Guide to Diamond Jewelry Settings

You already have natural instincts on what makes for a pretty jewelry piece, but are you an expert on what settings exist to hold the diamonds in place?

Consider a diamond engagement ring. Settings are essential to these diamond rings for many more reasons than just securing a diamond on a band. A setting helps determine diamond jewelry style and the look a jewelry piece evokes. Below I take a look at, and define, setting options available. Knowing what these settings are will help transform any average Joe into more of a diamond jewelry connoisseur.

Bezel Setting: This setting means a diamond is set inside and supported by a metal tube. One upside of this setting is it securely holds a stone in place and is a wonderful option for the next Billy Blanks or Maria Sharapova. A princess cut solitaire diamond looks great in this setting. Partial bezels are also available, meaning the stone is only semi-surrounded with a metal, thus creating more visibility for showing off the bling as well as evoking a more contemporary look.

Channel Setting: Stones flow in a continuous row in this setting, and although the metal does hold the bling in place, it doesn’t divide any of the stones from one another. The look is sleek and elegant. A tennis bracelet or a diamond engagement ring fits the bill well for this setting.

Chaton Setting: This setting, which also goes by the names coronet or arcade, occurs when the stone is held in place via a multitude of metal claws around a metal band.

Gipsy Setting: A stone takes a plunge into the metal for this setting. Often, the stone is surrounded by engraved designs. This style is a perfect option for a diamond wedding band.

Tension Setting: Stones are held in place using tension created between two or more bands of metal. This setting creates a diamond floating mirage and exudes a minimalist flair and a contemporary feel.

Claw Setting: A series of metal prongs, dubbed claws, tightly hold a stone in this setting without any metal directly under the stone. This option is wonderful because it allows light in from beneath the stone, showing off the luster of any jewelry piece, like a diamond pendant necklace, well.

Pave Setting: The band is littered with diamonds set close to one another, showcasing a heavy diamond look and deemphasizing the metal. The cobblestone of diamonds creates a big appearance without too steep of a price tag for diamond engagement rings, for example. Generally, the stones are held in place by little beads of the setting metal.

Tiffany Setting: This is a simple and sweet classic setting, where four or six prongs are equally spread out around the diamond, holding it in place. This is a quintessential setting that looks great on solitaire diamond rings.

How Do I Look in this Engagement Ring?

Finding an engagement ring is simple, but finding the perfect engagement ring? Not such an easy feat.

While on this difficult quest for the best diamond engagement ring, it’s important to channel your inner spy to haphazard a great guess of what your potential bride wants. Take note of her top metal choice in her jewelry box, and whether she is more classic or renegade in her jewelry style tastes. And wannabe grooms, you are in luck: These days, ladies are helping out with the diamond decisions, often joining or surfing the Internet with their future husbands for engagement ring shopping sprees.

On these sprees, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic design, like a diamond solitaire ring. Round brilliant diamonds are the prom queens of cuts, but square, princess and emerald cuts also make it onto the royal court.

Extra sparkle is always in demand, since future brides really want to shine. To get this look, choose a ring with diamonds sprinkled around the band. This diamond engagement ring with side stones is classic, with the extra bling adding a bit of spice to the design. Three stone diamond engagement rings are perfect purchases to evoke a brighter look, too.

Yellow diamond engagement rings add a little drama to romance, but only in the best of ways. Colored gemstones correspond nicely to the funkier bride’s preferences. And if it is a to-be-bride’s second or third marriage, she will probably desire a different style from the previous marriage(s). Adding color to the stone is a wonderful way to achieve a new look.

Engagement rings are not just about expressing a bride’s personality; they are also about the right fit and ensuring the right style is on the right female. Much like purchasing jeans, it’s all a game of proportions.

If a woman has longer fingers, bigger diamonds or clustered diamonds, are better because the finger length lends itself to bolder styles. As for the stone, avoid elongated shapes, and shoot instead for round diamonds. For shorter fingers, longer shaped stones work well. Think marquise shapes as one such good option.

The same styling principle for a finger’s length is also true for hand size. The ring shouldn’t outweigh a hand. Choose a diamond engagement ring less large for the petite hand. Heart shapes and solitaires are great options for this size. Go larger for a bigger hand by way of a bigger stone or three-stone diamond engagement ring as well as a wider band. No matter what size hand, matching color with skin tone is crucial, too. Lighter skin tones tend to look better with yellow or rose gold, for example.

Remember, when your love asks, ‘How do I look in this diamond engagement ring?,’ the consensus should be lovely.

Style Trend: Men’s Wedding Bands

Wedding bands and women go way back, but men and wedding bands? That is another story.

The trend of American men wearing wedding bands really only surfaced around World War II, when soldiers wanted to physically demonstrate their commitment to their wives back home.

The prevalent styles? Tres simple. Think solid, plain gold bands as the prime real estate on grooms’ fingers. As the years have gone by, however, many new styles have popped up specifically designed for gentlemen, and these days, guys are rocking and celebrating the more expressive men’s bands.

Recently, I took a trip home to Detroit to visit the love of my life Randy, a Bichon Frise. As I sat at the kitchen table eating some salad (with Randy perched right next to me on a chair), I discovered that my very own father was wearing a ring from his latest vacation as a way to commemorate the trip. Turquoise and geometrical designs infiltrated the band: Nothing really subtle about it. Now, my dad is a real guy’s guy, so if he is buying a ring to remember his trip, and wearing it, then it is very clear to me that many guys are wearing statement rings to commemorate events. And what better event to commemorate with a jazzier band than a wedding?

Men’s diamond wedding bands and bands braided in gold make for top modern picks. Styles range from sleek –inspired (think white gold band with a single diamond) to funkier (like a textured metal band sprinkled with the bling). Not falling far from these top styles include art carved bands and spinning wedding bands. Both styles infuse some funk into the designs without evoking a too-much sentiment.

The carvings, for one, tend to take a geometrical stance. Think shapes ranging from x’s to triangles. Meanwhile, spinning bands add a bit of a playful twist on men’s wedding bands. This style band spins in the center or on the outside with moveable parts.

There are a plethora of metal options for all of these styles, too. Common metals include titanium, platinum, white gold and yellow gold. Two tone wedding bands make for a great choice, too, giving grooms the best of both the white and yellow gold world. For a finish? Men prefer satin polish. In many cases, size continues to be important: Wider bands are top offerings for the male style mavens.

No matter what style, one thing is true. Contemporary wedding band: It really is a guy thing.

Evolution of a Wedding Band

Nothing stays the same forever, especially fashion. As the years go by, trends change, with new styles always developing (and occasional designs flashbacking to the past). This fashion design evolution is also true for jewelry. Take the wedding band for example.

In America, simple gold or platinum bands prevailed as the preferred wedding band style choice at first, as well as the most common offering. As time has gone by, options have evolved, and designs have become more intricate for both men and women. Art carved bands, hammered style-metals and spinning wedding bands are now all prevalent styles in the wedding band category. Simply put: Time adds more complications.

Although plain wedding bands continue to be some women and men’s preference, other couples prefer spicing up their bands with delicate flourishes. Most of these flourishes will be on the subtler side. After all, a wedding band will (or hopefully will) be worn for the rest of one’s life, and there is a fine line between classic and extreme. But with a hint of a design and texture, there will be no Vegas-like regrets. Designer wedding bands, contemporary wedding bands and fancy wedding bands are all unique, and still tasteful, options. They express a wearer’s personality via textured metals or art designed bands, for two examples.

Braids are not just for hair-dos. Hand braided bands have become a common way for men and women to wear their vows, offering an interesting twist on just a solid gold or platinum ring. Painting a picture into a ring is a key trend, too. Art carved wedding bands offer just this, with common patterns ranging from triangles to swirls. This is a great way for the funkier bride or groom to express him or herself. Art carved wedding bands allow wearers to make a statement beyond “I promise to be true.” The designs allow one’s personality to be physically infused into the ring.

As time goes on, people are becoming more on the go. No surprise then, many prefer jewelry that can move, too. Spinning wedding bands are another unique spin on a typical wedding band. The rings spin in the center or on the outside with movable parts. The design is fun because it lets the wearer play with the band. Textured gold is often used for these designs, making for an even more playful offering.

Diamonds aren’t just regulated to a diamond engagement ring. These days, the rocks are making for nice accents to wedding bands for brides and grooms alike. Think braided bands with diamond sprinkles as one innovative option. Diamonds have especially made their way into a groom’s band. Men like to sparkle, too, via men’s diamond wedding bands.

Wedding bands are getting mixed up with color combination with two tone wedding band options: This means mixing white and yellow gold together. Hammered metals have hit a crescendo with wedding bands, too.

Like wedding bands, eternity bands have also evolved over the years. These rings are given for a momentous event like a child’s birth or a major anniversary. These days, diamond eternity bands and gemstone eternity bands make for great options.

No matter how trends change with wedding or eternity bands, what has not evolved is the band’s message: Unity, Love and Commitment. Whether textured, braided or art carved, the wedding bands still mean “I do,” which time will never change.

How to Buy Diamond Jewelry

Tight economic times turn us all into savvy Price is Right contestants: We know what items cost, down to the last cent.

No surprise then that when it comes to buying diamond jewelry, shoppers are looking to purchase the best piece, for the best price.

There is a plethora of beautiful diamonds out there with reasonable price tags too, making diamond jewelry shopping an easy and affordable gig for any average Joe. Invest in one or two diamond jewelry pieces now, and the pieces will last you a lifetime.

When buying diamond jewelry, it is very important to make sure to evaluate the 4Cs – cut, color, clarity and carat. These factors determine the quality and beauty of the diamond, as well as its price. To get the best diamond at the best price, it is all about a 4Cs’ balancing act.

Size is usually the biggest driver in a diamond’s price, so when purchasing a larger stone, scale slightly back on its color and clarity for a more reasonably priced diamond that still looks great. You will be happy with the rock and so will your bank account.

Flawless is a rare quality. Even Mary Poppins was only practically perfect. So worry less about purchasing a diamond with a flawless clarity. SI is a great choice for clarity. The grade means the stone has slightly included inclusions evident under 10x magnification, but most importantly, the rock is still pretty, and comes at a reasonable price.

Worry less about top marks for color, too. Although the best color is no color for diamonds, near colorless diamonds receive grades ranging from G-J and are all worthy buys.

Out of the 4C’s, most jewelry gurus concur that the cut of the diamond is the most important factor because it determines the stone’s prettiness. The terms fire and brilliance are a reflection of a diamond’s cut. Best cuts get a grade of “Ideal Cut,” followed by “Excellent” and “Very Good.” Excellent and Very Good grades aren’t that physically different from Ideal Cuts and offer much friendlier price points. In fact, many consider the Very Good cut as best overall value for beauty and price.

A great specific example of balancing weight with clarity and color is a 0.49 carat diamond ring with a grade G/H for color and SI for clarity. Or consider purchasing diamond studs with 0.60 total carat weight. With a G/H in color and an SI in clarity, the price will truly be right for the size. The rocks are beautiful and offer reasonable price points.

Even in a recession, there really is no risk with diamond jewelry purchases as long as you pay attention to the 4Cs. Beautiful diamonds with reasonable price tags do exist.

What’s Hot Now

These crippled economic times are not causing women to scale back on wearing their jewels — earrings, necklaces and bracelets are plentiful, with diamonds scattered throughout many of the designs.

People aren’t paying less attention to these accessories in light of the financial mood either. To sort through the most en vogue jewelry stylings, below details what women are wearing right now.

The Bold and the Beautiful is more than a soap opera; it’s the theme of what jewelry women are wearing on the streets today. There really is no such thing as too big when it comes to accessories or a stone’s carat weight.

Big cuff-style bracelets are one prevalent style trend. Women sport these accessories with evening gowns or skinny jeans paired with a blouse. Statement-making earrings also continue to grace many women’s earlobes, spicing up any outfit. Drop diamond earrings are one of the most prevalent earring styles. However, these bold jewels are regulated more to night events since chilly temperatures are lingering around most of America, making it too cold to wear larger earrings outside. Cocktail rings also continue to be plentiful, no matter how much the stocks drop.

Throughout all of these styles, animals are making their invasion. A monkey on a cocktail ring is not a rare find nor is a serpent bracelet. These animal motifs give the jewels a little more edge and a lot more attitude.

Of course, fashion always tells more than one tale. For jewelry, the second prevailing theme is sweet and whimsical. Jewelry is all about expressing what dreams are made of, meaning stars, bows and pearls all have prowess. Dainty gold necklaces paired with diamond studs make for a more subtle jewelry look that continues to jazz up an outfit, too.

Celebrities always set the stage for fashion trends, and they are certainly not scaling back on their accessories either. Dripping with diamonds continues to be the starlets theme, which was clearly evident at the 51st Grammy Awards.

The show showed that diamond jewels with white metal is all the rage of stars, with many celebrities sporting the tried and true bling. Cuff bracelets and diamond drops were the night’s big winners.

Diamond jewelry never goes out of style and continues to grace many women. Diamond pendants and diamond studs are a top trend as are diamond studs combined with a pearl. In my monthly book club, about 7 out of the 9 or so 20-something members all wear these diamond/pearl studs. They are chic, simple and effortless.

Recession or not, celebrities or not, females continue to rock jewelry as a way to express themselves.

Sentimental and Economical Valentine's Day Gifts

No matter how rough the economic times are, Cupid will always strike with his bow and arrow, and with Valentine's Day around the corner, he is certainly getting ready for some overtime. He is not the only one either. The gentleman getting struck by these arrows are prepping to attack their upcoming tasks too — getting gifts for their sweethearts.

Other than chocolate and flowers, the top gift given on Valentine's Day is diamond jewelry, so recession or not, here is a look at what will be the most popular Valentine‘s Day gifts.

What ranks number one? Diamond heart pendants. Not only are these classic jewelry pieces, but the designs are also perfect to give on Valentine’s Day. Diamonds already spell out love, so when you add a heart shape to it, your message cannot be clearer. Diamond studs and diamond bracelets are popular gifts to give, too.

However, buying jewelry gifts this Valentine’s Day is no easy feat. We are in a recession; budgets are tight. Plus, many credit cards are maxed out with the Christmas gift-giving season just having finished. But even amidst a turbulent economic environment and extra-tightened budgets, the need to buy sweethearts gifts for Valentine’s Day is acute. Luckily, there are many economical gifts to give that are also sentimental, even when it comes to diamond jewelry pieces. It is just a matter of knowing what to buy.

For the budget-conscious Valentine gift giver, it’s all about versatility and enhancements when it comes to diamond jewelry. Accent pieces are the perfect romantic gift. Consider purchasing an eternity band to enhance your sweetheart's wedding ring or perhaps buying her diamond dangling earrings to complement her favorite diamond pendant. This holiday is all about building out a collection, which shows your significant other that you care while still not putting too much strain on your finances. Stacking rings are a great pick for the holiday, too. The stacking ring shows her that you love her without breaking your bank account. The best ones include a few dainty diamonds to make the rings sparkle.

For those afraid of price points, do not forget about lay away. Many companies are offering this service to allow gentleman (and ladies) to make a smaller deposit and pay the rest of the tab later. Sure, your finances might be slow now, but that will not always be the case. This is a great way to get exactly what you want without worrying about a huge upfront cost.


Love is really all around us right now, with many men declaring this sentiment via diamond jewels, no matter how bad the economy gets.