Are you curious about wedding ring settings styles? Well, you’re definitely not alone!
The internet is flooded with numerous guides on wedding band settings, making it quite daunting to navigate through the various classifications.
But fret not! In this Twirl Weddings guide, we’ll delve into the world of band settings and provide answers to these common questions:
- Is the wedding band setting similar to the engagement ring?
- What exactly is a scallop setting?
- Which settings allow more light to pass through?
Wedding Ring Settings vs Engagement Ring Settings
The terms “engagement ring settings,” “wedding ring settings,” and “diamond ring settings” are often used interchangeably. This can be confusing because they can refer to either diamond engagement rings or diamond wedding bands.
Engagement ring settings come in different styles that describe how the stones on the band are set or how the center diamond is held. Let’s explore some of these styles:
1. Halo Setting: This style features a ring of diamonds that surrounds the center diamond, creating a halo effect.
2. Cathedral Setting: In this setting, the center stone is raised above the ring shank, with metal bars supporting it on the sides.
3. Tension Setting: The tension setting gives the illusion of the diamond floating. The two sides of the ring hold the center stone in place, allowing light to pass through from the sides and the bottom.
4. Bypass Setting: Similar to the tension setting, the bypass setting holds the center stone between the two sides of the ring at the top and bottom.
5. Bezel Setting: While bezel settings are commonly used for engagement rings, they can also be found in wedding bands. In this setting, a ring of metal surrounds the center stone, providing a secure and sleek look.
6. Prong Setting/Tiffany Setting: Prong settings are widely used for engagement rings. The center stone is held in place by prongs, which can vary in number. The Tiffany setting is a famous brand of prong setting and is recommended for larger center stones.
7. Solitaire Setting: A solitaire engagement ring features a single center diamond. The ring shank is typically high polished or adorned with designs. Some modern solitaire styles may have a small diamond (under 0.10 carat weight) as a detail in the band.
Remember, these descriptions help you understand the different engagement ring setting styles available.
Popular Wedding Band Settings
Wedding bands are different from engagement rings because they don’t typically have center stones. Instead, the setting names for wedding bands refer to how the accent stones are arranged. Let’s explore some popular ring settings for wedding bands:
Infinity Setting
The infinity setting is a trendy and popular choice for wedding bands. It can be used as both an engagement ring band style and a setting for wedding bands. Sometimes, it may also be referred to as twisted, braided, or woven settings.
Many people love infinity settings for standalone wedding bands or anniversary wedding bands. The continuous loop of infinity symbols creates a wave-like design that can make it challenging to find an engagement ring setting that sits flush against it.
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While not everyone prefers a perfectly symmetrical wedding set, there are retailers who offer infinity wedding rings as matching pieces to engagement ring settings, if that’s what you desire.
RECOMMENDED: Best Infinity Engagement Rings
For those who want extra sparkle in their wedding set, engagement ring infinity settings are an excellent choice. They work especially well for larger center stones since the openness of the infinity sign doesn’t overpower the center stone.
Eternity Band Setting
Nowadays, eternity bands have become incredibly popular choices for wedding bands and stackable rings. However, their origin is not entirely straightforward. You see, the concept of eternity is already symbolized by the circular shape of wedding or engagement rings.
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However, when eternity bands were introduced, diamond advertisers saw an opportunity to sell smaller stones to diamond buyers. This led to the creation of the eternity band. It became more than just a circular metal band representing everlasting commitment.
Eternity rings are adorned with stones that encircle the entire band, creating a continuous sparkle with no end. They were marketed with slogans like, “She married you for richer or for poorer. Let her know how it’s going.” As a result, eternity rings were often purchased as anniversary bands, serving as thoughtful reminders of enduring love and commitment.
RECOMMENDED: Best Place to Buy Eternity Rings Online
Split Shank Setting
Split shank settings can be categorized into two main styles. In this type of setting, the ring band splits open on the sides, resembling two separate bands. However, the split parts of the metal join back together either at the top or bottom of the engagement ring setting. These split shanks can have a smooth, polished surface or may feature small diamonds set with prongs.
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It’s important to note that split shanks primarily impact the design of the ring band and not the setting or shape of the center stone. A split shank can be incorporated into various center stone settings such as bezel, halo, or cluster settings.
Flush Settings
Flush settings can refer to both engagement ring settings and wedding band settings. In a flush setting engagement ring, the center stone is set into the band in a way that it is aligned with the metal surface.
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When we mention flush settings, it usually refers to how the accent stones are set into the metal band. Smaller diamonds are placed into the band and typically secured by hammering the metal around their edges. A bezel setting can also be considered a type of flush setting, but it is also recognized as its own engagement ring setting. This style is often seen in men’s wedding bands featuring a single diamond.
RECOMMENDED: Flush Settings for Engagement Rings
Channel Setting
Here’s another type of band setting that is independent of the center stone placement. Cathedral setting bands often incorporate channel set stones. Channel settings are made by cutting a shallow rectangular groove on the inside of the band. Small stones are then placed closely together within this rectangular channel.
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In channel settings, you will often find round diamonds or princess cut diamonds set adjacent to one another along the band.
RECOMMENDED: Channel Setting For Engagement Rings
Pavé Setting
If you desire more sparkle and less metal in your ring setting, pavé settings are an excellent choice. The term “pavé” originates from the French word meaning a paved road. In pavé settings, diamonds are placed closely together, leaving no visible metal in between. There are various types and styles of pavé settings, including:
- Pavé
- Petite pavé
- Micro pavé
- French pavé (also known as Fishtail Settings)
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It’s worth noting that if the diamonds in a pavé set ring go all around the band, it would also be considered an eternity ring due to the continuous presence of stones.
RECOMMENDED: Pave Setting for an Engagement Ring
Fishtail Setting
A fishtail setting, also known as a French cut setting or French pave setting, is a type of setting commonly used in pave band styles. It refers to the prongs that hold the pave stones in place. Many classic engagement ring settings come with matching wedding bands that feature pave set diamonds.
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When you look at a fishtail setting from the side, you will notice tiny V-shaped prongs on either side of the pave stones. These prongs resemble the end of a fish, hence the name.
Cut Down Settings
This term refers to how the sides of the metal hold pave set diamonds or small diamonds on the band. Cut-down settings are designed to allow more light to enhance the sparkle of the diamonds.
Scallop Settings
Scallop setting is a variation of the cut-down setting. In this type of band setting, the precious metal is cut down to slightly raise the sides against the diamonds. This arrangement exposes more of each stone, allowing more light to pass through the accent diamonds. The smaller diamonds in a scallop setting let in more light, adding extra shimmer and glamour to diamond wedding bands and engagement ring settings.
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Bead Setting
Instead of using prongs, a bead setting uses small metal beads to secure the diamonds. This type of setting is often seen in pave engagement rings.
In a bead setting, the tiny metal beads are placed to hold the diamonds securely. Some settings may even have shared beads, allowing more light to shine through. While bead settings are generally secure, they can wear down over time, similar to prongs. For a stronger bead setting, consider selecting a platinum ring metal.
Bar Settings
Now let’s discuss bar settings. Although they are not as commonly found in wedding bands, they offer a unique and distinctive way to arrange diamonds. In a bar setting, the accent diamond is held in place by metal bars, creating a stylish and elegant look.
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Bezel Setting
As mentioned briefly earlier in our discussion on engagement ring settings, the bezel setting is commonly used for engagement rings. It involves creating a cup-like shape within the band and securely placing a stone inside. The sides of the diamond are then surrounded by a ring of metal, which provides protection to the gemstone in the engagement ring.
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Although bezel wedding bands are less common, they do exist. Some bezel wedding bands feature multiple small diamonds, each closely set within the band using the bezel technique. The bezel setting is highly recommended for both delicate stones and precious diamonds due to its protective nature. In fact, diamond experts often suggest bezel settings for individuals with an active lifestyle, as they offer greater security compared to other types of settings.
RECOMMENDED: Bezel Setting Engagement Ring
Picking the Perfect Style for Your Wedding Ring
In reality, there isn’t an ideal choice for ring settings, just as there isn’t a perfect carat weight for a diamond. Your wedding band should enhance the beauty of your engagement ring and reflect your personal style.
There’s no strict rule stating that your engagement ring settings must match those of your wedding band. However, many people prefer the concept of having matching diamond ring settings. If your engagement ring has a halo setting with smaller stones arranged in a channel, you might want a wedding band that also features channel-set stones.
Now that you understand the distinction between engagement ring settings and wedding ring settings styles, let’s explore some popular options. Solitaire settings and halo engagement rings are widely favored. Additionally, certain engagement ring styles, such as channel settings or bezel ring settings, can also be used for wedding bands.
Regardless of the engagement ring trends you choose to follow or if you opt to create your own unique wedding set, the most important thing is that you adore it. That’s the only thing that truly matters!