The Ultimate Guide to Diamond Ring Settings — Which Style Speaks to You?

When choosing a diamond ring, the setting is the design’s foundation — it defines the look, enhances the sparkle, and protects the stone. From timeless classics to artistic modern creations, each style tells its own story.

At Beverly’s Jewelry in St. Thomas, we believe your setting should reflect not only your taste but also your lifestyle. Whether you love a clean, modern look or vintage charm, this guide will help you discover which setting style speaks to you.

1. Prong Setting

The prong setting is the most iconic of all. Small metal claws (usually four or six) gently grasp the diamond, securing it in place while allowing maximum light to enter. This exposure enhances the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle, making it a timeless favorite for engagement rings.

At Beverly’s, prong-set rings are admired for their balance between classic beauty and simplicity — a design that keeps your diamond as the true centerpiece.

2. Trellis Setting

Elegant and sculptural, the trellis setting is a refined variation of the prong. Its interwoven prongs cross gracefully under the diamond, forming a secure and intricate cradle. The result is a design that looks romantic from every angle.

Perfect for three-stone or solitaire rings, the trellis setting adds a touch of artistry while maintaining strength and structure — ideal for those who appreciate craftsmanship and detail.

3. Illusion Setting

The illusion setting is designed to make smaller diamonds appear larger. A reflective metal plate beneath the diamond amplifies its brilliance and gives the impression of a bigger, more radiant stone.

It’s perfect for those who want their jewelry to make an impact without needing larger stones. The illusion setting combines affordability with striking sparkle — a clever design that delivers elegance and light.

4. Tiffany Setting

A symbol of timeless elegance, the Tiffany setting features six slender prongs that lift the diamond above the band, allowing light to pass through from every angle. This creates a bright, radiant effect that maximizes the stone’s brilliance.

First introduced in the late 1800s, this design remains one of the most beloved engagement ring settings of all time — and for good reason. It’s classic, elegant, and endlessly romantic.

5. Tension Setting

For those drawn to modern innovation, the tension setting is a marvel of engineering. The diamond appears to float between the two ends of the band, held securely in place by pressure rather than prongs.

This style showcases the diamond in a striking, contemporary way — sleek, minimalist, and full of strength. It’s a perfect choice for someone who loves a bold and unconventional design.

6. Bezel Setting

The bezel setting offers both security and sophistication. A smooth rim of metal surrounds the diamond, holding it firmly in place while protecting it from daily wear.

This clean, modern design is ideal for those with an active lifestyle who don’t want to compromise on elegance. The bezel’s protective frame also highlights the diamond’s shape, creating a contemporary look that feels timeless.

7. Solitaire Setting

Nothing says elegance quite like a solitaire. A single diamond, perfectly centered, symbolizes everlasting love and simplicity.

This style allows the diamond to take full focus, showcasing its cut and clarity without distraction. It’s the perfect blend of sophistication and meaning — an enduring favorite for engagements and milestone gifts.

8. Cathedral Setting

Drawing inspiration from grand architecture, the cathedral setting features sweeping metal arches that lift the diamond above the band, much like the arches of a cathedral.

The elevated profile allows light to enter from multiple directions, enhancing brilliance while adding height and drama. This setting beautifully combines strength and grace — perfect for someone who wants a traditional yet eye-catching design.

9. Three-Stone Setting

A meaningful and radiant design, the three-stone setting features a trio of diamonds representing your past, present, and future together. The center diamond is often larger, flanked by two smaller stones that enhance its brilliance.

This style offers versatility — choose classic round diamonds for a timeless look, or mix shapes for something more modern. It’s sentimental, elegant, and one of the most symbolic settings in fine jewelry.

10. Halo Setting

The halo setting encircles the center diamond with a ring of smaller diamonds, creating a halo of light. This adds dimension, enhances sparkle, and makes the center stone appear larger.

Perfect for those who love glamour and brilliance, the halo is one of the most popular styles at Beverly’s. Whether paired with a round, oval, or cushion-cut center stone, the halo offers endless sparkle from every angle.

11. Cluster Setting

A cluster setting features multiple smaller diamonds grouped together to create the illusion of one larger, dazzling gem. Each stone works together to reflect light, resulting in a captivating sparkle.

This setting is perfect for someone who loves unique designs and radiant brilliance. It’s artistic, full of texture, and beautifully eye-catching — especially in floral or geometric arrangements.

12. Channel Setting

In a channel setting, diamonds are nestled securely between two parallel walls of metal, forming a sleek, continuous stream of brilliance. There are no prongs, allowing for a smooth and modern finish.

Often used in wedding bands and eternity rings, the channel setting is both elegant and durable — ideal for everyday wear while maintaining its refined look.

13. Bar Setting

Similar to the channel setting, the bar setting secures each diamond between vertical metal bars, leaving the sides of the stones exposed. This design allows more light to enter the diamonds, increasing brilliance while maintaining structure.

It’s a modern and sophisticated choice, perfect for anniversary bands or statement rings that balance minimalism with sparkle.

14. Flush (Gypsy) Setting

In this sleek design, the diamond is set directly into the metal so it sits flush with the surface. The top of the ring remains smooth and polished, making it a popular style for men’s rings or anyone who prefers understated elegance.

This setting is incredibly durable, protecting the diamond while maintaining a refined, contemporary aesthetic. It’s perfect for someone who values both strength and simplicity.

15. Pavé Setting

The pavé (pronounced pah-vay) setting derives its name from the French word for “paved,” as tiny diamonds are set closely together across the band, resembling a road of light.

This setting offers unmatched sparkle and luxury. It’s often used to accentuate a center stone or wrap around a band, adding texture and brilliance. Pavé settings are a favorite for those who love shimmer in every direction.

16. Invisible Setting

As the name suggests, the invisible setting conceals all metal beneath the diamonds, creating a seamless surface of brilliance. The stones are precisely cut and set side-by-side to form a continuous sparkle without visible prongs or bezels.

It’s a technical masterpiece — sophisticated, bold, and breathtakingly modern. This setting is especially striking in square-cut stones like princess or baguette diamonds.

17. Antique Setting

For those who adore vintage romance, antique settings feature intricate detailing like milgrain borders, filigree work, and hand-engraved patterns. These designs often draw inspiration from the Edwardian, Victorian, and Art Deco eras.

Each antique-style ring at Beverly’s tells a story — of history, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. It’s a setting that never goes out of style, perfect for those who love a touch of old-world charm.

18. Twist Setting

Symbolic and modern, the twist setting features a band that gently intertwines around the center stone, representing two paths joining as one.

This romantic design adds movement, balance, and uniqueness. It’s ideal for someone who loves a soft, graceful aesthetic — a ring that feels both contemporary and meaningful.

Finding Your Perfect Setting at Beverly’s Jewelry

At Beverly’s Jewelry in St. Thomas, we believe every setting should tell a story as unique as the person wearing it. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of a solitaire, the intricate artistry of a trellis, or the modern flair of a tension setting — our expert jewelers and gemologists are here to guide you.

Many of our clients discover Beverly’s while exploring the island, and what begins as a day of sightseeing often turns into finding the piece that captures their heart. That’s the magic of Beverly’s Jewelry — where island charm meets world-class craftsmanship.

Explore our collection in-store or online at www.beverlys-jewelry.com and discover the setting style that truly speaks to you.