6 Popular Styles Explained With Pictures
Pavé-Set Diamonds
Pavé settings produce an all over glow by arranging the diamonds low and close together using small metal beads or prongs barely visible beneath the canopy of sparkle. White gold is a popular choice for pavé-set jewellery, as some believe it blends more easily with the diamonds than yellow or rose gold, allowing them to glow effortlessly with low metal visibility.
Channel-Set Diamonds
Channel settings feature diamonds set between two vertical metal walls, creating a flat profile for ultimate protection. There is no metal between the diamonds, allowing maximum light to flood the stones.
In most cases, the metal in channel settings slightly overlaps the side of the diamonds, forming a small lip that shields them from accidental knocks. The absence of prongs or claws in channel settings makes this snag-free design unlikely to catch on clothes or hair.
Due to its flat profile, channel settings are a popular choice for women’s wedding bands, as well as similarly styled stackable rings, which can be worn in tandem. They also feature heavily in the shanks of Timeless engagement rings, adding side sparkle for extra effect.
Cleaning channel-set diamonds is more difficult than other settings, as dirt can build up inside the channels. With SH’s complimentary jewellery cleaning service, however, you won’t have to worry about cleaning diamond jewellery at home.
In most cases, the metal in channel settings slightly overlaps the side of the diamonds, forming a small lip that shields them from accidental knocks. The absence of prongs or claws in channel settings makes this snag-free design unlikely to catch on clothes or hair.
Due to its flat profile, channel settings are a popular choice for women’s wedding bands, as well as similarly styled stackable rings, which can be worn in tandem. They also feature heavily in the shanks of Timeless engagement rings, adding side sparkle for extra effect.
Cleaning channel-set diamonds is more difficult than other settings, as dirt can build up inside the channels. With SH’s complimentary jewellery cleaning service, however, you won’t have to worry about cleaning diamond jewellery at home.
Prong-Set / Claw-Set Diamonds
Prong settings (also known as claw settings) feature two or more metal prongs that wrap around the crown of the diamond. Once the diamond is placed inside the basket-like prong formation, the prongs are bent to tightly secure the stone in place.
While rounded prongs are the most common type of SH claw setting, we also offer more decorative designs like square, heart, pointed and arrow-shaped claws.
With minimal metal required in prong settings, more light is able to pass through the diamond for maximum shine. With much of the diamond exposed, prong settings are very easy to maintain and clean, and can be easily modified to lower or elevate the setting if you wish to add more diamonds in future.
Poorly made prongs can easily snag on clothes and bedsheets, compromising the integrity of the design over time. While SH Jewellery’s prototype wear-testing procedures ensure our settings can withstand the events of day-to-day life, we recommend having your prong-set engagement ring inspected at our Melbourne jewellery store every 6-12 months, either by visiting us in-store or securely posting your item back to us.
Bezel-Set Diamonds
Floating / Tension-Set Diamonds
Diagonal Floating Diamond Pendant
Eternity Diamond Rings
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