Selecting the perfect setting for your lab grown diamond engagement ring isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about how well the setting will protect the stone, maximise its brilliance, and reflect your personal style.
At Hatton Garden Diamond, we understand that the setting needs to do justice to your choice of diamond; and in this article, we’ll explore the most popular and practical settings for lab grown diamond engagement rings.
Why The Setting Matters
A lab grown diamond is chemically identical to a mined one, so the diamond’s own qualities; ie its cut, clarity, colour and carat, are the things that actually determine its brilliance. However, the setting plays a critical supporting role.
A well-chosen setting:
- Safeguards the stone from slight knocks or loosening
- Allows maximum light to enter and reflect, enhancing that all-important sparkle
- Complements the diamond shape and how it appears on your hand
- Provides comfort for daily wear
Common Settings For Lab Grown Diamond Rings
Here are some popular ring settings that are suitable for lab grown diamonds:
Probably the most recognised setting; prongs use thin metal claws (typically 4 or 6) to hold the diamond above the band. Because the diamond is lifted, light can hit it from several angles, increasing brilliance.
Advantages
- Excellent light exposure
- Classic and versatile
- Easier to clean around and view the diamond
Drawbacks
- Prongs can snag on fabrics
- They require semi-regular inspection to ensure that they haven’t loosened
- Less protection at the diamond’s edges
In a bezel setting, the diamond is surrounded by a metal rim that secures the edges. This can also be adapted to include channel-set diamonds around the band.
Advantages
- Great protection, particularly for daily wear
- Prongs are eliminated (so less snagging)
- Sleek, modern aesthetic
Drawbacks
- Slight reduction in sparkle, especially for diamonds with less ideal cuts
- More metal around the edge can potentially hide part of the diamond
A halo setting features smaller accent diamonds surrounding the central stone, forming a ‘halo.’ This makes the centre diamond appear larger and adds extra sparkle.
Advantages
- Visual magnification of the centre stone
- Extra brilliance from the surrounding diamonds
- Many configurations to customise (heart, cushion, round etc)
Drawbacks
- More detailing means more care needed and cleaning can be trickier in small gaps
- It may raise the profile of the ring, making it more vulnerable to bumps and scratches
A three-stone ring which places two smaller stones on either side of the central diamond. The symbolism of past-present-future.
Advantages
- Balanced, elegant look
- Can help the central diamond to appear larger
- Design flexibility (matching side stones, different shapes)
Drawbacks
- More metalwork around the setting that needs attention
- Side stones should match the quality of the central stone
Matching The Setting To A Diamond’s Shape & Style
Certain settings are better suited to particular diamond shapes:
- Round/Square: works well with prong, halo, trilogy, or bezel
- Oval/Pear/Marquise: prongs, bezel or trilogy settings can help to protect delicate points
- Emerald: step-cut diamonds can benefit from a prong setting
- Cushion/Princess: prong, halo or trilogy settings can highlight their angles whilst protecting corners
Considerations When Choosing A Setting
Here are a few practical tips to help guide your decision:
Lifestyle & Wear: If you work with your hands or lead an active life, settings with more protection may suit better.
Diamond Quality: A well-cut diamond shines brilliantly; a setting that maximises light (like prong) can help to enhance this.
Maintenance: Settings with many small stones may require more regular servicing. With Hatton Garden Diamond, we offer a complimentary polish every two years to make sure your diamond continues to sparkle.
Wedding Bands: Think about how your engagement and wedding band will sit together.
Why Settings Matter
Lab grown diamonds will often offer a greater carat value for your budget, sometimes up to 40% less. This means that choosing a setting that enhances their shine becomes even more critical. A cheaper setting may fail to let the diamond shine or could put the stone at risk. That’s why at Hatton Garden Diamond, our experienced team can help you to choose not just the diamond, but also a setting that preserves both form and function.
Choose Hatton Garden Diamond
There’s no single ‘best’ setting for a lab grown diamond engagement ring, only the best setting for you. Whether you favour classic prongs, protective bezels, sparkling halos, or decorative channels, the ideal design is the one that suits your lifestyle and visual preferences.
If you visit our Hatton Garden Diamond showroom or book a consultation, our experienced and friendly team will walk you through these setting styles, show you real examples, and help you to choose the combination that brings out the best in your lab grown diamond. With the right setting, your ring will not only sparkle brilliantly, it will be a piece to treasure for life.