Posts Tagged ‘unique engagement ring settings’

 

Choosing a Tension Setting for your Engagement Ring

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Tension settings are a very contemporary design that allow engagement rings to be transformed into an elegant and unique symbol of your relationship. This type of setting is perfect for highlighting the beauty of a sparkling diamond, but they are not for everyone.

 

Before choosing a tension setting for your engagement ring, you should understand both the benefits and drawbacks.

 

What Are Tension Settings?

Tension settings are a very modern design that are created to allow the illusion that the gemstone is floating in midair. In reality, however, the entire band holds the stone in place rather than a more traditional prong setting.

 

While at first look it might seem that a tension setting isn’t very secure, they are actually more secure than a typical 4 or 6 prong setting because the metal used for a tension setting is often much stronger. Additionally, the entire band comes into contact with the stone, which allows for a much tighter fit than with a prong setting.

 

Tension Setting Designs

While most tension set engagement rings are typically a simple round diamond held within the band, there are many more unique variations that couples may want to consider.

 

For example, you can add other gemstones as accents, and have them channel or flush set into the overall band. Accent stones are a nice complement to a central gemstone, and offer a unique approach to the typical tension set engagement ring.

 

You could also vary the shape of the stone for a distinctive look. Alternatively, you can have filigree patterns or symbols incorporated into the band for a classic and alternative look.

 

While tension settings were initially very popular with men’s rings, more brides-to-be are turning to tension settings as a unique alternative to other types of engagement ring settings.

 

As far as metal choices are concerned, titanium is the best and most popular metal to use for tension set engagement rings. However, some jewelers may offer various designs crafted from white or yellow gold, platinum or even stainless steel as well.

 

For gemstones, only the hardest stones can be used in a tension setting. Diamonds are the most popular and obvious choice, but rubies or sapphires can also be used because they are strong enough to withstand the pressure of a tension setting.

 

Things to Consider

While tension settings are an attractive and unique alternative to traditional engagement ring settings, there are certain things to consider before you choose this type of setting for your ring.

 

For one, engraving or resizing is usually impossible. Engraving can weaken the strength of the band, and resizing cannot usually be done because the ring was designed around a specific gemstone with the exact strength it needed to hold the stone. Additionally, most tension set engagement rings cannot usually be worn or paired with an elaborate wedding ring because of how it was designed.

 

For the bride-to-be who wants a contemporary engagement ring design but still enjoy the beauty and elegance of a sparkling gemstone, a tension setting may be the perfect choice.

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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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