Platinum engagement rings are highly sought after with platinum fast becoming the precious metal of choice, one of the reasons for this is that platinum is very durable and does not tarnish, meaning it can literally last a life time which is desirable for a ring that will be with you forever. Diamond and platinum engagement rings come in a range of different settings which is the next choice you need to make after you have decided on platinum as your precious metal. This brief guide will give you an insight on the diamond settings available to you; the setting holds the stone or stones in place and gives your ring its personality and character. The main types of settings are:
The Prong or Claw: This is a classic setting which allows the stone to be visible from all sides.
Bezel: The stone is completely framed in platinum, this keeps it secure. The Contour or Cathedral: The stone is held in raised shoulders which hold the stone high and helps to protect the diamond.
Tension: The stone is held by pressure, holding the stone in place firmly and allowing maximum light reflection. Platinum engagement rings sometimes incorporate smaller accent stones set into the bands to add an extra sparkle to the centre stone, these settings are named: Bar: A thin metal bar separates each small accent stone.
Channel: The accent stones are placed in a channel, they form a continuous flow without metal separating them.Pave: Tiny metal beads hold each stone in its own discrete setting. Pave: Tiny metal beads hold each stone in its own discrete setting.
Flush: This is a low-stress setting that secures small stones inside tiny holes.