17 Types of Ring Settings to Know before You Shop
Choosing the right ring begins with understanding its foundation: the setting. A ring setting refers to how the stone of choice is mounted onto the band, contributing to its style and security.
There are many types of ring settings to consider, ranging from the type of metal to the width of the band. Each one offers a unique way to highlight the stone and reflect the jewelry wearer’s personal style. Whether you’re preparing for a surprise proposal or exploring gift options, learning about different settings can make finding “the one” a little easier.
Below, we’ll guide you through 17 distinct ring settings—from timeless solitaires to modern east-west designs—to help you choose one that beautifully captures your personality.
Solitaire Ring Settings
A solitaire ring setting—also known as a prong setting—features a single diamond or gemstone mounted on a plain metal band. With minimal design distractions, this style highlights the stone’s brilliance and symmetry from every angle.
Prongs secure the gem in place while allowing light to pass through and enhance its natural sparkle. This gives the ring a simple yet timeless look that suits nearly any shape or size of stone. Solitaire is a classic choice and one of the most popular types of engagement ring settings.
Category
Description
Style
Minimalist and elegant, emphasizing a single center stone
Stone protection
Prongs hold the gem securely while keeping it visible
Height
Typically medium to high
Cut and stone suggestion
Works well with any shape
Best for
A timeless, simple design with a focus on the diamond
Basket Ring Settings
This setting cradles the diamond in a basket-like head with vertical and horizontal bars, providing structure and stability to the stone. The design lets light touch the diamond from multiple sides while offering more edge support than simple prongs. You can combine basket head settings with decorative detail to elevate the look of your ring.
Category
Description
Style
A structured, basket-like head frames the stone with metal bars
Stone protection
Offers more side support and protection than just prongs
Height
Usually medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Works well with most cuts and shapes
Best for
Extra security without hiding the diamond’s light
Pavé Ring Settings
A pavé ring setting features small diamonds set closely together in the ring’s design to give the appearance of a continuous sparkle. These small diamonds can be set along the band or the halo of a ring. The name comes from the French word for “paved,” as the ring looks like it’s been paved with gems. Each diamond is secured by tiny beads or prongs.
There are also variations of this setting, including micro-pavé, petite pavé and French pavé, and each offers a slightly different level of shine and visibility. Consider the pavé ring setting to add refined elegance and subtle glamour to any ring style.
Category
Description
Style
Rows of tiny diamonds set close together for a “paved” look
Stone protection
Small prongs or beads hold accent stones securely in place
Height
Low to medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, oval and unique shapes
Best for
Adding sparkle and sophistication without heavy design
Cathedral Ring Settings
Also known as a crown setting, this design consists of elegant metal arches rising from the band to support the center stone. It’s inspired by the sweeping lines of cathedral architecture, where the arches create height and a dramatic profile for the gem.
The open space beneath the stone can remain simple or include intricate detailing for a vintage touch. Choose a cathedral engagement ring if you like a blend of structure and sophistication.
Category
Description
Style
Arched metal shoulders that elevate and frame the center stone
Stone protection
Secure and supprotive
Height
High
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, oval and emerald cuts for better elevation
Best for
A traditional, architectural look with timeless appeal
Infinity Ring Settings
This ring setting features interwoven metal bands that form a continuous figure-eight pattern, symbolizing everlasting love. The elegant twist design draws the eye toward the center stone. Infinity ring settings can be crafted with or without pavé diamonds along the band, offering a unique appearance.
Category
Description
Style
Interlocking bands shaped like a figure eight
Stone protection
Secure prongs hold the center stone firmly
Height
Medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, cushion, pear, or asscher cuts
Best for
Symbolic craftsmanship and meaningful design
Halo Ring Settings
Another popular engagement ring setting is the halo. It features a circle of small pavé diamonds or gemstones surrounding the center stone to amplify its size and brilliance. Variations like the double halo add a second ring of stones for extra sparkle and dimension, while a hidden halo conceals the circle of diamonds below the center stone. Halo ring settings combine glamour with balance, making any center stone eye-catching.
Category
Description
Style
A ring of smaller stones encircling the center gem for added brilliance
Stone protection
Surrounding diamonds to shield the edges of the center stone
Height
Medium to high
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, oval, cushion, or pear cuts
Best for
A bold, luminous design
Bezel Ring Settings
In a bezel ring setting, a metal rim encircles the center diamond or gemstone rather than being held by prongs. This continuous metal bezel provides superior protection and gives the ring a sleek, modern look. This setting slightly limits light entry from the sides, but the design retains elegance and beauty.
Category
Description
Style
Smooth metal rim that hugs the stone in a continuous loop
Stone protection
Offers excellent edge protection and snag resistance
Height
Low
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, oval, emerald, radiant, and cushion cuts
Best for
A secure, comfortable and modern design
Channel Set Ring Settings
This setting recesses accent diamonds into a groove carved along the band, holding them flush and secure without prongs. This design gives the ring a smooth, continuous row of sparkle that complements the center stone. Since the side stones sit inside the channel’s walls, they’re better protected against snags.
Category
Description
Style
Accent diamonds are set flush in a metal channel for a sleek, uniform look
Stone protection
Metal walls shield the side stones’ edges from impact
Height
Low to medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, princess, baguette, or tapered cuts
Best for
Extra sparkle with durability
Tension Ring Settings
Unlike other types of ring settings, the center stone is held in place by the pressure or “tension” of the metal band. This unique setting design creates the illusion that the gem is floating between two ends of the ring, exposing nearly all of the stone for a bold visual effect.
Because the ring grips the gem tightly, precise engineering is essential in tension ring settings. The result is a sleek, modern look that feels innovative and stylish.
Category
Description
Style
A floating look where the stone is gripped by pressure from the band
Stone protection
Side edges have grip, but exposure requires careful wear
Height
Medium to high
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, oval or square cuts
Best for
A modern design with a standout silhouette
Bar Ring Settings
In a bar ring setting, small gems or diamonds are held securely by vertical metal bars that separate each stone. The stones sit flush between those bars, creating a sleek, linear look. Although the gems are partially exposed, they catch enough light to produce a subtle shine. This style works well as an accent ring or paired with a center stone.
Category
Description
Style
Vertical metal bars hold side stones in a linear row along the band
Stone protection
Bars protect the stones’ edges
Height
Low to medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, baguette or princess cuts
Best for
Subtle sparkle and elegance
Flush Ring Settings
A flush ring setting (also called a flush mount) sets diamonds directly into the band so they sit level with the metal surface. Since the stones are embedded, the profile is low, smooth and snag-free.
While light entry is more limited than pronged styles, a well-cut gem still reflects shine. Choose flush settings for a sleek yet practical look with a touch of elegance.
Category
Description
Style
Stones are set flush into the band for a smooth surface
Stone protection
Very strong, where the stone edges are protected by metal
Height
Extremely low
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, princess or small brilliant cuts
Best for
A durable, low-maintenance style
Two-Stone Ring Settings
Two-stone rings feature two diamonds or gemstones set side by side. The design allows for creative combinations, including matching cuts for a balanced look or mixed shapes and colors for visual contrast. It’s a versatile style that can offer different looks by customizing metals, stone sizes and orientations.
Category
Description
Style
Two stones set side by side
Stone protection
Prongs or bezels secure each stone while retaining openness
Height
Medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, emerald, oval, or a mix to contrast
Best for
Creative, eye-catching design
Three-Stone Ring Settings
This popular ring setting features a center diamond or gemstone flanked by two side stones, creating a balanced and eye-catching trio. The side stones often complement or amplify the center gem without competing for attention. The arrangement in three-stone rings adds visual weight and extra radiance.
Category
Description
Style
A central gem sitting between two side stones for symmetry and shine
Stone protection
Prongs or bezels secure each stone while retaining openness
Height
Medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, emerald, cushion, or matching side cuts
Best for
Added brilliance and balance
East-West Ring Settings
An east-west ring setting turns elongated stones, like emerald or oval, horizontally on their side. This orientation goes across the finger rather than lengthwise, giving a modern, unexpected twist to classic cuts. East-west designs offer a unique, fashion-forward ring option.
Category
Description
Style
Stone is mounted sideways (east to west)
Stone protection
Secure prongs or bezel guard exposed side edges
Height
Medium to low
Cut and stone suggestion
Oval, marquise, emerald, or baguette cuts
Best for
A contemporary twist on elongated styles
Split Shank Ring Settings
This setting style features a band that divides into two or more “shoulders” framing the center stone. Each arm can be plain metal or accented with pavé diamonds to enhance sparkle and draw attention inward.
The split shank design emphasizes the gem’s prominence without extra bulk. Consider this ring style for its look of structural strength with an elegant profile.
Category
Description
Style
The band splits into two or more shoulders that frame the center stone
Stone protection
Each shoulder supports the stone’s corners
Height
Medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, oval, cushion, or princess cuts
Best for
A striking architectural look that enhances the center gem
Cluster Ring Settings
A cluster ring setting features multiple small diamonds or gemstones grouped closely in a pattern, often around a center stone. This design creates a visual impression of a larger presence while maximizing light from many facets. With so many stones close together, cluster engagement rings offer maximum brilliance.
Category
Description
Style
Multiple stones set in tight arrangement to form one cohesive sparkle pattern
Stone protection
Shared metal edges protect stone sides
Height
Medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Mix of small rounds, marquise, pears, etc.
Best for
A bold, ornate design that maximizes sparkle
Trellis Ring Settings
This architectural setting features criss-crossed metal prongs that resemble a garden trellis. The design offers an open, sculpture-like effect, cradling the stone from multiple angles while allowing light to enter from the sides. A trellis ring setting is ideal for those seeking a refined, elevated look that’s elegant and airy.
Category
Description
Style
Interwoven prongs that form an “X” shape below the center stone
Stone protection
Multiple prongs offer support from different angles while maintaining openness
Height
Medium
Cut and stone suggestion
Round, oval, cushion, or fancy cuts
Best for
A ring with architectural elegance and delicate detail
What to Know about Engagement Ring Settings
An engagement ring setting does more than hold the diamond in place—it defines the ring’s style, structure and durability.
Each setting is made up of different elements to create a cohesive design. For example, a pavé setting uses prongs to secure the center stone with added accent diamonds along the band.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the different types of ring settings and mountings to know when speaking with a jeweler:
Prongs
These are the small metal claws that hold the center diamond securely in place. Prongs allow maximum light to enter the stone and enhance its shine, but may not be the most durable option, depending on their number and shape.
Center Stone Setting
This is the focal point of the ring, designed to showcase the main diamond or gemstone. The setting style, such as solitaire or halo, determines how much of the stone is visible and protected.
Accent Stones
Accent stones add personality to the band or frame the center stone. You can have them set in various ways, like pavé, channel or bar settings, to create subtle sparkle or dramatic shine.
Diamond Shape
The diamond’s shape—such as round, oval, princess, or pear—greatly influences which setting will complement it best. Some settings, like halos, enhance radiance, while others, like solitaires, highlight the diamond’s natural form.
Metal Type and Finish
The type of metal you choose sets the tone for the ring’s overall look. Platinum is exceptionally durable, while gold offers distinct color and shine. Finishes, such as high polish or matte, can also help enhance the design.
Band Type and Width
Band style affects both comfort and aesthetics. Slim bands draw attention to the center stone, while wider or split shank designs add structure and balance to larger settings.
Engravings
Personal ring engravings add sentimental value, making each ring unique. From a special date to a loved one’s initials, these details turn a beautiful ring into a meaningful keepsake.
Profile and Height
The ring’s profile refers to how high or low the center stone sits above the finger. A high profile showcases the diamond more dramatically, while a low profile offers a sleeker design for everyday wear.
Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring for Your Unique Style
Choosing the perfect engagement ring starts with a clear sense of style. A ring should feel personal, timeless and true to the wearer. Keep the following tips in mind as you explore your options:
- Choose an overall theme and style: Start by deciding whether you’re drawn to classic, vintage-inspired or contemporary designs.
- Pick a setting that matches the stone: This defines the look, such as sleek and minimalist or elevated and eye-catching.
- Consider lifestyle and comfort: Those with active routines may prefer low-profile settings that are comfortable for everyday wear.
- Look to their current jewelry for inspiration: Pay attention to the metals, colors and styles the recipient already wears—it’s the best hint toward their personal taste.
- Stay within your budget: A thoughtful design doesn’t have to be the most expensive; the right setting can make any diamond shine.
Explore Our Selection of Ring Settings
Finding the right ring setting is the first step in creating a piece that reflects your unique story. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or modern design, the setting brings your vision to life.
Shop our selection of engagement rings and wedding rings to discover styles that beautifully celebrate your next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most secure setting for a ring?
The bezel setting is considered the most secure option. It surrounds the diamond with a thin metal rim, holding it firmly in place while protecting it from chips or snags. Flush settings are also extremely secure.
What ring setting is trending now?
Modern designs like east-west and three-stone settings are trending. These styles balance timeless appeal with a contemporary twist, making them popular choices for couples seeking something classy and unique.
What ring setting is best for a small diamond?
A halo setting is ideal for smaller diamonds. The circle of accent stones around the center stone helps add brilliance and creates the illusion of a larger diamond size.
