Designing a diamond ring is a thrilling experience! And some people get caught up questioning which comes first: the setting or the stone. In our experience, we believe the diamond should be first. After all, a fantastic stone is the highlight of your new diamond ring. It’s also the most significant part of your diamond-buying budget.
Once you’ve selected a stone that “wows” you with fire, brilliance and scintillation, the next step is choosing the setting. At Goldsmith Jewelers, we like to focus on two primary points: the wearer and the diamond.
Think About the Wearer
Every person is an individual with hobbies, vocations and activities. Perhaps this ring will become an engagement ring for a busy career mom. She’ll wear this ring every day for decades, so this setting must be durable for everyday wear.
Or, maybe you’re designing a gent’s ring that he’ll wear only on special occasions. This setting needs to be masculine yet elevated and formal. Be sure to explain these needs to your jeweler, so we can help you pick out the best setting.
Consider Diamond Durability
The great thing about diamonds is their durability. At a 10 on Moh’s Hardness Scale, they are the hardest natural substance on the planet! Thus the De Beers tagline “A Diamond is Forever.”
But some settings are less-than-ideal for everyday wear.
High-Profile vs. Low-Profile Diamond Settings
High-profile settings, where a stone sits high above the finger, showcase a diamond’s scintillation and fire.
- A high-quality diamond will look outstanding set this way.
- But it will also tend to snag on clothing or scratch a sleeping face.
- And a visibly flawed diamond will be obvious.
Low-profile settings are more durable for engagement pieces that will be worn daily and passed down to heirs.
- These settings can also help hide a visible inclusion in an inherited stone (if you’re seeking a new setting for Grandma’s diamond.)
And channel settings, where a diamond is placed down in the gold or platinum channel, are also safe options for daily wear.
Lastly, let’s consider the stone you’ve selected. Try it in a few variations of the settings you like. Pick one that highlights your diamond and speaks about the wearer of this ring. It takes practice, we know!
Need Help Choosing A Diamond Ring Setting?
At Goldsmith Jewelers, we’ve been helping customers design diamond rings for almost fifty years. We have the experience you can count on when it comes to creating a diamond ring. Contact us today to learn more about outstanding diamonds and perfect diamond settings.