Ring Settings

There are many factors that influence the added value of a jewel ring. The most principal understandably is the stone and its four C’s, the carat, clarity, color and cut. The stone itself is its most priceless feature that, for most buyers, other aspects of the ring goes to heap.

It’s easy to take ring settings for granted; even though you know that ring settings do matter a lot. The fact that you will be paying for this feature as an added value of the jewelry’s price should put importance to this aspect. And it might be that the ring setting cost is as much valuable as the precious stone itself if sold individually. Material used for ring settings, like white gold for instance, could cost as the gem.

Its time you take a more in-depth look at ring settings.

All About Ring Settings

Any ring setting’s function is to house and fix a gem in place in the ring, no more, no less. With that, ring settings need to be sturdy. In the past, it used to be like this, a precious stone set on a plain unadorned ring. But as gem cuts became more exquisite, the need to house the gem onto an exquisite setting was also felt. And in time, when diamond cutting became a specialized and separate skill, the jeweler’s skills became more prominent as it became more focused. And artistic and visually striking ring settings were born.

Ring settings do factor a lot in showcasing a gem’s beauty. They seem to make a small stone larger and a larger stone more definite. They make an already fine stone more exquisite. And equally too, a ring setting can destroy a façade of a nicely cut stone, or even risk the stone itself. If ring settings are too thick, large, and bulky, convoluted and bare, they can as easily overpower a gem stone ring setting. Too large and thick ring settings can make the gem the least conspicuous facet of the ring, and too thin ring setting can risk the stone of dislodging or breaking away.

Claw Ring Setting

Claw ring settings are the most popular, since these ring setting types are the least conspicuous. Sometimes called as Prong Ring Setting, they usually have the least of three and the most of six “prongs” that hold the precious stone in place. Apart from being the slightest noticeable, their diminutive presence makes the stone (and the ring) easier to clean, cost less due to less intricate detail and less material. The only con of claw setting is that it has the highest risk of the gem breaking away, especially if the material isn’t that robust. The larger the precious stone in proportion to the prongs, the easier the stone to break away. And in time, the prongs have the tendency to loosen, so maintenance is needed.

Rub-over Ring Setting

Rub-over ring settings offer the most secure ring settings, with the bottom part of the gem enclosed totally by a ring enclosure. Also called the Bezel Ring Setting, this is perfect for shallow cuts gems, gems that are cut shallow but with a wide face. Since the idea of larger stone pieces is brilliance, bezel ring settings are only complimentary for thinner stones, but not on a larger, thicker and more fiery stones. Usually, the rub-over ring setting uses an illusion setting, where the gem stone ring setting is mounted on a mirror plate that aids to the gem’s brilliance.

End Ring Setting

For those queer shaped, but symmetrical stones, like oval or marquise cuts, the end ring setting offer the most aesthetic ring setting. Like the prong ring setting, end ring setting features more visibility to the gem. The secures are on both ends, usually larger than prong setting to compensate secure strength. Because they may be larger, they are also adorned to match the ring and the gem.

When choosing which rings to buy, apart from inspecting the stone, also inspect the make of the ring setting. Remember that aside from the added value you will be paying for, the ring setting will also determine how long you will be wearing the jewelry itself.