7 Popular and Fancy Lab-grown Diamond Engagement Ring Settings
While the "4Cs" are heavily mentioned in engagement ring advice, there is a fifth aspect that can make or break a beautiful ring: the setting. While the quality of the lab-grown diamond is arguably the central part of an engagement ring, the right setting can enhance everything from the cut to the color, make smaller diamonds look bigger, make larger diamonds look more sparkly, and even protect the diamond from damage or loss. With more and more couples-to-be designing their unique engagement rings and enhancing off-the-shelf styles, understanding popular engagement ring settings will make your search for the perfect combination even easier.
Here are the 7 most popular lab-grown diamond ring setting styles that have been in vogue for ages. If you are someone who likes to keep it simple and unique instead of following the trends, try the 20 other rare but gorgeous ring setting styles we have.
The Halo setting
One of the most popular styles of engagement rings for women features the halo setting. When you set out to buy ring sets for women, the halo setting is one of the most available types that suit the tastes of almost all women. Jewelers also name this the "halo craze" because of the high demand for this particular style. Lady Gaga chose a sapphire engagement ring with a halo of small diamonds, becoming one of the several other celebs who have endorsed this style.
A halo setting is a type of ring setting where a single diamond is encircled by a ring of small diamonds, resembling a halo of light. These are called micro-pavé diamonds, a term used in French to mean small stones packed closely to create exceptional shine. The center stone and the halo can be round, oval, or squarish.
Pros of buying halo setting lab-grown diamond rings:
It makes the center stone look large, visually making people think it's a large carat diamond and saving some of their budgets.
Halos are a budget-friendly way to get a gorgeous engagement ring - you can get a standard 0.9 to 1-carat diamond with a beautiful halo around it rather than a break-the-buck 2-carat diamond.
Halo rings are a contemporary design trend, while the marquise cut announces to the world, "Hello, I'm from the 80’s or early 90's".
Halos provide additional security for the center stone.
Halo settings can be made with various shapes and types of stones. Not just round cut diamonds.
By using different colored stones in the halo setting, you can create a beautiful contrast with the center stone or the ring's metal.
Cons of buying halo setting lab-grown diamond rings:
Smaller halo stones can sometimes shift and fall out of place if struck. However, this is a crisis of life that all diamond rings experience.
Like most other complex settings, halo settings are more challenging to clean than solitaire rings.
2. The Pave setting
Pavé, as already explained, comes from the French word meaning 'paving.' As we pave a road with stones, the pave setting features small diamonds set very closely, creating a sparkling field. They are so close to each other that the base metal cannot be seen. It's difficult even to see the metal prongs that hold the small stones.
You can choose ring sets with a smaller central diamond because the pave setting on both sides can make a diamond appear bigger than it is. This helps you choose affordable engagement rings by saving on the center stone. You may also choose a band with pave-setting diamonds for a fuller look.
Micro Pave setting uses tiny diamonds with small prongs set with high precision. French pave includes a V-shaped cut underneath each diamond for more shine. Scallop or U-cut pave is similar to the French pave, featuring U-shaped cuts underneath the diamonds. However, the most popular style is the bright cut pave or channel pave. Here, the diamonds are placed in a channel, appearing as if they have paved the way between two sides of the metal base. This vintage style and ring sets featuring the channel pave have recently faced a high demand. The biggest benefit of choosing such a style is the brilliant shine you get even by investing less and not buying a chunky piece of highly expensive diamond.
Pros of buying pave setting lab-grown diamond rings:
The pavé setting highlights the center stone and draws attention to it.
Pave settings add plenty of sparkle to your ring, giving it a brilliant and luxurious look.
Pave can be added to a wide range of engagement and wedding ring settings, making it a versatile choice.
Cons of buying halo setting lab-grown diamond rings:
A pave setting is usually expensive, although this depends on many factors, including the size of the environment and the amount of paving used.
Cleaning pave jewelry can be difficult as there are more grooves and concealed areas where dirt may be present.
Adjusting the size of the pave setting can be difficult, especially if the pave goes around the entire shank.
3. The Prong setting
The prong setting is another extremely popular style for ring sets for women. The style rose to prominence in the 19th century and remains in style till date. People loved the illusion of the stone floating above the base and emanating more brilliance.
A prong mount uses metal tines to secure a piece of gemstone or a diamond to the base. Three, four, or six claws hold up the piece of stone for a 3D effect. The prong setting is very popular for ring sets because the elevated effect allows light to hit the stone from many angles and increases the shine.
Prong Setting is a setting in which a metal claw, or claw, holds the stone in a setting. Also known as a claw setting.
Vintage rings with a brilliant round cut, princess cut, or emerald cut have prong settings.
Pros of buying prong setting lab-grown diamond rings:
Raises the center diamond or other primary gemstone and gives it emphasis.
Minimal presence of gold and other precious metals. This increases light play, brilliance and fire.
It can be used with gems of any size or shape.
It is a universal setting that overflows with classical beauty.
It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean.
The height of the setting and style of the prongs can be personalized.
It keeps the center gemstone safe and secure.
Cons of buying prong setting lab-grown diamond rings:
The prongs can become loose over time, but most jewelers check and tighten the prongs during routine cleanings to prevent this from happening.
The prong setting can catch on clothing if it is set too high. It is important to buy engagement rings with prong settings from experienced jewelers who will design the setting with an ideal height.
4. The Three-stone setting
A three-stone setting ring has a centerpiece and two diamonds on both sides. The centerpiece may be the larger stone with two similar or different stones of a smaller size on both sides. The three stones used may also be of the same style and shape, placed side by side. Three similar diamond sets together offer an elegant yet elaborate look, while two small side diamonds accentuate the brilliance of the center diamond in such a setting.
View more three stone setting rings
Other names for Three-stone setting:
side-stone setting
trinity setting
trilogy setting
Pros of buying three-stones setting lab-grown diamond rings:
The three-stone ring has a unique symbolism, and the three stones symbolize the past, present and future.
The three stones make the diamonds on the ring look large and create extra sparkle.
Three stone rings can also be made in a petite, minimalist style for a simple yet inviting look.
Three stone rings allow you to customize your ring to your specifications with many design options. You can easily create a unique ring by changing the stones and shape.
Three stone rings can take advantage of the price by utilizing three smaller-sized diamonds rather than one large solitaire.
Cons of buying three-stones setting lab-grown diamond rings:
Three stone rings require more maintenance than single stone rings simply because there are more nooks and crannies for dirt to enter (especially from underneath the setting itself).
It needs to be worn with more care so that the diamond is not knocked off.
Make sure you choose your three stones wisely. It doesn't make sense if you pair a stunning center diamond with two diamonds (or non-diamonds) of shocking quality. Suppose you plan to pair a larger center diamond with two smaller side stones. In that case, lowering the color/purity grade for these smaller diamonds is perfectly fine while investing in better quality for your main diamond. If you want three stones of the same size, we recommend making sure they are all similar in color/clarity/cut grade. You don't want two pesky side stones distracting you from the main event, do you?
5. The Solitaire setting
As the name suggests, a solitaire ring simply means that the setting only has a single stone mounted in the setting.
A solitaire is jewelry with a single piece of diamond. There are no other small diamonds or gems studded on the sides. It's all about the center stone that stands out on its own. Pendants, rings, and earrings having a single diamond are referred to as solitaires. Classic engagement ring designs often have a solitaire setting. A solitaire ring has always been very popular amongst women and is considered a fashion statement.
In a solitaire ring, the center diamond is usually supported by four or six prongs to give it an elevated look. Solitaires are usually expensive because a large and brilliantly cut diamond is required. The better the cut, the more brilliant the solitaire diamond's shine. Lab-grown diamonds can slightly lower the price of solitaire ring sets than naturally mined diamonds.
Pros of buying solitaire setting lab-grown diamond rings:
Minimalist design that is not overwhelming or distracting with extra elements.
Classic style, a timeless choice "safe" for anyone with a fashionable style of jewelry or changing tastes.
Easy to wear, easier to clean, repair and resize after years of wear.
Versatility can easily be paired with any wedding band or other jewelry.
Cons of buying solitaire setting lab-grown diamond rings:
It is too simple or basic for the fashion-forward.
The expensive center stone, attention to center stone requires higher quality and more expensive stones.
Few choices, no unique style, for very unique or unusual designs.
Durability is more likely to get stuck, chipped or damaged depending on how the stone is set.
6. The Split-Shank setting
A split-shank engagement ring is a very well-known style where a band splits and parts on the sides and has a center stone setting. Ring sets with split-shank settings have a gap between the ring band and the center stone. As the band reaches the center, it parts ways to make an ornate gap.
Usually, in split-shank settings, engagement rings have micopavé diamonds. Some split shank designs have a halo of small diamonds around the center. This accentuates the beauty of the center diamond and makes it appear bigger. It also enhances the brilliance of the engagement ring.
A split-shank setting is classy and sophisticated. The unique symmetry of the two shanks leading to the central diamond makes a stunning statement.
Pros of buying split-shank setting lab-grown diamond rings:
The double construction of the split setting is highly secure. It also works with many different diamond shapes and can even accommodate haloes.
Cons of buying split-shank setting lab-grown diamond rings:
Due to the unique shape of the band, it can be challenging to find a wedding band that matches a split engagement ring.
7. The Infinity Setting
The infinity sign, resembling the English number 8 is a symbol of everlasting love. The symbol standing for a continuous line with no beginning and no end shows a cycle of relentless and unwavering love that stands forever. Infinity ring sets are very popular for weddings, engagements, and anniversaries as a symbol of true love. It's the best way to commemorate the journey of never-ending love.
Infinity rings have a twisted pattern to mimic the infinity sign. The twisted part of the band is often left plain with the base metal, featuring a diamond in the center. Others may have pavé diamonds set all over the infinity shape to provide extra brilliance and highlight the central diamond.
Pros of buying infinity setting lab-grown diamond rings:
Like a bifurcated setting, an infinity setting increases the surface area of the ring and can help it stand out from the crowd.
Draws the eye to the center stone, placing it in a prominent and visible position.
It has a unique, sophisticated and beautiful look.
Cons of buying split-shank setting lab-grown diamond rings:
As with other unique settings, infinity settings may require more cleaning than simple settings.
The streamlined design of these inlays means that they are not the most practical choice for those who work with their hands or have a highly active lifestyle.
Eco-friendly. Reliable source. Better quality.
At Sunny Eden™️, we are not a jewelry brand that produces and sells, other than making hair into faux engagement rings and wedding rings. We are not just consultants. We are your partner of choice, providing detailed advice at important stages of your life.
Following our procedures for taking every lab-made diamond seriously, our expert artisans are dedicated to creating every brilliant lab-grown diamond made from hair for every customer who sends the hair to us and trusts us. The result is piece after piece of handcrafted work with a unique style.
