Category: Engagement

How Vintage Engagement Rings Reflect Your Style

by Rylee Kahan

Similar to Shakespeare’s famous quote “What’s in a name?”, you should know what a vintage engagement ring would say about your choice. But first off, let’s be precise what a vintage engagement ring is. A vintage ring is one that was originally created/purchased and worn anywhere from 1 day ago to 99 years ago. Because it was previously worn, it is no longer considered “new,” and so it is considered “vintage.” Jewelry that was created 100 years ago or more is also considered “antique.” And this is what it says.

You’ve Broken the Mold

Many vintage rings were handcrafted and created through a long and slow process which demanded an enviable amount of skill and patience. These vintage rings are unique in their craftsmanship and in their design. You won’t find another one like it.  These rings are excellent matches for brides who are fond of the old and who like to show off their originality.

You Are Bold & Intense

One of the periods that vintage engagement rings come from if the Art Deco period (1915/1920-1935). Art Deco is all about gemological shapes, hosts of diamonds and bold designs. Art Deco jewelry is part of a much broader movement which took place around WWI. After the Great War ended, the belief in progress was what kept society moving forward. A new woman emerged – one who smoked, played tennis, drove, and danced all night to the sound of jazz. Corsets were abandoned and there was palpable freedom in artistic and fashionable expression. It’s truly hard to miss an Art Deco vintage engagement ring when you come across one.

Vintage white gold diamond engagement ring.

You Are Feminine & Charismatic

The Retro period lasted from 1935-1950. Retro rings vibrate with a “larger than life” energy. These rings were inspired by the glamour of Hollywood and the express femininity of Hollywood actresses such as Marily Monroe. They feature fluid lines, asymmetry, sculptural dimensions, and a multitude of diamonds.

You Like Old Values

The 1950s mark the beginning of the Modern period for rings. The most prominent vintage ring detail of that period is the use of clean lines, platinum & diamonds, and textural features. The 60s, however, were an age of family values and family traditions. It was around the sixties that the diamond solitaire (especially with fancy cut center stones) became the classic engagement ring.

And let’s not forget what we have already said. The jewelry-making process in the past decades was much more about craftsmanship and devotion. Today’s market is flooded with mass-produced pieces of uniform design patterns barely distinguishable from one another. This is in stark contrast with how jewelry was made decades ago.

You Are Caring & Thoughtful

Vintage engagement rings are a beautiful choice, but some will come with advice to exercise caution and care during the everyday wear. In truth, any and every ring requires some level of caution or at least careful consideration of the design with respect to the fiancée’s lifestyle. Still, some vintage engagement rings (like some modern rings as well) could have a design which would require a more frequent care routine. This would include vintage engagement rings with pearls as center stones, for example, or those with a lot of filigree.

If you are in the market for a vintage engagement ring in San Diego, make sure you stop by our San Diego Avenue showroom. Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you will find a vast and carefully curated selection of the finest quality vintage engagement rings. All have been meticulously restored by our master jewelers to appear like new but have a lower price tag than new. Let us help you make a choice that will make you – and your fiancée – happy!

Which Engagement Rings Are Better For Active Lifestyles?

by Rylee Kahan

Most women dream of the day the love of their life pops the question. They envision their beautiful engagement ring shining on their hand and can’t wait to show it off to the world. Most women also lead very active lives and are terrified of losing or damaging their sparkling symbol of love. Constantly removing your engagement ring for fear of losing it actually increases your chances of misplacing it!

So, when shopping for your future fiancé’s dream ring her lifestyle needs to be taken into consideration. You wouldn’t want to buy a ring she’ll rarely be able to wear, right? When purchasing an engagement ring most people are solely focused on the appearance. But when looking for the best engagement ring for active women there are other things that need to be considered as well – durability and comfort. If your future bride-to-be is always on the go, you want to be sure you find a ring that will perfectly fit in with her life. But how do you balance beauty with practicality?

The Bezel Setting

The bezel setting is an active woman’s best friend. Bezel settings offer a ring of protective metal around the girdle of the center stone. This protects the delicate stone from being chipped or damaged. This also helps prevent any potential snagging or scratching, which is a common issue with prong or claw set rings. This setting is great for women who:

  • Participate in extreme or contact sports like soccer, softball, basketball, snowboarding, etc.
  • Regularly go to the gym and lift weights
  • Enjoy hobbies that require constant use of the hands like pottery, woodworking, kitting, etc.
  • Constantly use their hands at work (doctors, hair stylists, chefs, etc.)
  • Seem to be especially clumsy – always tripping or bumping into tables and walls, etc.
Yellow gold engagement ring centered with an oval cut bezel set diamond and two pear cut bezel set diamonds.

Center Stone Shape

Another factor to consider when looking for the best engagement ring for active women is the shape of the diamond or colored gemstone you choose. Sharp points and corners, like those seen on princess, pear, and marquise cuts, can more easily snag on clothes and hair. They are also more at risk of chipping or breaking when accidentally banged on a hard surface. The ideal cut for an active woman’s engagement ring should have smooth edges. The gentle curves of round or oval cuts are a great way to ensure the center stone of your engagement ring stays looking impeccable and remains unblemished.

Metal Type

Last, but most certainly not least, is the type of metal you choose for an active woman’s engagement ring. There are many different precious metal options, and you should go with the one that best fits her style. However, platinum is recommended for those who lead active lives. Platinum is the most durable precious metal and will be better able to handle hard blows and rough wearing. Platinum is a popular choice due to its hardness (resistance to being scratched), toughness (resistance to being bent), and natural white sheen. It’s also naturally hypo-allergenic, making it even more irresistible!

The best engagement ring for active women is comprised of three main factors: a bezel setting, a round or oval shape, and a platinum band. These factors will ensure a beautiful, comfortable, and secure ring that she’ll be able to show off no matter what she’s doing. You can also find a gorgeous bezel set wedding band to perfectly match her engagement ring!

If you think a bezel set ring is the perfect fit for your future wife, visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers on San Diego Avenue. Our vast collection of bezel set rings features everything from classic solitaires to unique, vintage three stone rings. The active woman in your life will be grateful you thought about her love for adventurous activities. She’ll cherish her ring – and you – for a lifetime.

Perfect Spots for a Fall Proposal

by Rylee Kahan

Autumn is officially upon us, and we couldn’t be more eager for this spectacular season. The time has come to delight in the revelries of fall, like hot air balloon rides, tailgating parties, and scary movie marathons. There’s an awful lot to love about autumn, so it’s no wonder this time of year is popular for marriage proposals. Take in the beauty of the season with your sweetheart and pile on the fall fun while you still have time. And if you’re planning an engagement, check out these romantic outdoor proposal ideas for fall to get inspired!

Campfire Proposal

Fall is an excellent time of year for camping or a backyard bonfire, with just the right amount of chill in the air and spectacular scenery everywhere you look. And what makes a better backdrop for a romantic proposal than a cozy campfire? Snuggle up with your sweetheart, a warm blanket, and a bottle of champagne to set the mood just right. Once you’ve created the ideal ambiance, take this intimate opportunity to profess your love and pop the question.

Pumpkin Patch Proposal

Every autumn, families flock to the pumpkin patch for the quintessential fall experience. After all, who doesn’t love haunted hayrides, petting zoos, and pony rides? If you and your beloved enjoy the nostalgia of this timeless fall tradition, a pumpkin patch proposal may be perfect for you! Bundle up in your favorite fall sweaters, enjoy a cup of hot apple cider, and take in all the sights and sounds of your childhood. After partaking in all the fall festivities, find a quiet moment together to get down on one knee.

Pumpkin Carving Proposal

Once you and your true love have found the perfect pumpkins, it’s time to get carving! This presents yet another opportunity for a romantic outdoor proposal that’s sure to take her breath away. Plan an evening together to carve your masterpieces and tell her you’d like to wait until the end to unveil your handiwork. You can use a printable template to carve “Will you marry me?” into your pumpkin, or even multiple pumpkins if you have the time. Then, once your pumpkin(s) are lit up with a candle, it’s time for the big reveal. Your bride-to-be is sure to be swept away by this sentimental gesture. Plus, a pumpkin carving proposal makes for a great fall photo-op.

Couple embracing under an umbrella on a bridge in a park.

Orchard Proposal

Nothing says fall like an afternoon spent apple picking. Harvest some fresh fruit with your love while enjoying the crisp autumn air. Settle down in a quiet spot for a picnic in the grass and seize the moment to ask for her hand. Once she says “yes,” you can head home with your haul and bake a delicious dessert together to celebrate the occasion.

Park Proposal

The ultimate outdoor proposal ideas for fall include beautiful backdrops that make the moment even more memorable. Luckily, there are plenty of parks around the country that offer wondrous views of the changing fall foliage. Surprise her with a stroll through a picturesque park and when the moment feels just right, get down on one knee and present her with the glittering diamond ring she’s always dreamed of. Be sure to get some snapshots with the lovely autumn leaves to remember the moment for years to come.

Corn Maze Proposal

The festivities of fall just aren’t complete without a trip to a corn maze. You and your love can work together, navigating all the twists and turns. She’ll be so distracted trying to find the right route, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to catch her off guard. Kneel and pop the question in a corner secluded by towering corn stalks. Or, save your surprise for the end, when you’ve finally found your way.

Winery Proposal

Autumn is one of the best seasons to take a winery tour, as many types of wine grapes are harvested between August and October. Wineries are also a superb location for planning an epic outdoor proposal. Not only do wineries boast stunning scenery, but they also tend to offer an array of outdoor activities to enjoy. Sip on some flavorful reds and whites, indulge in some fresh local fare, tour the vineyard, and take advantage of a relaxing afternoon with your future bride-to-be. With the help of a little liquid courage, asking for her hand might feel a tad less frightening.

The first step to planning the perfect proposal is finding an engagement ring she’ll love. And what better place to find exceptional engagement rings than Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers? For over 40 years, Leo Hamel’s has helped countless happy couples seal the deal with engagement rings in every price range. Shop for new, antique, and vintage engagement rings to find the right ring to complement your sweetheart’s style. Or custom create an engagement ring that’s entirely unique. No matter your vision, the friendly folks at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers can help turn your idea into a reality. What’re you waiting for? Visit us today!

Important Tips About Engagement Ring Financing

by Rylee Kahan
Pear Cut Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is no small investment. In fact, besides your home and vehicle, it’s likely one of the larger purchases you’ll make. Though many people plan for such an expense, saving the exact amount you need is tricky. After all, if you’ve yet to find the ring of her dreams, how can you anticipate how much it’ll cost?

Marketing tells us that to save for an engagement ring, one should put away at least three months’ salary. But as the cost of living continues to rise, this rule has become increasingly outdated. For some, saving can seem downright impossible.

So, how does one go about finding the perfect ring without a huge wad of cash in hand? Luckily there are plenty of options for engagement ring financing. When done wisely, they can make this expense much easier to manage.

Jewelry Store Financing

Nearly every major jewelry store offers financing options. Most programs offer a period of deferred interest, giving you time to pay off the principal balance with no interest. Applying for financing from your jewelry store is generally as simple as filling out an application and waiting for a quick credit check.

Should this be the option you choose, it’s ideal to have a ring in mind before submitting your application, to avoid too many credit inquiries. And if there’s a deferred interest period, be sure to pay off your balance within that window of time to avoid being hit by the accumulating interest.

Credit Cards

Like any large purchase, you have the option to finance an engagement ring with a credit card. Though you run the rise of facing high interest rates, there are some cards that offer up to 18 months with 0% APR. These usually come with a 3%-5% fee. If you break that down, a $5,000 engagement ring could be paid off in 18 months with payments of less than $300 per month.

Making payments each month is often easier for folks to manage, which is why plenty of people opt for financing with a credit card. Not to mention, most credit card companies now offer points rewards programs that make them even more enticing to customers.

Diamond Eternity Wedding Band

Personal Loans

If you’re looking to avoid credit cards and the looming threat of high interest, personal loans are yet another option for financing an engagement ring. Though very similar to credit cards, personal loans tend to have fixed interest rates. You’ll receive the entire sum up front and can pay it back over an agreed upon length of time.

Be sure to know whether you’re applying for a secured or unsecured personal loan. A secured personal loan will require you to provide some sort of collateral, while an unsecured loan will examine your credit and financial history. Also, confirm whether there are any additional costs to you, like an initiation or annual fee.

Should Your Look Into Financing and Engagement Ring?

Still wondering whether you should finance an engagement ring? Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. Only you know the details of your personal finances, and what makes the most sense to you. Do you consider yourself financially savvy, and will remember to pay off your balance before the interest comes due? Then there’s no reason not to take advantage of engagement ring financing! When used wisely, these financing options can work to your advantage, and relieve some of the pressure that accompanies purchasing an engagement ring.

If you’re wondering where you can find engagement rings for all price ranges in San Diego, you’ve come to the perfect place! Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers offers no-interest financing with your approved credit. Applying is easy and quick. You’ll find an astonishing selection of new, antique, and vintage engagement rings for every style and budget! Surprise her with a one-of-a-kind antique or vintage engagement ring that she can wear as her very own piece of history. Or, if she has a trendier style, a glittering Hearts On Fire diamond is sure to take her breath away. No matter what you’re looking for, we can help you find it here at Leo’s!

Picking the Perfect Men’s Wedding Band

by Rylee Kahan
Five various men's wedding bands on marble background.
So, you’ve found the perfect wedding set for your sweetheart and it’s time to select your own wedding band. Men’s wedding bands come in a variety of different styles, not just the classic smooth band. You may feel even more overwhelmed by your ring choices than you were by hers. But there’s no need to fret because we will help you navigate the process!

Consider Your Budget & Lifestyle

Considering how much you want to spend could help when it comes to choosing some of your options, such as higher-end metals or embellishments like precious gemstones. But you don’t have to know your budget before visiting your jeweler to try on a variety of bands. Once you find one that is appealing, then you can decide whether to fit it into your budget. After all, a wedding band is meant to be a lifetime investment, so this splurge for the groom is allowed.

When choosing a wedding band, it is important to examine your lifestyle. Perhaps you work in a profession that requires you to work with your hands or use certain tools that could potentially damage your ring. There are certain metals like platinum and titanium that are known for durability. Are you an exceptionally active person? Maybe you’d prefer a ring that is more understated with no fuss. Remember, this is a piece of jewelry that you’ll likely wear daily and seldom remove. You want to make sure it can stand up to your daily activities.

Choose Your Metal & Fit

There are a variety of metals to choose from when selecting a men’s wedding band. Some of the most popular metals include platinum, titanium, stainless steel, and white, yellow, or rose gold. These metals vary in price and durability. For example, platinum is typically more expensive but is also very tough.

One of men’s biggest concerns when shopping for wedding bands is getting used to wearing a ring every day. If you’re not accustomed to wearing jewelry, this can certainly be an adjustment. This is exactly why making sure your band is the perfect fit is so important! Minor details like whether the edges of your band are flat or rounded can make a difference in the fit and feel of the ring. Trying on as many styles as possible will reveal what feels right for you.

Fitting Your Personality

Last, but certainly not least, you want to make sure that the wedding band you choose expresses your personality. This symbol of love and commitment is meant to be worn for a lifetime, so you want to make sure it accurately represents your unique style and identity. If your style is more reserved, you can opt for a classic wedding band with few embellishments. For a more modern look, you can consider adding extra detail or picking a less traditional metal like rose gold. If you’re a guy who doesn’t mind standing out, add some sparkle to your band. You can do this with round or square cut diamonds set in a channel through the center of the band.

Remember these tips and you’ll find the process to be less overwhelming than it may seem. And don’t forget, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers has an exceptional selection of new and vintage men’s wedding bands in all price ranges! Visit our showroom today, meet with one of our friendly experts, and we’ll help you find the wedding band that is perfect for you!

Choose Yellow Diamonds for a Unique Engagement Ring

by Rylee Kahan
Drop earrings, stud earrings, and three rings all set with yellow diamonds surrounded by white diamonds.

Thinking of an engagement ring might evoke an image of a colorless diamond solitaire. Although that is certainly a classic choice, there are many other options when it comes to getting engaged. Engagement rings are highly personal items of jewelry and can be set with colored stones as well as colored diamonds rather than colorless ones. The 2017 trends saw a marked increase of interest in non-solitaire rings. Similarly, fancy yellow diamonds have grown in popularity over the past few decades. These gorgeous gemstones can be set in antique style settings as well as modern ones. If making the decision between a fancy yellow diamond versus a colorless diamond is a tough one for you, we’re here to help.

Diamonds are a mineral that is composed of 99.95% carbon. The remaining percentage is trace elements, some of which can affect a diamond’s color. One of the trace elements that can be found in diamonds is nitrogen, which is the source of a yellow diamond’s color.

Colorless diamonds are graded for their color on a scale D-Z, with D being the most transparent, like a drop of pure water. A vast majority of diamonds are graded somewhere between D and Z, which is to say that most diamonds have varying degrees of trace nitrogen. Diamonds which have no nitrogen at all are extremely rare. However, intensely colored or “fancy” yellow diamonds are even rarer than colorless diamonds.

Fancy colored diamonds are not graded on the D-Z scale. For instance, yellow diamonds are graded on a special scale: fancy light yellow – fancy yellow – fancy intense yellow – fancy deep yellow – fancy vivid yellow.

Jewelry connoisseurs associate Tiffany & Co. with fancy yellow diamonds nearly as much as their trademark blue color. In fact, for quite some time Tiffany had exclusive access to yellow diamonds mined in Ellendale, Australia – the largest yellow diamond mine until it closed in 2015. The world-famous Tiffany Diamond was mined in 1877 in South Africa. Once cut and faceted, this impressive fancy yellow diamond weighed a whopping 128.54 carats. It was once set in an enchanting necklace by jean Schlumberger for Audrey Hepburn to wear while promoting the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Remarkably, this famous yellow diamond was never sold, and remains on display in Tiffany’s flagship Fifth Avenue store.

Today, yellow diamond rings are rising in popularity. Many celebrities flaunt their sparklers of the rising sun wearing fancy yellow diamond engagement rings, yellow diamond wedding bands, and yellow diamond right-hand rings. Some of them include Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Hillary Clinton, Heidi Klum, and Rebecca Romjin.

Our culture already attaches certain symbolism to diamond rings. The striking color of fancy yellow diamonds only adds to the meanings of strength and eternity. Yellow diamond engagement rings evoke joy, happiness, and prosperity. Therefore, yellow diamonds make a fantastic choice for an engagement ring.

Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers has been the largest independent and family-owned jewelry store in San Diego for over 44 years. Visit our vast and luxurious showroom on San Diego Avenue, just east of the 5 across from the airport. We carry an extensive collection of fancy yellow diamonds of a variety of cuts and carat weights. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we will go to work to find it for you!

Best Tips for Picking Out Ring Settings

by Rylee Kahan
White gold and yellow gold engagement rings with different settings and various colored diamonds.

The diamond, or any other gemstone, is the center of attention in any engagement ring. But the way it sparkles and shines can be affected by one important factor that many people tend to overlook – the setting. There are many different choices for engagement ring settings, also referred to as a mounting or semi-mounts. From the classic prong setting to bezel settings, to the modern tension setting, it can quickly become very overwhelming. But that doesn’t mean your decision shouldn’t involve careful consideration.

As you may already know, the 4Cs of a diamond determine its overall quality and appearance. However, engagement ring settings also play an important role. The mounting defines the look of your ring and displays the diamond to its best advantage. The way the diamond is set, and the color of metal chosen, can significantly impact the final look of your ring.

You don’t want to fall in love with a loose diamond, select a style of setting you’ve always admired, and then ultimately decide you don’t like how they look together on your finger. You’d have to start the entire process all over again! That’s why it’s best to consider the ring mounting before making any purchases.

It’s also wise to think about your lifestyle and budget. If you lead a more active lifestyle and plan to wear your engagement ring every day, it’s best to choose a setting that offers more protection for the diamond. Think about your ring being snagged on clothes or in hair, getting banged against your desk or walls, etc.

Additionally, it’s always smart to think about your budget. While the diamond itself can make up a significant part of the overall cost of the ring, the type and amount of precious metal plus additional diamonds or gemstones used in the setting helps determine the total price.

And don’t forget about the wedding band! Do you plan on wearing your engagement ring and wedding band together? If so, you more than likely want them to sit perfectly together and share cohesive design elements. A great way to ensure this is by purchasing a wedding set.

A duo will include an engagement ring and women’s wedding band, while a trio will include an engagement ring plus his-and-hers matching wedding bands. This can help you save money, but you always have the choice of purchasing each ring separately, and even custom designing your rings.

As you can tell, there are many different factors that go into selecting the perfect engagement ring setting for you. Luckily, we’re here to help you make your decision. Below are some of the many different types of ring settings with a brief list of pros and cons for each one.

Classic Prong Setting - Solitaire

This is the most common setting for engagement rings. Prong settings involve three to six prongs, or claws, that hold a stone firmly in place in a metal “basket.” This type of setting offers a few different options: prongs can be round, flat, pointed, or V-shaped. Four or six prongs are the most common, but this can vary depending on the shape of the diamond. Fewer prongs allow for more exposure to light and thus more sparkle, but more prongs keep the diamond more secure. Solitaire prong settings consist of a band and prongs to hold the diamond – nothing more.

Pros:

  • Allows for light exposure from all angles, which maximizes the diamond’s brilliance
  • Less expensive since less metal is required in the making of the setting
  • Supports a variety of shapes and carat sizes
  • Easy to clean
  • Timeless appeal
  • Shows the diamond off as the star of the piece

Cons:

  • May offer less protection of the diamond than other settings
  • Can get caught in hair or snag clothing. Beware of long-sleeved shirts, stockings/nylons, and gloves.
  • May loosen with normal wear and tear (although, this is a simple fix at your local jewelers).

Channel Set Engagement Rings

This specific setting refers to the band of an engagement ring and is also widely popular for wedding bands. The channel setting features smaller diamonds inserted into a channel that is cut into the band of the ring. This creates a metal channel of sparkling stones set flush with the entire band or most of the band. Most channel settings feature round or princess cut diamonds. The advantage to using princess cut diamonds is there will be no gaps between the stones set in the channel, making the ring sparkle even more.

Pros:

  • Secure; offers protection to the girdle of stones
  • Smooth surface
  • Enhances ring’s overall fire and brilliance

Cons:

  • Can be difficult to resize if set with stones around the entire perimeter of the band. We recommend leaving one third of the band unset in case of future repairs
  • Requires more cleaning to avoid dirt becoming trapped in the channel
  • Not recommended for soft stones

Bezel Set Engagement Rings

A bezel setting is the best engagement ring setting for those who lead active lifestyles. This is because the bezel setting offers maximum protection of the stone. The bezel setting encircles the diamond with a metal rim, either completely or partially. A full bezel completely surrounds the diamond, whereas a partial bezel leaves the sides open for more viewing of the diamond.

Pros:

  • Offers maximum protection of the diamond
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Sleek and modern style
  • Metal can be molded to fit any shape and carat
  • White metals can make diamonds appear larger
  • Yellow gold can enhance the color of red or green gemstones

Cons:

  • Less light reflection, which means less brilliance
  • Hides more of the stone
  • Yellow gold may give colorless diamond a slight yellow tint.

Pavé Settings

Similar to the channel setting, a pavé setting features diamonds encrusted around the perimeter of the band. However, instead of diamonds embedded within the band, several rows of small stones are set level with the surface of the ring. Then, the surrounding metal is raised to form beads, like little prongs, that secure the stones in place. The finished look gives the impression that the ring setting is made entirely out of diamonds.

Pros:

  • Continuous sparkle
  • Design complements modern and vintage styles

Cons:

  • Can be difficult to resize if set with stones around the entire perimeter of the band. We recommend leaving about one third of the band unset in case of future repairs.
  • Small risk of losing side stones

Tension Settings

A more modern approach to engagement ring settings, the tension setting gives the impression that the stone is floating. This type of setting features a design in which the compression-spring pressure of the band holds the stone securely in place. Jewelers expertly cut tiny grooves into the side of the band to secure the diamond in place. Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are the only gemstones that are durable enough to withstand the required amount of pressure. There are also tension-style ring settings that have an additional metal band surrounding the diamond.

Pros:

  • Can see nearly 100% of the diamond
  • Ultimate light reflection due to minimal metal surrounding the diamond
  • Unique and modern appearance

Cons:

  • Difficult and expensive to resize
  • Thick metal bands can create the appearance of a smaller diamond
  • Extreme pressure from an outside source can cause the diamond to become loose (highly unlikely, but still possible)

Bar Settings

Bar settings are more common in wedding and anniversary bands, but they are still used in engagement rings. Two metal bars secure the stone in place, leaving the sides exposed for viewing. This setting is similar to the design of channel setting, however, more of the diamond is visible.

Pros:

  • Versatile design that works well for engagement rings, bands, and stackable rings
  • Amplifies sparkle and shine

Cons:

  • Resizing can be challenging and costly
  • Slightly higher chance of chipping since there is less metal protecting the stone.

Halo Settings

Halo settings are one of the most popular settings for engagement rings. Smaller diamonds or other gemstones encompass the center stone, creating a look of ultimate sparkle. Halos are more commonly seen with round or princess cut diamonds, but they look great with any shape. This is a great option for smaller center stones since the halo makes them appear larger. There are also double halos, which feature two concentric circles of gemstones surrounding the center stone.

Pros:

  • Maximizes sparkle and shine
  • Complements a variety of diamond shapes
  • Enhances appearance of smaller diamonds
  • Can be paired with a pavé band for a look of continuous sparkle

Cons:

  • Tiny side stones have the potential to come loose

Cathedral Settings

Cathedral settings have an elegant and classic appeal. This mounting is similar to the classic prong setting, but the diamond is set much higher up on the band. Metal arches are used to hold the center stone, much like the graceful arches of a cathedral. The arches are used to add extra height to the ring, elevating the center stone and making it the center of attention.

Pros:

  • Unique and eye-catching design
  • Showcases the center stone
  • Very secure
  • Cost-saving style; less money than adding more diamonds

Cons:

  • Can snag on clothing
  • Easier to accidentally hit on hard surfaces since the stone is set so high

Three-Stone Engagement Rings

Appropriately named, three-stone engagement ring settings feature three stones: a larger center stone and two smaller side stones. This setting has a special meaning behind it as the three stones are said to represent a couple’s past, present, and future. Round brilliant and princess cut diamonds are the most popular for this particular setting. Personalization is an option by using different colored stones.

Pros:

  • More brilliance and fire
  • Opportunity for color contrast and personalization
  • When properly paired with side stones, the center stone appears larger

Cons:

  • More cleaning and maintenance required
  • Side stones might distract from beauty of center stone when paired poorly

Gypsy Settings

Gypsy settings, also known as flush settings, feature a diamond drilled into a hole in the band of the ring. Metal is pressed and hammered around the stone to secure it; the gemstone does not protrude at all. This is a very popular style for men’s wedding bands.

Pros:

  • Very secure
  • Maximum protection of the stone
  • Conceals any nicks or chips on the stone’s girdle, which can be cost effective when selecting a diamond

Cons:

  • Not recommended for fragile stones
  • More expensive than other engagement ring setting since it takes more time and effort to produce

Cluster Settings

Cluster settings are one of the newer styles for engagement rings. Many smaller diamonds are clustered together to create the appearance of a larger diamond. This style of setting can contain a larger centered stone with many small stones clustered around it, or a cluster of stones of equal size.

Pros:

  • Unique and modern design
  • Can be crafted into many different shapes
  • Less expensive than purchasing a larger diamond

Cons:

  • More cleaning and maintenance required depending on number of stones and shape
  • Smaller stones can potentially become loose and fall out

Split-Shank Bands

Shank is another term for band. Therefore, this type of mounting features a split in the band. The band splits into two separate shanks that come together at the center stone. Channel settings and pavé settings are typically combined with this style to provide more texture and sparkle.

Pros:

  • Works well with modern and vintage designs
  • Different from traditional styles
  • Offers more surface area for more side stones
  • Offers a number of variations on design

Cons:

  • More difficult to pair with wedding bands, but still possible
  • Requires more cleaning and maintenance

Affordable Engagement Rings and Settings at Leo Hamel's

Now that you have a bit more knowledge about specific engagement ring settings, we hope you’ve been able to narrow it down to your favorites. Keep in mind that no specific setting for rings is superior to the others; it’s all just a matter of preference, lifestyle, and budget. So, which engagement ring setting is your favorite? Still can’t decide? Stop by our jewelry store on San Diego Avenue to try on different ring settings. Our experts will help you find your dream engagement ring at a price that is right for you.

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