Engagement Ring Settings: A Practical Guide

High Set Engagement Rings

A high-set engagement ring prominently positions the featured diamond or gemstone, creating a stunning visual impact.

If the stone protrudes noticeably above your finger, it’s a high-profile setting. While high-set rings add a touch of glamour, they come with some drawbacks.

High settings come with several advantages. Firstly, they boast remarkable visual appeal, giving the gemstone a larger and more dazzling appearance, catering to those who favor a bold and flashy look.

Using lab-grown diamonds, natural diamonds, or moissanite gives it an elegant appeal.

Additionally, these settings enhance brilliance as more light interacts with the gemstone’s facets, resulting in an extra layer of sparkle.

Their versatility is another pro, as high settings complement a wide range of ring designs, offering flexibility in style choices.

Moreover, they’re known for their compatibility with wedding bands, allowing these bands to fit snugly against the engagement ring, simplifying the process of pairing.

However, it’s essential to consider the drawbacks as well. High-set rings are more vulnerable to damage, scratches, and dings, making them less suitable for individuals with active lifestyles.

Furthermore, these settings tend to snag on clothing and other items, potentially causing inconvenience. 

Low-Set Engagement Rings

Low-set engagement rings position the gemstone closer to the finger, ensuring comfort and practicality, especially for those with active lifestyles. However, they may sacrifice some brilliance for convenience.

Low-set rings offer several notable advantages. Firstly, they provide exceptional comfort for individuals with active lifestyles and busy hands, making them a perfect choice for those constantly moving.

Their durability is another pro, as they are less prone to accidental damage or snagging on clothing, ensuring a longer-lasting and resilient piece of jewelry.

Additionally, low-set rings are renowned for their long-term wearability, designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use without compromising style or comfort.

However, it’s crucial to be aware of certain limitations. Low settings are typically more suitable for smaller gemstones, as larger ones may require a higher setting for proper display and security.

Consequently, this can lead to a limitation in terms of the size of the gemstone you can choose.

Furthermore, low-set rings may capture less light, reducing sparkle and brilliance than their higher-set counterparts. This can be seen as a potential downside for those seeking maximum radiance.

Best High Profile Engagement Ring Settings

• • Prong Setting

Versatile and popular, prong settings hold the gemstone with either four or six prongs, allowing light to enhance its brilliance. While budget-friendly and easy to clean, they can catch on clothing and require regular maintenance.

• • Cathedral Setting

This timeless setting raises the gemstone above the ring’s shank, making it appear larger. It’s secure but may be challenging to clean and is vulnerable to snagging.

• • Trellis Setting

A variation of a prong setting, trellis settings use a cross pattern of four prongs, offering classic and vintage styles. They are flexible in design but require maintenance and are unsuitable for active lifestyles.

Best Low-Profile Engagement Ring Settings

• • Bezel Setting

Known for security, bezel settings encircle the gemstone with a metal rim. They are easy to maintain and comfortable for everyday wear but may have reduced brilliance.

• • Tension Style Setting

Unique and modern tension settings use the ring’s bands to hold the gemstone, allowing maximum light exposure. However, they are more expensive, require maintenance, and are not ideal for active lifestyles.

• • Solitaire Setting

Simple and classic solitaire settings use prongs like claws in a basket to maximize brilliance. They are budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and suitable for any lifestyle.