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Choosing a good ring setting is as important as choosing a good diamond because it’s the craftsmanship of the mounting that will ultimately define the ring’s overall style
If you are in the market for a 3 carat diamond ring, it’s important to thoroughly research all the available ring setting options. When you’re spending thousands of dollars on a special and emotional purchase, you need to be careful while choosing the ring setting because it’s the mounting of your 3 carat diamond that will influence the ring’s design.
Apart from providing security for your diamond, a ring setting also contributes to its everlasting beauty. But it can be tough to choose from the different ring setting options, as most of the styles appear quite similar to each other. Yet, each diamond ring setting is different, with a style that sets one apart from another.
Here’s a primer on the best ring setting options for a 3 carat diamond that can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Prong/Solitaire/Tiffany Setting: One of the settings often used in most rings to hold the centre diamond in place is the prong setting. Four or six evenly-spaced metal claws extend from the ring’s base to securely hold the center diamond in place and elevate it above the band of the ring. Also known as the Tiffany setting, the 6-prong ring setting was introduced by Charles Lewis Tiffany in the 19th century and is the most classic setting for an engagement ring because it allows you to see more of the stone and less of the metal, making the diamond appear larger.
Often used in solitaires and also referred to as the Solitaire setting, the prongs can be rounded, pointed, flat or v-shaped, and the number of claws can be customized depending upon the size of the diamond. A 4-prong setting would be perfect for a 3 carat diamond ring as it would allow the maximum amount of light to pass through the diamond to increase its brilliance.
Bezel Setting: Another equally popular method of mounting a diamond on a ring is the bezel setting in which the stone is enclosed inside a thin, metal rim to hold it firmly in the center. The bezel setting offers a choice of encircling the diamond completely with the metal rim or partially with two sides left open. This ring setting provides a sleek, modern look, while protecting the diamond from outside objects, but limits its sparkle. Ideal for mounting a 3 carat diamond, the bezel ring setting can make the stone appear bigger when white gold is used.
Tension setting: If you’re looking to make a unique and modern fashion statement with your 3-carat diamond ring, then the tension setting offers the most interesting style by giving the illusion of the stone floating in the air. Instead of prongs, the tension setting holds the center diamond using the pressure of a custom-designed band made from spring-loaded metal that pushes into the sides of the stone. The minimal use of metal in the tension setting makes the diamond appear suspended in mid-air, lending the ring a modern look. A 3 carat diamond can easily withstand the pressure exerted by the tension setting, which also allows a lot of light into the stone as it is open on the sides to leave almost 100% of the diamond visible.
Cathedral Setting: One of the most elegant ring settings, the cathedral setting uses metal arches to mount the diamond above the rest of the shank, thus raising the center stone high above the finger and making it appear larger. In the cathedral setting, sweeping arches of precious metal frame the diamond on either side to hold it in place using a prong, bezel or tension setting.
The result is a design that exudes the grace and elegance of a cathedral, which is why the cathedral setting still remains one of the most popular mounting options for a ring. You can choose from a number of variations of the cathedral setting for a 3-carat diamond ring, including arches with different degrees and widths, convex or concave curves, square, rounded or tapered edges, and solid or split band arches.
Halo Setting: If you want to add an extra layer of sparkle to your 3 carat diamond ring, then the halo setting is a good choice as it surrounds the centre stone with two rows of tiny diamonds in a concentric circle to create a dazzling radiance. The center stone is held in place by the diamond-encrusted collar in a double halo setting, which can be either round or squared off on the sides. The diamonds around the perimeter of the center stone protects it from scratching against surfaces, while lending a feminine and delicate look to the ring.
Pavé Setting: In the pavé (French word for “paved” and pronounced as “pah-vay”) setting, the surface of the ring band is literally paved with three or more rows of several small diamonds, while the main diamond rests in the center. The tiny series of diamonds are closely set next to each other without any breaks by inserting them into smaller holes within the ring metal and are held in place by mini prongs. The uninterrupted design flow gives the impression of the entire ring being made out of diamonds to create plenty of sparkle and brilliance, but could distract a bit from the beauty of your 3 carat diamond in the center.
Channel Setting: Similar to the pavé setting, the channel setting also sets smaller diamonds in a row into the ring band, but sandwiches them tightly between a two-sided metal channel, while the main diamond rests in the center. The row of small stones placed side by side between two horizontal channels without any metal separating them creates the illusion of an uninterrupted line of diamonds. If you want a ring that symbolizes the harmonious continuity of love and commitment, then the channel setting is the right choice for mounting a 3 carat diamond.
You can also combine these ring settings into an unlimited number of new and innovative styles. In the end, keep in mind that the right setting for your ring will be the one that perfectly fits your style and personality and showcases your diamond to its best advantage.