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When looking for an engagement ring, you might come across styles described as “setting only.” But what does setting only mean when buying a ring? And, more so, why would a person choose a “setting only”?
Essentially, a setting-only ring means that the ring has not been set with a stone. And while it seems less beneficial to buy an incomplete ring without the diamond, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Buying a setting only ring is the perfect option for many people. Let’s explore why a setting only or semi-mount ring is an ideal scenario for ring purchases and explore the process a bit more in-depth.
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Why Buy a “Setting Only” Ring?
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“Setting only” rings offer many advantages. Here are just a few reasons to consider buying setting only and semi-mount rings.
To Personally Choose the Diamond or Stone
Engagement rings are designed in a way that elevates the stone and gives it center stage. So while a pre-made diamond engagement ring is ready to box up for a proposal, many people wish to pick the diamond itself on their own. Of course, the person might already own a loose diamond too.
The Diamond Is a Family Heirloom
Another reason someone might choose to buy a “setting only” ring is because they need a new setting for a loose hand-me-down diamond. Sometimes a family stone is passed down attached to an outdated ring setting or as a single earring that lost its mate. As long as you follow the etiquette and set expectations of any modifications, transferring an heirloom family stone to a new diamond engagement ring setting can give it new life.
You Have Another Diamond Ring
It doesn’t have to be a family heirloom diamond for you to want a semi-mount ring. Unfortunately, sometimes ring settings fall out of fashion. Luckily, you can also choose a setting only ring because you already have the perfect stone but need a more modern setting to set it off.
You Intend to Purchase the Stone Later
Last, some people choose to purchase a stone at a later date. Most times, this is so that couples can shop together. However, it might also be a budgetary decision, waiting until a larger diamond or high-quality stone can be afforded.
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Considerations for a “Setting Only” Ring
When you choose to purchase a “setting only” ring, there are some extra considerations you need to make. Once you purchase the semi-mount engagement ring and choose the most optimal diamond you can afford, there’s still one more cost. You will need to pay your jeweler to “set” the diamond in the ring.
One thing to keep in mind: It is better to select the stone first. With a chosen diamond, a Verragio jeweler can offer professional advice on the style and size of the setting that will work best with the stone. For example, oval engagement ring settings will require an oval-shaped diamond.
However, here are the two setting styles:
Prong Setting
A prong setting is the most common type of setting style. The number of prongs can range from three to six, each securely holding the stone within a metalhead or basket base.
Prong Shapes
In addition, prongs can come in different styles too. You have rounded, pointed, V-shaped and flat prongs, each offering a different aesthetically pleasing look against the cut of your stone.
But some prong shapes are designed for specific stones. For instance, a marquise-shaped, heart-shaped or pear-shaped diamond or stone will need a V-shape prong, offering both support and protection along the corners. Emerald-cut diamonds and stone prongs require a flat prong, and a square-shaped stone features a prong at each corner, holding it in place like pockets.
The Number of Prongs
The more prongs you have, the securer the stone. Except, if you have a smaller stone, six prongs might be overpowering. So you want to find the perfect balance between a fastened stone and seeing more facets. How many prongs your stone needs is just one of the decisions a reputable jeweler can help you make.
Prong Height
The height of the setting’s prongs is also an important consideration to make. You want to avoid high-set prongs that can snag clothes or scratch things.
Tension Setting
The tension setting makes a stone appear as if it’s floating. Instead of being held together by prongs, a tension setting offers compression-spring pressure that holds the stone in place. With this floating stone, a beautiful thing happens: Light is able to penetrate the stone, making it sparkle brighter.
However, there are a few downsides to a tension setting. With less metal, the stone has less protection. Furthermore, a tension setting is only recommended for tough stones, such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies due to the tight compression application.
The Choice Is Yours
Explore Verragio’s semi-mount engagement rings that feature a “setting only” design. Like something you see? Get in touch with a nearby Verragio jeweler who can help find an ideal diamond or stone for your mount and offer expert advice.