement ring, it is sure to be a piece of jewelry that will be loved and cherished throughout your relationship.

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A Guide to Engagement Ring Mountings

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Engagement ring mountings are arguably the most important part of the ring. Not only does the mounting hold the stone in place, but also serves as the central focus of the overall design. Many people think a ring’s mounting and setting are the same thing, but they actually have quite different meanings. A mounting typically refers to the part of the ring that holds the center stone, whereas the setting refers to the entire design of the ring (including accent stones, engravings, embellishments, etc.).

 

Mounting Characteristics

When considering the type of engagement ring you want, you should carefully consider the various characteristics of mountings and what will work best for the type of ring you want to buy. Typically, diamonds or other stones are attached using prongs to secure the stone, but other types of settings may affect how a stone is mounted. Bezel settings, for example, use metal to wrap around the entire stone, thereby keeping it in place. When checking mountings, make sure whichever you choose enables the stone to be held securely in place and that it is sized appropriately to complement, not overshadow, the stone.

 

The type of metal used in a mounting will vary, but platinum mountings are most popular because of their durability. The stones in your ring will also affect the metal you choose. For example, a low quality colorless diamond may look dull or washed out when mounted in a yellow gold setting, but will retain its brilliance when mounted in platinum or white gold.

 

Finally, when considering characteristics of an engagement ring mounting you need to determine how much light will reach the gemstone, as the amount of light will directly affect the stone’s appearance. Closed mountings work well for lower quality diamonds or stones because the loss of light will detract from any flaws or imperfections. However, stones that are more high quality will appear dull and lackluster in a closed mounting, so choose one that allows the most light possible when dealing with high quality gems.

 

Choosing the Right Mounting

Choosing the right mounting for your engagement ring requires special consideration, and is just as important as picking the right stone, setting and other details that make an engagement ring beautiful. Mountings are considerably important because they serve as the focal point of an engagement ring. A mounting that is improperly sized or unbalanced will be very apparent and will detract from the overall design of the ring.

 

Choose correctly and the mounting will highlight the stones and details of the ring beautifully. With certain design tricks, a proper mounting can even lessen the impact of flaws or imperfections on a lower quality stone and help your gems sparkle brilliantly.

 

Choosing an engagement ring is an important investment, and picking the appropriate mounting is an important step in the process. With careful research and consideration, you will have a beautiful piece of jewelry your bride-to-be will love showing off.

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Engagement Ring Settings

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

Choosing a setting for an engagement ring is almost as important as the diamond that goes in it. There are many types of engagement ring settings to choose from, but the one you pick should reflect your bride-to-be’s personal tastes and lifestyle.

Which Setting is Best?

The setting you choose will be both a personal and practical choice. For example, delicate settings will complement a slender hand, while bulkier styles will work well on thicker fingers. You’ll also need to choose a setting that complements the stone you’ve picked. Larger stones work well for large settings, whereas smaller diamonds will look beautiful in a small, delicate setting.

Types of Settings

There are many types of settings to choose from. I’ve listed the most basic settings here, but even these can be endlessly customized to suit your personal preferences and budget.

  • Prong Setting

By far the most popular choice, prong settings complement the classic solitaire diamond very well. Prong settings are very easy to clean and allow a diamond to sparkle more brilliantly than other settings can.

With a prong setting, the diamond is placed within a metal basket, surrounded by three or more prongs to keep it secure. If you choose this setting, be aware that the prongs can easily become snagged on clothing and become twisted and break. Regular visits to a professional jeweler at least twice a year can fix any problems.

  • Bezel Setting

While more expensive than the traditional prong setting, a bezel setting offers increased durability and less risk of damage. Bezel settings are wrapped around circular diamonds to secure it and can even make a diamond look larger than it actually is.

  • Tension Setting

Tension settings are very expensive but offer the amazing illusion of a diamond suspended in midair. With a tension setting (created from very strong metal,) small grooves are carved into the edge of the band where the stone intersects. The result is breathtaking!

  • Bar Setting

A variation of the popular prong setting, prongs are fused into bars to secure the diamond. The effect looks wonderful, and helps complement a diamond without obscuring the stone like with some other settings.

  • Cluster Setting

Cluster settings are designed to show off multiple stones. These stones are typically semi-precious gemstones and are presented in a unique design, such as a flower or other figure. Many people also choose a cluster setting with several small stones, thereby creating the illusion of a larger stone without the added expense.

  • Flush Setting

While a flush setting offers added protection for your stone, if you choose this type of setting you must make sure it’s done correctly. If done incorrectly, your diamond can become loose and fall out. A flush setting involves creating a tapered hole within the band. The diamond remains secure because of the surrounding metal pressing against it.

While there are endless versions of these ring settings and others, I’ve listed several of the more common styles. With a little research, you can choose a quality setting that not only reflects your bride-to-be’s unique taste, but remains as beautiful as the diamond you put in it.

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