We have been doing a lot of custom wedding bands and engagement rings lately, so we decided to do a little blog post about the different stone settings we use for those of you who are interested in a custom design that includes stones. In the end, which setting you choose to use in your design mostly depends on which one you like the most. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to each setting, that should also be taken into account.
Flush setting A flush setting is when we cut a hole into the band, just big enough to fit the stone, and then tighten the metal around the stone to secure it. This setting is very secure, and requires little maintenance, because the stone sits directly in the band, which means the setting gets very little wear and therefore lasts longer. We use this setting a lot to add smaller diamonds to a wedding band or to create a scattered diamond design.
Pictured is the Starburst Anniversary Band.
Prong setting The prong setting is a very common and tradition setting when it comes to engagement rings. This setting lets light in all sides of the stone (including the bottom) and it really allows the stone to sparkle. The prong is basically a big claw that gets tightened around the stone. Because it sticks out, it is easy to knock it against something, which can bend or loosen the prongs. This setting is less secure and requires a little bit of maintenance (tightening the prongs) every now and then.
Pictured is the Stacking Solstice Wedding and Engagement Ring.
Bezel setting A bezel setting is when a tube of metal fits to the stone and gets soldered to the band. The stone then gets set in the tube and the metal of the tube gets pressed over the edge of the stone. This setting is one of the oldest and most secure settings there is. It protects the stone against scratches and breaking. The flush setting mentioned above is a variation of the bezel setting.
Pictured is the Cumulus Stacking Ring.
Pave setting The pave setting is a setting where generally smaller stones are set very closely next to each other with little metal mini-prongs between the stones. This setting is often used to bring out the larger center stone.
Pictured is the French Pave Contour Wedding Band.
Channel setting As the name suggests, this setting refers to many uniform sized stones being set between two metal bars - a channel. Once the stones have been put in place, the metal bars are pressed together to secure the stones. The idea behind this setting is similar to the prong setting. This setting is often used in wedding bands or to show of a bigger stone in an engagement ring.
Pictured is the Channel Eternity Band.