There are a number of things that come to mind when you start thinking about or looking for an engagement ring. Usually it’s something regarding the ‘4 C’s’ of cut, color, clarity, and carat. Not many people think much about the actually setting. The setting of the ring is what the main stone sits upon and the band can help further define the look and feel you’re going for with your ring choice. Two of these most popular settings are Solitaire and Pave.
Solitaire
The solitaire setting is exactly what you probably think – it leaves the center diamond, or stone, solo. This is definitely a more classic and simplistic setting style, and allows your diamond, or stone, to truly stand out on its own.
Pave
The pave setting is a band that is set with smaller diamonds or stones, and this can be either a full pave or a half pave. This style definitely gives your diamond a little extra ‘wow factor’, giving both the center diamond and the band a lot of love.
Which setting should you choose?
When deciding which of these settings you should choose it comes down to your own personal style and the look you’re trying to achieve with your ring. Are you going for minimalist chic or a more ‘wow’ bling factor? What is your lifestyle like? Are you more active, cooking a lot, or sitting at a desk? Are you more of a simplistic person or want something that has a bit of drama? There are also some pros and cons to consider when picking a setting.
Solitaire Pros and Cons
When it comes to a solitaire diamond ring, it’s good to remember that you should aim to have a very good quality diamond since it’s taking full center stage.
Not having as many diamonds, means potentially saving some money. Depending the the main stone and materials you’re using a solitaire ring might be a slightly cheaper option due to its simplicity.
A con to the solitaire ring is that most of the time the diamond sits in a prong setting elevating it from the band. For people who are more active or using their hands a lot this might not be your first choice because you’d likely hit the ring off of things fairly often.
Pave Pros and Cons
This setting allows there to be a little more sparkle to a less sparkly center stone.
Modern or vintage, this would definitely be a great option if you’re using a family heirloom in a new setting or trying to spice up a lower quality stone.
Something else to keep in mind is that the pave band can potentially come with a lot of upkeep and need for trips to the jeweler more often than you think. While it’s highly unlikely you’ll lose a diamond, there seems to be a tendency for the smaller diamonds to become loose over time.
Any resizing or sizing can become more difficult since there are so many smaller diamonds to account for, if there’s any hesitation around this a great alternative would be to go with the half pave option.
