A Guide to Engagement Ring Settings
Arnold & Co - Canberra Centre
A Guide to Engagement Ring Settings
The setting is what holds your stone, and it quietly shapes everything: the look, the feel, the way it catches the light, and how well it stands up to everyday life. Here are six of the most popular settings, in plain terms.
01
Solitaire
A single stone held high on prongs, so light pours in from every angle. It is the timeless, do-anything classic: simple, affordable, and endlessly flattering. With no accent stones, the centre diamond does all the talking.
02
Halo
A circle of tiny diamonds wrapped around the centre stone, making it look bigger and brighter. Brilliant value for sparkle, so even a modest centre can feel show-stopping. There is just a little more detail to keep clean and check over time.
03
Pavé
A band lined with small diamonds, so the whole ring shimmers and the eye is drawn to the centre. Pure glamour, though the tiny stones appreciate the occasional check, and resizing can be a touch trickier with diamonds running along the band.
04
Bezel
A smooth rim of metal wraps right around the stone, holding it tight. It is the most secure, snag-free choice, with a clean modern look made for busy hands. The rim covers a little of the stone, so the sparkle is softer and the diamond can read slightly smaller.
05
Three-Stone
A centre diamond flanked by two companions, often said to mark a couple's past, present and future. Meaningful, generous in sparkle, and a lovely chance to add a coloured gem with personal meaning. You are buying three quality stones, so it sits at a higher price.
06
Toi et Moi
Toi et Moi, French for 'you and me', sets two stones side by side so they curve together as one. Each stone stands for a person, giving the design real romance and history; it is famously the style Napoleon chose for Joséphine. The two stones can match or contrast in shape and colour, so it is wonderfully personal, though its asymmetry takes a little thought to pair with a wedding band.
The Right One Is the One That Suits You
There is no single best setting, only the one that fits the wearer. Love timeless simplicity? A solitaire is hard to beat. Want maximum sparkle? Reach for a halo or pavé. Need durability for busy hands? A bezel is brilliant. Drawn to meaning? A three-stone tells a beautiful story, and a Toi et Moi pairs two stones as one for something with real romance. The best way to decide is to try a few in person.
Visit us at Arnold and Co Jewellers in Canberra Centre, and our team will talk you through the options or help design a one-of-a-kind ring built around the stone and setting you love.
Start Your Custom DesignEvery piece is a work of art, and every story is unique.