Settings, also known as mounts, are what unite diamonds and engagement rings. They hold diamonds in place, securing the jewels to the band. Depending on the mount, they may serve decorative purposes, adding a touch of color or texture to diamond bands, or other visual flourishes. Certain settings also help to protect diamonds from accidental chips or other damage.

Prong settingsEngagement ring vocabulary are one of the most popular mounts for diamond bands. Wires extending from the shank, known as prongs, are used to hold the gemstone in place. This allows for plenty light to enter and reflect from the diamond, and provides more views of the stone. Rings with four or six prongs are common in engagement rings.

The bead set is a variation on prong mount, used to hold diamonds in a discrete fashion, allowing a greater view of the gemstone. Bead mounts are created when a jeweler used a tool to raise a ball of metal from the diamond engagement ring. This bead is then pushed over the diamond, securing the stone in place.

Bezel settings use a strip of precious metal which wraps around the girdle of the diamond, holding the gem secure. For people with active lifestyles or diamonds with fragile cuts, diamond bands with bezel mounts are a good choice, as the metal rim protects the entire girdle from possible harm. Another advantage to bezel settings is the mounting can serve as a spot of color or add decorative texture to the diamond engagement ring.

A half bezel setting differs from a regular bezel setting in that it uses two, rather than a single piece of metal to hold the stone on a diamond engagement ring. The length of these two strips of metal is shorter than the circumference of the diamond girdle, allowing gaps in the setting. The space between the two bezels allows more light to enter the jewel, promoting the brilliance of diamond bands while giving the diamond the protection of a bezel set.

Tension set diamond engagement rings forgo prongs, grooves, rims, and even the bezels of diamond bands. To the casual eye, the diamond in a tension set ring looks as though it’s floating in a gap in the band. This effect is achieved by cutting notches to help accommodate the girdle, and the use of pressure to hold the jewel in place. Due to the tensions needed to hold the gemstone still, only strong gemstones like diamonds are compatible with this setting.

Pave settings are often used to highlight larger gemstones in a diamond engagement ring. The mount uses many tiny diamonds, often round, to encrust parts of the ring. Diamonds are held in place with discrete prongs so as not to take focus away from the jewels. Pave settings are a popular way of adding luster to a diamond engagement ring.

Channel settings are commonly used for diamond eternity bands or side stones for diamond engagement rings. Gemstones are placed edge to edge in a groove formed within the shank. Once all the jewels are in place, the edges of the groove are pushed over the gemstones, holding them in place. Typically stones of uniform cut and size are used for channel settings, though some versions may use graduated stones, depending on the shape of the diamond bands.

The trellis is a type of prong setting which provides additional embellishment to diamond engagement rings. When viewed from the top, the setting may appear to have the typical wires. When viewed form the side, the prongs seem to go past the bottom of the diamond and sit upon the band. The lower prongs curve, overlapping one another. Trellis settings may be used on solitaire diamond bands as well as those with multiple jewels.

Cathedral settings are another variant of the prong mount, which places the diamond on a pedestal. Around the shoulders, the diamond engagement ring’s shank splits in two. The lower portion provides a setting for the jewel to sit, while the upper halves of the shank reach up to embrace the diamond’s pavilion. The gemstone itself is held in place with a basket made of prongs which is attached to the lower band of the diamond engagement ring. Cathedral settings not only draw attention to the diamond, it allows extra light to travel through the stone.

 

Ring Tips
Ring tipsSelecting your diamond engagement ring, diamond wedding ring, or diamond anniversary bands helps to mark supposed happy moments in your life. Wearing these diamonds bands show that you’re in a relationship with someone who cares deeply about you, and your love for them. Whichever ring you select, it should be comfortable, beautiful and full of personal meaning.

What makes the best ring is subjective. Different people have varying opinions on what makes diamond bands pretty. Simple versus extravagant, many diamonds or just one, and choice of precious metal are all factors to consider. Subtler considerations in choosing diamond bands include fit, comfort, and lifestyle compatibility.

 

Ring Size
A diamond engagement ring that is too small may not fit the finger; one that’s too large may slip off. Wearing a second, closer fitting guard ring such as a diamond wedding ring may help hold things in place, it’s best that all your diamond bands fit well. Finding your ring size is as simple as requesting a free ring sizer from Valentin Magro. For those who live outside the United States, or are in a hurry to find out their ring size may print a free sizing sheet.

 

Activity Level
When choosing your diamond bands, it helps to consider your lifestyle. Gemstones worn on the hand are subject to encounters with soap, lotion and other substances. The jewels my also bang against walls, tables and other hard surfaces. To help your rings last a lifetime are an array of settings and durable stones and metals.

Not only do diamonds represent the strength of a romantic bond, they are physically strong as well. The only thing that can scratch them is another diamond making diamond bands a good choice for wedding and engagement rings. In other ways, diamonds can be fragile. Due to diamonds’ atomic bonds, if the stone is hit at certain angles, it may break. This is especially true where the jewel is thin, such as girdles, points and corners.

One way to protect your jewels is by finding the right settings. A person who’s always on the go may be better suited wearing diamond bands with bezel or channel settings, which uses strips of metal to hold the gemstone in place, rather than thin wires. V shaped prongs are another good choice for protecting the corners and tips of diamonds. Pave and bead mounts, which use tiny flecks of metal to hold jewels in place, may be more compatible with those who have a more sedate lifestyle.

The choice of metal should also be considered. Most precious metals used in jewelry are alloyed with other substances in order to add durability to the finished ring. While there is some jewelry available in pure or nearly pure metals, they are more likely to sport dents and other damage from frequent use. Durability must be balanced with aesthetics when selecting a diamond engagement ring, diamond wedding band or diamond anniversary bands meant for daily wear.

 

Ring Care
Your diamond engagement ring is a sign of happiness that comes from a committed relationship. It’s meant to be worn all day, every day, as a way of showcasing your joy. It also means that your diamond bands get exposure to dust, lotion and other substances that may dull its brilliance. There is also a possibility that with time, the settings on your ring may loosen, increasing the risk that the jewels on your diamond engagement ring may rub and scratch one another. A few precautions will leave your ring as lovely as the day you first wore it.

A simple way of keeping your diamonds pristine is through regular cleaning. Home cleaning can range from ultrasonic cleaners, toothbrush and gentle abrasives, or a damp cloth and mild detergent. When in doubt, the gentler approach is best. This is especially true with diamond bands set with other, more fragile gemstones, and diamonds with characteristics that may make them more delicate than other stones.

Another way to clean diamonds at home is to soak your engagement rings, wedding bands and diamond anniversary bands in a combination of water, dish soap and ammonia. For deeper cleaning, the diamond bands may be scrubbed with a toothbrush or the cleaning mixture may be heated to boiling. It should be noted that this approach should only be used with diamond or corundum jewelry. More fragile pieces may be unable to withstand drastic cleaning.

Some diamond engagement rings and wedding bands may have received treatments which could be damaged from some forms of cleaning. Be sure to ask your jeweler about gemstone treatments, and if there are any that require special care. By law, vendors must disclose any and all gemstone treatments, especially those that are ephemeral. It should also be noted that certain clarity characteristics such as surface reaching blemishes may not respond well to cleaning and may accidentally trap detergent or otherwise not look as pristine as you wish.

In regards to settings, if you’re concerned that your gemstones are becoming loose in their diamond bands, please consult your jeweler. They should be able to check the security of your ring mountings, and do repairs as necessary. Your jeweler may also be able to provide professional cleanings, as well as to solder engagement rings and wedding bands together to prevent rubbing.

When storing your diamond bands, take care to place them in separate compartments. Diamonds from different rings may bump against one other and the bands, scratching one another. People who wear their engagement rings and wedding bands stacked one atop the other may want to consider fusing the two together, reducing the risk of damage. For those with limited space in their jewelry boxes, you may want to consider separate bags or wrapping your diamond bands in tissue paper for storage.

 

The Right Jewelry for Your Skin
The right jewelry for your skinWhen it comes to diamond bands meant for daily use, comfort is paramount. No matter how beautiful a diamond engagement ring or diamond wedding band is, if it feels unpleasant less likely to be worn. Those with skin sensitivities need to be especially careful about the choice of metal for their diamond bands. Fortunately, many precious metals such as gold and platinum are safe for skin.

To make precious metal easier to shape and sturdier to wear, it’s blended with other substances, a process known as alloying. Copper is commonly added to silver, iridium or palladium to platinum, and a variety of metals to gold. Nickel is sometimes used to add strength to precious metal, like with white gold engagement rings. This metal can also cause allergic reactions to those who wear it.

The most straightforward way to avoid reactions with nickel is to avoid diamond bands which contain the material. When selecting your ring, feel free to ask about what materials are alloyed with the precious metals. If you’re still unsure, diamond bands with high purity like 18 karat yellow gold is recommended by places like the Mayo Clinic. Those with other skin sensitivities also do well with metal with purity grades such as gold 14 karats or higher.

 

Symbols
Diamond bands are exchanged and worn as signs of devotion. The diamonds themselves signify the bonds of love and marriage, their unparalleled hardness representing a strong relationship. For some, having a diamond is symbol enough for displaying their happiness. The more sentimentally inclined may prefer to add designs to their engagement rings and wedding bands as a further expression of love.

The heart has been used as a romantic symbol since the Middle Ages. It can be portrayed on diamond bands as heart shaped diamonds, engravings, or a series of small diamonds pave set into a heart. The shape can even be incorporated into the settings. Some diamond engagement ring designs have mounts, which when viewed from the side, resemble a row of hearts.

Diamond eternity bands consist of small diamonds which surround the entire ring. Like the love one has for their partner, the circle of diamonds is endless. The cut, carat and mounting of the diamonds may vary, but the meaning remains the same. Diamond eternity bands are popular rings for weddings and anniversaries.

For an antique look, you may want to consider lover’s knot imagery. The knots may take on different appearances, such as figure eights encrusted with jewels, or interlocking wires surrounding a single diamond. All variations of lover’s knots have a common meaning, that of an everlasting relationship. The motif is particularly well suited for diamond wedding bands, coordinating with the phrase “to tie the knot.”

Another ancient symbol used for diamond bands is that of clasped hands. This imagery first appeared in the Roman era and has been used ever since. The two hands may stand in for friendship, love, commitment and other bonds. They were commonly worn as engagement rings and wedding bands. You can update your ring with diamonds, such as a pave setting along the wrists, or feature the two hands holding a jewel.

Flowers have long been admired for their beauty and incorporated into art and jewelry. Different species of flowers are assigned special meanings, many of them connected to romance and devotion. Rose motifs on diamond engagement rings and diamond wedding bands can mean love, unity or gratitude, while sunflowers represent adoration and violets for faithfulness. Incorporating flower imagery on your ring can highlight its sentimentality and provide additional ways to express your feelings.

 

Budget
Diamond engagement rings, wedding bands and diamond anniversary bands are crafted by skilled artisans from rare materials. The prices reflect the material and labor involved in making the rings. A connoisseur who wants a ring to perfectly express their devotion often must balance desire with what they can afford. Fortunately, there are ways to find diamond bands within one’s means.

Those looking for affordable diamond bands may want to consider cut and shape. Square diamonds like the princess cut preserve more carat weight than the classic round brilliant. Cushion cuts are another possibility, as they were developed to balance weight retention with brilliance. Elongated diamonds such as oval and marquise cuts are also economical, as they appear larger than their weight implies.

Larger diamonds are rarer than smaller ones. A diamond engagement ring with two half carat jewels may be more affordable than engagement rings with a solitaire one carat gem. Selecting diamonds of moderate size may help make the ring affordable. Diamonds with high color grade such as G or H are less available and in greater demand than diamonds with color ratings like L. Mounting such jewels in yellow gold will downplay tints in the stone.

Another possibility to help diamond bands fit your budget is by substituting one precious metal for another. For example, someone who enjoys the appearance of silver toned metal may select white gold engagement rings in lieu of platinum, which is costlier. Another option is to choose a gold engagement ring with a lower karat, such as 14 rather than 18.

The choice of mounting may also help your diamond bands look luxurious. Illusion settings surrounds brilliant cut diamonds with a border of polished metal to give the appearance of greater size. Halos can produce a similar effect, surrounding a diamond with even smaller diamonds, adding greater brilliance to diamond bands.