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Choosing a diamond is a big deal, but it’s only part of the story. The setting you choose plays just as much of a role in how your ring looks and feels.
This guide will walk you through the most popular types of diamond settings, what makes each one special, and how to find the perfect setting for your style. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a Diamond Setting?
A diamond setting is the frame that keeps your stone safe and sound. It’s what secures the diamond, but beyond the technical stuff, the setting plays a huge role in the overall design of your engagement ring. It showcases your personal style – whether classic or more trend-forward, it’s a representation of you.
The right setting enhances and protects your diamond while also making the piece feel like you. Here’s what to consider when searching for the right option:
- Personal style
- Security of the ring
- Wearability and durability
Popular Diamond Settings Explained
Solitaire Setting
If you love the idea of something timeless and classic, the solitaire setting might be calling your name. It’s that iconic engagement ring style with one diamond, front and center. No distractions, just designed to showcase the diamond.
The most common solitaire setting is a 4 prong setting, which keeps the design minimal and lets the stone do all the talking. Because it’s such a clean look, the details of your center stone really matter here. You’ll want to pay attention to cut, clarity, color, and carat since nothing is hiding in this design… and that’s the beauty of it!
Why you’ll love it: It’s refined, never goes out of style, and lets your diamond take the lead.
Classic Prong Setting
This is probably the most familiar style, and for good reason. A prong setting uses little metal claws (usually four or six) to hold the diamond in place, which leaves most of the stone exposed. That means light can hit the diamond from every angle – and with more light comes more sparkle!
There are different prong styles too. Rounded prongs are classic, while claw prongs feel a bit more modern and are our personal recommendation.
One style we love to talk about is the basket setting. It’s a type of prong setting where the diamond is held by metal strands shaped like a basket. It gives the ring extra stability, adds a subtle design element from the side view, and allows more light in. If you care about how your ring looks from every angle (or just want something that feels a bit more secure), it’s definitely worth considering.
Why you’ll love it: It’s classic and super sparkly. Perfect if you want something elegant but not too fussy.
Bezel Setting
A bezel setting wraps a thin rim of metal around your diamond. It can be a full bezel that completely surrounds the stone or a half bezel that only hugs the sides. This setting holds your diamond very securely, so it’s great if you’re always on the go or don’t want to think twice about catching your ring on sweaters or hair.
The bezel setting has a sleek, modern vibe and a slightly more understated sparkle since part of the diamond is covered. Bezels are trending in 2025, so it’s the perfect time to consider this design for your engagement ring!
Why you’ll love it: It’s chic, durable, and made for everyday wear. Ideal if you want something modern and worry-free.
Halo Setting
Halo settings are perfect if you want that wow factor. A halo is a circle of smaller diamonds that surrounds your center stone, adding extra brilliance and making the main diamond look larger than it actually is. It’s a popular choice for a reason: the brilliance is hard to beat.
And then there’s the hidden halo, which we absolutely love. It’s a row of tiny diamonds tucked underneath the center stone. You won’t see it from the top, but from the side, it adds this beautiful, subtle shimmer that feels like a secret sparkle.
Why you’ll love it: It’s luminous, glamorous, and adds serious presence to your ring. Plus, the hidden halo detail is the kind of touch that makes your ring feel extra special.
Channel Setting
Channel settings are clean and structured, with small diamonds set into a groove between two strips of metal. The stones sit flush with the surface, giving the design a smooth, seamless feel.
You’ll often see this style in wedding bands or side details on engagement rings. It’s very secure, snag-free, and offers a polished, classic look.
Why you’ll love it: It’s elegant and practical, while still delivering on the sparkle.
Pavé Setting
Pavé means “paved” in French, and that’s exactly what this looks like – a band paved with tiny diamonds, held in place by barely-there prongs. It creates this soft, continuous shimmer that catches the light beautifully.
It’s a great way to add sparkle to the band itself, and it pairs well with so many center stone settings. There’s also micro pavé, which uses even smaller stones for a super delicate look.
Why you’ll love it: It’s romantic, refined, and adds that extra layer of sparkle to your ring without feeling over-the-top.
Three Stone Setting
If you’re looking for something that feels both classic and meaningful, a three stone setting might be exactly your style. The idea behind it is beautiful: one stone for the past, one for the present, and one for the future.
But beyond the symbolism, three stone rings just have this really balanced, elegant look. You get the drama of a center diamond with the added sparkle of side stones, and there are so many ways to make it your own. Some people stick with three diamonds in the same shape for that clean, symmetrical feel. Others mix in baguettes or pear-shaped sides to add a little contrast and dimension, or even colored gemstones or birthstones!
Why you’ll love it: It’s meaningful, it sparkles from every angle, and it gives you more room to get creative with your design.
Verstolo’s Top Picks
At Verstolo, we look at more than just the sparkle. We think about how you’ll wear your piece, what feels true to your style, and how to make sure it fits into your life beautifully. Here’s how we guide our clients when it comes to choosing the right setting for different types of jewelry.
Engagement Rings
Start with how you want your ring to feel. If you’re dreaming of something that makes a statement, prong, halo, or three stone settings are always favorites. If you’re someone who’s always on the go or works with your hands, you might want something lower-profile, like a bezel setting that keeps things a bit more tucked in and secure.
And if you’re planning a fall wedding, you’re right on time. Summer is the season for proposals, and now’s a great moment to start designing your ring so it’s ready when you are.
Explore our engagement ring collection to discover your favorite styles and settings. And if you don’t see the one, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life with a custom design.
Want to get familiar with all the parts of your ring? Take a look at our guide to the anatomy of an engagement ring. It’s a quick, helpful breakdown that makes the design process way less overwhelming.
Wedding Bands
When it comes to bands, it’s all about how they pair with your engagement ring. If your engagement ring already has a bold design, a more minimal band will balance it beautifully.
Our wedding bands are designed to sit flush with our engagement rings. Whatever setting you choose, we’ll make sure your rings feel like the perfect pair.
If you want something entirely your own, our custom wedding bands are made to reflect your vision down to the last detail. Each one is handcrafted with the finest diamonds, and we’ll keep you in the loop from first sketch to final polish.
Your Perfect Diamond Jewelry, One Step Closer
There’s something so special about the moment a piece of jewelry feels like it was made for you. That spark of recognition, the excitement of seeing your style reflected in every detail.
Choosing a setting is a big part of that. It shapes how your diamond looks, how it catches the light, and how it fits into your life. Whether you’re drawn to a timeless classic or something a little more unexpected, we’ll help you find the one that feels right.
At Verstolo, we’ll guide you through every option, answer all your questions, and help you create a piece of jewelry that’s entirely yours. Book a one-on-one appointment with our team and let’s start designing something unforgettable.
