The Art of Diamond Setting
Diamonds are not only a girl’s best friend but also an embodiment of eternal elegance and timeless beauty.
These precious gems, formed deep within the Earth, have captivated humans for centuries. Our expert setters use advanced techniques to enhance each diamond’s brilliance and fire.
Diamond setting is one of the most intricate and demanding stages in fine jewellery creation. It refers to the skilled process of securing a diamond or gemstone onto a piece of jewellery — such as a ring, necklace, or earrings — through exact positioning within a finely crafted metal framework.
Let’s explore the most popular diamond setting styles, each with its own beauty and benefits.
PRONG SETTING:
The prong (or claw) diamond setting is one of the most classic and popular styles, especially for engagement rings. Typically featuring four or six prongs, this classic method involves securing the diamond using metal prongs that allow maximum light to penetrate the stone.
Depending on the design aesthetic, the prongs can be Rounded, V-shaped, Talon, or Flat. Prong settings emphasise the diamond’s brilliance by exposing the maximum surface area of the stone to light from all angles.
💎 Best for brilliance: Allows the most light into the stone, maximising sparkle.
💎 Popular for solitaire rings: Ideal when you want the diamond to be the centre of attention.
RUBOVER SETTING:
The rubover or Bezel setting surrounds the diamond with a continuous metal edge.
This style offers a modern, sleek look and provides superior protection for the stone. It is also an excellent option for highlighting the diamond’s shape and colour.
💎 Great for active lifestyles: Offers excellent protection for the diamond.
💎 Modern appearance: Ideal for those who prefer a clean, contemporary look.
CHANNEL SETTING:
The channel setting is commonly used for smaller diamonds, such as those in wedding or eternity bands. Diamonds are placed in a groove between two metal strips, creating a smooth, secure line of stones with no prongs.
💎 Perfect for wedding bands: Offers a sleek, modern profile.
💎 Secure and stylish: Protects stones from knocks and wear.
PAVÉ SETTING:
Pavé (French for “paved”) involves setting small diamonds closely together with tiny metal beads to create a glittering surface. This style often enhances centre stones or adds dazzling texture to shoulders and bands.
💎 Brilliant texture: Great for adding shimmer to bands and halos.
💎 Luxury look: Ideal for those who love sparkle from every angle.
CASTLE (SCALLOPED) SETTING:
This decorative setting features scalloped cut-outs beneath the diamonds, resembling castle battlements. It allows more light into each stone from the side, creating extra brilliance and a more intricate look.
💎 Elegant and decorative: Ideal for halos and eternity rings.
💎 Detailed finish: Adds beauty and light from multiple angles.
FISHTAIL SETTING:
The fishtail setting uses prongs that flare out like a fishtail, offering subtle vintage charm and secure sparkle. It’s commonly used for small accent stones along ring shoulders or wedding bands.
💎 Subtle vintage flair: Prong shape adds character and elegance.
💎 Ideal for shoulders and bands: Works beautifully with melee diamonds.
TENSION SETTING:
The tension setting holds the diamond in place by applying pressure between the two ends of the band, creating a floating effect. This modern and bold look showcases the diamond from all sides and is ideal for those seeking a striking style.
💎 Floating illusion: Modern design that makes the diamond appear suspended.
FLUSH SETTING:
In a flush setting, the diamond sits level with the metal surface in a drilled hole. It’s highly durable and snag-free. Flush settings are popular in men’s wedding rings and modern unisex designs.
💎 Ultra-secure: Great for everyday wear and hands-on lifestyles.
💎 Minimalist and sleek: Clean look with subtle sparkle.
Final Thoughts
Every setting tells a story — of style, craftsmanship, and personal preference. At Icecool Diamonds, we’ll guide you through the options so your ring is as practical as it is breathtaking.
Whether it’s a timeless solitaire or a bespoke eternity band, your diamond deserves a setting that does it justice — and we’re here to make it happen.
