The Engagement Ring Style Guide

Four-Claw Setting

The prong, or claw setting, is the most classic and popular engagement ring setting. The four-claw setting uses four slender metal prongs to hold the diamond in place. This setting minimises the amount of metal around the stone, allowing maximum light exposure from all angles and enhancing the diamond’s brilliance.

Six-Claw Setting

The six-claw setting secures the diamond using six symmetrical prongs. This classic setting provides enhanced stability and an elegant presentation of the stone. This setting lifts the stone above the band, enhancing its brilliance and sparkle. The prong setting is elegant and timeless, perfect for showcasing a central gemstone.

Bead Setting - Millegrain

The bead setting features small, round pieces of metal raised from the surface to secure each gemstone. Often used for accent stones along the band, the bead setting adds an extraordinary sparkle as the metal beads reflect light. This intricate setting is ideal for those who desire a ring with dazzling details and continuous shimmer.

Bezel Setting

The bezel setting, also known as rub-over setting, features a unique design where the metal is skilfully pushed up and over the outer edges of the diamond, providing a secure and stylish contemporary look. This modern setting style not only offers excellent security for the precious stone but also gives a sleek and elegant appearance.

Cathedral Setting

The cathedral setting features a shank that gently curves upwards, resembling the graceful arches of a cathedral, creating a beautiful silhouette that draws the eyes towards the centre stone, emphasizing its brilliance. This design is perfect for someone who appreciates timeless beauty and wants their diamond to be the ring's focal point.

Channel Setting

The channel setting features diamonds between two parallel walls of precious metal, creating a smooth and stylish look. The diamonds are flush with the band, offering a seamless light flow and exceptional durability. Prized for its modern aesthetic and secure hold, it is a popular choice for those who prefer a contemporary design.

Flush Setting

The flush setting involves placing diamonds in hollows within the band and securing them by pressing the metal over the gems' girdles. This setting protects the gemstones by positioning them at or below the metal's surface, creating a sleek look, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist design with a touch of sparkle.

Pavé Setting

The pavé setting, derived from the French word for "pavement," involves setting small diamonds closely together, creating a surface that appears to be paved with gemstones. Each gem shares a bead with its neighbour, creating a continuous, sparkling look, perfect for those who want their ring to have a radiant glow from every angle.

Split Shank Setting

A split shank setting features a band that splits into two or more strands as it approaches the centre stone, creating a distinctive and elegant look. This design adds visual interest and provides additional support and stability to the gemstone. The split shank can be adorned with smaller accent stones or left plain for a more minimalist appearance.

Ball Claws

Ball claws are small, rounded prongs that hold the diamond securely in place. They provide a modern and minimalistic aesthetic, allowing the diamond to shine as the focal point.

Box Claws

Box claws encase the tips and corners of the diamond, providing extra protection. This style is particularly suitable for shapes like princess cuts and the tips of pear-shaped diamonds.

Compass Claws

Compass claws are positioned at the cardinal points around the centre stone, resembling a compass. This unique arrangement adds a distinctive touch to the ring's design.

Double Claws

Double claws involve two smaller prongs placed close to each corner or side of the gemstone. This setting adds extra security and unique visual detail, especially for larger gemstones.

Flat Claws

Flat claws feature broad, flat surfaces that provide a secure grip on the gemstone. They are popular in modern and geometric ring styles, allowing the gemstone to take centre stage.

Pointed Claws

Pointed claws have sharp, tapered tips that secure the gemstone with a modern look. These claws help to highlight the corners of specific gemstone cuts, like princess or emerald.

Round Claws

Round claws, or round prongs, have smooth, rounded tips that gently hold the gemstone in place. They allow maximum light to enter the stone for enhanced brilliance.

Talon Claws

Talon claws are shaped like an eagle’s talons, with the claws tapering towards the centre of the stone. This classic style adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the ring.