All About Bezel Settings
Timeless is trendy again with the popularity of bezel set jewelry. Historic bezel settings have new, modern twists that offer updated takes on the signature wraparound style. Today’s bezel set engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are contemporary designs that showcase the best of current jewelry trends.
A bezel setting is a jewelry design where the center gemstone or diamond is held in place with wraparound metal rather than prongs or tension settings. The wrapround metal, called a bezel, usually encircles the center stone fully. But there are also partial bezel settings available though they are not as popular as full bezels.
People are choosing bezel settings for style and security. Learn more about bezel jewelry benefits, cons, history, and styling.
Pros and Cons of Bezel Settings
Bezel settings offer more benefits than drawbacks, making them a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding rings, tennis bracelets, stacking rings, and all types of diamond jewelry.
Bezel Setting Benefits
The continuous metals that encircle diamonds and gemstones in bezel settings offer many benefits that make this design popular. Leading bezel jewelry setting benefits include:
- Increased security that keeps center stones safer than other setting types.
- Reduced risk of damage from snags or harsh blows.
- Greater protection for softer gemstones.
- Lower profile wear for active people.
- Streamlined, sleek style.
- Simple jewelry upkeep when compared to other settings.
Low profile comfort and enhanced center stone protection are the two most popular bezel setting benefits. Because bezel settings do not use prongs, snagging is not a worry with these designs. You can wear bezel jewelry without worrying about breaking prongs, giving peace of mind that your jewelry is secure. Bezel settings also help protect softer gemstones from harsh blows or damage by encasing the stone in metal.
Bezel Setting Considerations
Though this setting offers more benefits than drawbacks, there are still some cons to the design to keep in mind. Potential bezel setting considerations include:
- Reduced diamond brilliance or gemstone shine.
- Higher costs over other setting styles due to higher metal content.
- Resizing limitations.
The benefits outnumber the drawbacks of bezel settings, but it’s important to consider what’s most important to you. The right bezel setting can still be a brilliant choice that brings security and style.
A Quick History of Bezel Jewelry
Bezel settings have been used throughout history to secure gemstones and unique designs. Notable bezel jewelry artifacts from Ancient Egypt and Greece showcase the longstanding popularity of this setting style. Bezels offered security and style, fitting the trends of each era.
As centuries progressed, bezel settings still maintained popularity. Bezels can be found in many vintage jewelry designs, from Victorian pieces to Art Deco jewelry. Wraparound bezels were especially common for en vouge cabochon gemstones and the paste gems of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Though trends have changed over the centuries, bezel settings have always had a degree of demand. Today, they’re trendy again as wrapround settings for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
Popular Bezel Setting Designs
The encircling style of bezel settings is a popular choice for all types of fine jewelry. Today’s bezel settings are mostly used for natural or lab-grown diamonds, but some gemstone designs are also available.
Bezel set engagement rings are the most popular design for this setting style. They are especially trendy in yellow gold, though other precious metals are also available. You can find bezel solitaire engagement rings, vintage-inspired designs and even men’s engagement rings with bezel set center stones.
For fine jewelry and fashion forward designs, bezel set diamond necklaces are in-demand styles. Choose from pendants with classic round diamonds and full bezels or east-west emerald cut diamond bezel necklaces.
Eternity rings, tennis bracelets and fashion rings are also trendy bezel set designs. Explore standalone diamond bezel settings in these pieces or graduating multi stone jewelry.
Earrings are another bezel jewelry staple. Diamond stud earrings with wraparound white gold, yellow gold or platinum bezel settings are leading designs.
FAQs About Bezel Settings
What is a bezel setting?
The bezel setting is a jewelry design style in which gemstones, diamonds and other elements are secured through wraparound metal rather than prongs or other setting styles.
Are bezels popular?
Yes, bezel settings are very popular. They have been around for centuries and are experiencing a resurgence of style, especially for bezel set engagement rings.
What is a bezel setting on a ring?
In rings, a bezel setting is metal that secures a gemstone or diamond with wrapping style rather than prongs or tension settings. The metal that hugs a center stone in place is called a bezel.
Are bezel settings more expensive?
Because bezel settings use more metal than other designs, they can be more expensive in some cases.
Who sells rings with bezel settings?
At Blue Nile, we offer a wide range of rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets with bezel settings.
Is bezel set safe?
Yes, bezel settings are considered safe options for many gemstones and diamonds. They are generally more secure than prong or tension settings.
What is the difference between a halo and a bezel setting?
Halo settings and bezel settings both encircle center stones, but the designs differ from there. A halo wraps around a center stone with diamonds or gemstones, while a bezel wraps around the center stone with metal.
Is bezel set jewelry vintage?
Yes, some bezel set jewelry is vintage. There are moderna and vintage bezel jewelry options available. Bezel settings have been used for centuries, and they are just as popular today.
Not all bezel settings are vintage, and there are many new jewelry pieces featuring this style.
Finding Artisan Bezel Set Jewelry
Whether you’re looking for a bezel set engagement ring, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or other designs, you can find your fit at many local jewelry stores. At Blue Nile, we offer a wide selection of bezel set jewelry online and in person.
