Diamond Ring Setting Styles

The most common style of diamond ring is the claw (prong) setting, with other designs including channel, bezel, and pavé.

Claw or Prong

The claw, or prong, setting style is the most popular engagement ring setting, largely due to its minimal presence of metal, which allows the diamond to be the highlight of the piece.

The claws — of which there are usually four or six — secure the diamond in place and sit in what is called a ‘head’ or ‘basket’. The top of the claws can be rounded, pointed, flat or V-shaped (great for the corners of square-shape diamonds).

Six-claw settings are popular as it is the more secure option, however, four-claw designs like the ring below showcase the diamond better by allowing more light in, thus maximising the diamond's brilliance.

Bezel

In a bezel setting, metal surrounds the girdle and encases the diamond, both protecting the diamond and giving a ring a modern and contemporary appearance.

The bezel design is easy to wear and is perfect for those with an active and busy lifestyle, and it does not compromise the beauty of the diamond.

The bezel setting can be full or half bezel. The full bezel completely encases the diamond whereas the half bezel leaves the sides open.

 

Tension

The tension setting is where a compression-spring pressure of metal secures the diamond in place. It creates the appearance of a ‘floating’ diamond between two sides of the band and allows light in to maximise diamond sparkle.

 

Channel

Popular for wedding bands and engagement ring accent diamonds, the channel setting is where the diamonds are set flush and suspended between two rows or walls of metal (creating a ‘channel’) but with no metal between the diamonds.  

This setting protects the girdle of the diamonds and gives peace of mind with extra security and a smooth surface. 

 

Pavé

Pavé (pronounced pah-vay) is where the small accent diamonds are set closely together and secured by small metal ‘bead claws’.

This is a glamorous setting style as the beads create an uninterrupted appearance and enhance the sparkle of the diamonds.  

 

Flush

The flush setting style is where the diamond is ‘shot set’ into the ring and the diamond sits flush with the metal. No claws or beads are used to secure the diamond but the ring metal is pressed around the diamond to secure it in place.

This type of setting is popular for men’s diamond wedding rings (usually one diamond is set into the upper corner of the ring).

Bar

The bar setting is where the diamonds are held in place by a vertical bar of metal between the diamonds and is a variation of the channel setting.

This type of setting can be used to secure tapered baguette and other fancy shape accent or shoulder diamonds.