What are the 5 types of settings for an engagement ring? And how do you choose the right setting for your ring?

We know that choosing an engagement ring isn't easy. We recommend that you first decide which model you prefer from among the different types of engagement rings such as solitaireIf you've opted for a ring with a stone, the setting is one of the essential stages in the manufacture of a piece of jewelry, during which the precious stones are attached to the gold setting. The main purpose of the setting is to hold a gemstone securely in place and show it off to its best advantage in terms of size, clarity and color.

When choosing a piece of jewelry, whether it's a ring, a pendant or a pair of earrings with a diamond or a colored stoneselecting the right type of setting is important.

1. The claw set, or claw kitten

The claw setting is the best-known and most popular. In fact, this type of setting enhances the stone, as the openings on the sides allow light to pass through to the back of the stone, and the claws uncover a large part of the top of the stone. This is the setting that uses the least amount of metal.

If you're looking to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of your stone, and you're careful, this type of setting is for you.

Let's say you opt for a claw setting. 

For a colored stone or a synthetic diamond brilliant-cut, round or oval, we offer a traditional 4-claw or 6-claw setting, the latter being more suitable for larger stones.

For a princess-cut (square), rectangular (emerald-cut), marquise or pear-shaped stone, corner settings protect the corners of the stone.

Once the type of claw has been chosen, it remains to decide on the shape of the claw itself:

- round claws are the most common, as on our Lucia model

- the eagle-beak claws have a triangular tip, as on our Jacqueline model. They become sharper on the stone.

Care: claw settings are generally very durable when well made and cared for, but claws can sometimes catch on clothing and become deformed. We therefore recommend that you have them retightened every five years to ensure that they hold the stone properly.

Good to know: the claw setting is not recommended for soft or more fragile stones such as emerald, tanzanite and opal.

2. Closed setting

The closed setting is a style of setting where the stone is surrounded by a metal rim, rather than being held in place by the four or six claws you're used to seeing on a solitaire ring.

This setting is one of the safest you can choose, as the stone is held in place by the metal that has been pressed onto the stone. The bevels also add extra protection to the stone, making it a great option for softer stones such as emerald, tanzanite and opal.

Its durability makes it ideal for people with active or sporty lifestyles.

While stones set using this method are very well maintained, one drawback is that, due to the nature of the setting, less light passes under the stone. This is why you need to choose stones in light or vivid hues.

It's an excellent setting for cabochons, whether traditional or freeform, but also for faceted gemstones and diamonds.

Closed-set rings such as Solférine Isandre ring are often sought after for their modern look and practicality, but that doesn't mean they're any less beautiful. This sober, elegant setting protects the diamond and keeps the eye firmly on the stone, making it an elegant attraction.

3. Mass setting

Flush setting is very popular for men's rings and weddings, as it gives a simple, clean look. It is also a very secure setting, as the stone is held in place by the metal that has been pushed over the stone.

Pressure setting (also known as flush or rubbed setting) involves setting diamonds into metal so that the surface is flush and smooth. Pressure setting is generally used for small stones.

4. Bead setting or paving

A pavé setting (pronounced "pa-vay" on the other side of the Atlantic) consists of setting small diamonds very close together, with a minimum of visible metal between each stone. The result is a diamond-encrusted look, as if the ring had been "paved" with diamonds. This paving creates a continuous sparkling surface. 

The advantages of pavé setting are that the gemstones shine more brightly and you don't see the metal of the setting. It's forgotten, in favor of the stones. The result is a stunning line of light and sparkle.

5. The millegrain setting

Often described as a crown of "little pearls", millegrain - also spelled "milgrain" - is an ancient ornamentation technique in which small metal grains are used to create borders. A sign of true craftsmanship, it lends a retro or vintage charm to the engagement ring. 

It has been updated in many eras. While the popularity of millegrain reached its peak during the Art Deco era of the 1930s, this highly recognizable style first came to prominence thousands of years ago in Asia, when jewelry artisans painstakingly added tiny metal beads to the design by hand.

You've reviewed a bunch of diamond engagement rings, but none of them have that "je ne sais quoi" you're looking for in the ring you're going to wear for the rest of your life? Discover the millegrain, with our model as an example Madeleine Isilde - diamond.

Attention to detail explains why millegrain was the jewelry style of choice in the first half of the 20th century. Creating a piece with millegrain took a considerable amount of time - and this time spent showed the recipient how much the giver loved it and cared about it (who wouldn't feel loved if they received a piece of jewelry that had taken hours and hours to make?). Today's manufacturing techniques greatly facilitate the work of jewelers and gem setters, but millegrain is still a setting that requires a great deal of precision and dexterity, for a perfect finish. 

This intricate work is a perfect way to add a touch of elegance and character to the engagement ring without overdoing it.

When it comes to choosing the setting style for your ring or piece of jewelry, consider both practical and aesthetic aspects. Indeed, some styles may not be a viable option for you, depending on your profession, your hobbies or your daily life in general.

We hope this information about the types of settings used on your jewelry helps you make a more informed decision about what's best for you. 

Other articles you might be interested in about engagement rings :

What is the meaning of an engagement ring?On which finger should an engagement ring be worn?Gemology glossaryThe different shapes of stonesThe essential diamondstone symbolismour stoneswhich stone to choose for an engagement ring?