A setting style is how a ring holds its center. It decides how much of the lab-grown diamond is exposed, how high it sits and how the ring is cared for.
Two choices in one setting
A setting is two decisions. The first is how the lab-grown diamond is held: prongs, a bezel rim, a channel. The second is the head that carries it above the band: a basket, a cathedral, a low profile.
You can mix them, so one center can look quite different in two settings.
Prong
Metal claws hold the lab-grown diamond at its edge, usually four or six. Prongs leave the sides open to light, and the edges exposed.
Prongs wear, so they benefit from an occasional check by a jeweler. This style suits a wearer who wants the center to show the most. Pointed shapes such as pear and marquise need a prong at each point.
Bezel and half bezel
A bezel is a thin rim of metal around the edge; a half bezel wraps part of it. Both cover the edge, which gets knocked most, so they suit hard-working hands.
The rim hides part of the outline and lets in less light from the sides. A bezel also gives a low, smooth line that snags less on clothing.
Cathedral
A cathedral head lifts the center on arches that rise from the shoulders of the band. It sits higher, with a sculpted profile. The raised center is more exposed than in a low setting, but the arches add metal beside it.
Halo and hidden halo
A halo surrounds the center with a ring of small lab-grown diamonds. It makes the center look larger and adds sparkle at the edge. A hidden halo puts them beneath the center, visible from the side.
Both add small lab-grown diamonds to look after, held in metal beads or tiny prongs.
Pavé and channel
Pavé sets small lab-grown diamonds close together with tiny beads of metal. Channel sets them in a groove between two walls of metal. Both are most often used on the band beside the center.
A channel keeps them protected between the walls, which suits active hands. Pavé shows more of each one.
Low profile
A low-profile setting sits the center close to the finger. It catches on less, sits well under gloves and sleeves, and pairs well with a bezel or half bezel. It shows less of the sides of the lab-grown diamond than a high head does.
Matching style to shape and to your day
- Active hands, hard on rings: bezel, half bezel or a low profile.
- Want the center to show the most: prong, with a head that suits the shape.
- A shape with points (pear, marquise, princess): prongs or a bezel that guard each point. See Choosing a Center Shape.
- Want a larger look from a given center: halo or hidden halo.
Using the settings gallery
Rings with a center lab-grown diamond are custom work. The settings gallery is where you choose a starting point. Each card starts a custom request with that setting selected.
If you would rather begin from scratch, design a ring from the start. The whole path is laid out in your first engagement ring.
Setting and lab-grown diamond fit together, so you can choose the setting first and the lab-grown diamond second.
Looking for a loose lab-grown diamond? We sell them through our sourcing service: tell us what you want, and we'll search and present lab-grown diamonds that fit.