Engagement Ring Styles and Settings
There’s nothing more iconic than a Tiffany engagement ring (in fact, in 1886 we set the standard for the engagement ring as we know it today). Discover classic and contemporary styles and settings, from traditional solitaire engagement rings to modern pavé and halo designs—all made with unparalleled craftsmanship to our exacting standards.
What Is an Engagement Ring Setting?
Setting refers to how gemstones are set, or mounted, into a metal band. The ring setting is meant to highlight the beauty of an engagement diamond. Style refers to the overall design aesthetic that the ring setting helps create—whether it be solitaire, halo or three stone.
What Is the Tiffany® Setting?
Introduced in 1886, the Tiffany® Setting set the standard for the engagement ring as we know it today. This iconic design features a round brilliant-cut diamond in a six-prong setting that lifts the diamond above the band and into the light, maximizing the stone’s brilliance. All Tiffany® Setting diamonds feature a triple excellent cut, the highest grade in the industry.
What Is a Solitaire Engagement Ring?
Honoring its namesake, the solitaire setting showcases a single, stunning diamond. Popularized around the world after the debut of the Tiffany® Setting, solitaire engagement rings highlight the beauty of an engagement diamond. While the round brilliant diamond is the most popular stone for solitaire engagement rings, any diamond shape is a beautiful centerpiece in this classic setting.
What Is a Halo Engagement Ring?
The halo setting features a dazzling center stone surrounded by a luminous circle of smaller diamonds. This is a popular style because the diamond halo maximizes the visual impact of the center stone. Tiffany halo engagement ring settings feature a range of diamond shapes encircled by a single or double halo of white or pink diamonds.
What Is a Three Stone Engagement Ring?
The three stone engagement ring setting showcases a dazzling trio of stones balanced in perfect harmony. Round and fancy shaped center stones are paired with complementary side stones to create a vision of superlative beauty. Tiffany three stone engagement rings feature a shimmering center stone flanked by brilliant diamonds or sapphire side stones.
Tiffany Engagement Ring Settings
Tiffany’s diamond setting standards are the most rigorous in the industry. All Tiffany diamonds are set within customized mountings to accommodate the specific size and shape of the diamond. Our master setters work meticulously to ensure that the proportions and surface quality of each stone are stunning from every angle.
Here’s an overview of the types of engagement ring settings we offer at Tiffany.
Prong Setting
The most common type of engagement ring setting, the prong setting features slim metal arms that securely cradle the diamond at the girdle. Each prong is carefully tapered and angled against the diamond’s bezel facets. Popularized by the iconic Tiffany® Setting engagement ring, the prong setting lifts the stone high above the band, allowing light to enter and exit the diamond from all angles for maximum brilliance, fire and sparkle.
Bead Setting
In a bead setting, small round pieces of metal are raised from the surface and used as prongs to secure each gemstone. This setting often features accent stones on the band. Because the metal beads reflect light, Tiffany engagement rings with bead-set diamond bands emit an extraordinary sparkle when worn.
Pavé Setting
Derived from the French word for “pavement,” pavé is a type of bead setting in which adjacent gemstones share a bead. In the pavé setting, the surface appears to be paved with diamonds set closely together. Tiffany engagement rings with a pavé diamond band feature three to six beads to secure each gemstone. This popular setting is a perfect choice for the wearer who desires a little extra sparkle.
Channel Setting
The channel setting features diamonds set within two parallel walls of metal inside the band. At Tiffany, the spacing between channel-set stones can be no wider than a sheet of paper. Durable and stylish, channel-set engagement rings and wedding bands are prized for their seamless flow of light.
Tension Setting
In a tension setting, opposing directions of pressure are used to hold a stone so that it appears suspended in place. This tension creates the illusion of a diamond floating in midair. With open sides and a high seat, light enters and exits the gemstone to display an exceptional sparkle.
Bezel Setting
A popular setting for diamond wedding bands, the bezel setting features a metal rim that protects the edges of a gemstone. Bezel-set engagement rings are defined by a flat surface that exposes only the crown, or top, of the diamond. This makes the bezel setting an appropriate style for those seeking a low-set engagement ring.
Cathedral Setting
The cathedral setting adds height and elegance to an engagement ring. The shank of the ring curves upwards to resemble the tall, graceful arches of a cathedral, elevating the center stone above the band. The cathedral engagement setting is perfect for those who prefer a traditional style with a high setting.
Burnish Setting
In a burnish setting, stones are nestled in hollows within the band and secured in place by burnishing, or pressing, the metal to cover each gem’s girdle. This setting protects each gemstone by positioning it at or below the metal’s surface.
