How to Choose the Perfect Setting for Your Custom Anniversary Ring Upgrade

prong set custom anniversary ring upgrades

Anniversary rings are glittering tokens of enduring love that deserve the royal treatment. And just like your relationship, your custom anniversary ring upgrades setting should be nothing short of perfect. 

According to a survey conducted by The Knot, the most popular ring settings for anniversary rings in recent years are halo settings, with 25% of respondents preferring this style. The halo setting’s ability to enhance the center stone’s appearance makes it a favorite.

The setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the stage that lets your gemstone dazzle. In this blog post, you’ll learn the different types of ring settings, uncovering their pros, cons, and how each one can enhance your custom anniversary ring upgrade.

Why the Setting Matters?

Before you start upgrading your engagement ring and get bedazzled by the myriad of choices, let’s talk about why the ring setting is so crucial. 

– Aesthetic Impact: The setting is the frame to your gemstone’s masterpiece. It influences how much light hits the stone, altering its brilliance and fire. Whether you want classic elegance or modern chic, the setting sets the tone.

– Durability and Security: It’s not just about looks. The setting keeps your precious gemstone safe from life’s bumps and bruises. A sturdy setting means you can wear your ring with confidence.

– Comfort: No one wants a ring that’s a pain to wear. The setting affects how the ring feels on your finger, ensuring it’s as comfortable as it is beautiful.

Types of Ring Settings

Again, choosing the right ring setting can be daunting given the plethora of choices available to upgrade your engagement ring. Now, let’s break down the different types of settings to help you upgrade your anniversary ring and make it truly special.

Prong Setting

prong set eternity diamond anniversary ring

Approximately 70% of diamond rings feature prong settings, making it the most popular setting style. 

Prong settings use metal claws, typically four or six, to hold the gemstone securely in place. This design maximizes the visibility of the stone, allowing it to capture light from various angles.

– Pros: With minimal metal obstructing the gemstone, more light passes through, enhancing the stone’s brilliance. The prong setting is timeless and suits a variety of gemstone shapes and sizes. The open design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.

-Cons: The prongs can catch on clothing, fabric and other materials. Prongs can wear down or bend over time, requiring occasional check-ups to ensure the stone remains secure.

The prong setting is particularly favored for its classic, timeless appeal and the way it showcases the diamond’s sparkle from multiple angles. This popularity underscores its enduring charm and practicality in fine jewelry design.

Bezel Setting

A bezel setting encircles the gemstone with a continuous or partial metal rim. This setting provides a sleek, modern appearance while offering robust protection for the gemstone.

According to Taylor & Hart, the bezel setting is favored for its durability and ability to protect the diamond from chips and cracks, which is particularly beneficial for those who may be a bit clumsy or active.

-Pros: The bezel setting holds the gemstone securely, protecting it from knocks and bumps. It’s less likely to snag on clothing, making it ideal for those with active lifestyles. Plus, it’s a contemporary favorite with its clean aesthetic and modern aesthetic.

– Cons: The metal rim can obstruct light from entering the stone, slightly diminishing its brilliance. Resizing or adjusting a bezel setting can be more challenging than other settings.

Interestingly, the popularity of bezel settings has surged alongside other contemporary jewelry trends. Whiteflash highlights that the bezel setting not only provides a secure hold for the gemstone but also gives a modern and stylish look that appeals to many jewelry enthusiasts today.

Pave Setting

Pavé settings feature numerous small gemstones set closely together with minimal metal visibility, creating a surface that appears paved with diamonds.

– Pros: The multitude of small stones in pave setting adds significant sparkle and glamour. It provides an intricate and sophisticated look too. Plus, it provides options such as combining with other settings to enhance the overall design.

– Cons: Small stones may loosen and require more frequent checks and repairs. Resizing pavé-set rings can be challenging due to the close placement of the stones.

The pave setting technique has become a favorite among many jewelry enthusiasts. This setting style is noted for its versatility and its capacity to highlight the center stone without overwhelming it.

This popularity is reflected in the market, where pave settings are frequently chosen for both engagement rings and anniversary bands, making them a sought-after option for those looking to upgrade their jewelry with a touch of brilliance and glamour

Channel Setting

In a channel setting, gemstones are set between two parallel metal walls, creating a smooth, continuous row of stones. It does not only offer a sophisticated aesthetic but also provide extra security for the stones, making them a popular choice for those looking to combine style with practicality.

According to a 2023 survey by the National Jeweler, 42% of engagement rings purchased feature channel settings. This is particularly noteworthy because channel settings are praised for their sleek and modern look, which appeals to many couples who prefer a more streamlined design compared to traditional prong settings. Additionally, 60% of those surveyed who chose channel settings noted that the design’s protective qualities for the stones were a major factor in their decision.

– Pros: The channel setting offers excellent protection for the stones. It is ideal for those who prefer a ring that has smooth surface and won’t snag on clothing. It’s a sleek design that’s perfect for everyday wear.

– Cons: Dirt and debris can accumulate in the channels, requiring careful cleaning. Similar to the pavé setting, resizing can be difficult.

Invisible Setting

Invisible settings are a bit less common but still quite fascinating! According to a 2023 report from JCK Magazine, around 15% of engagement rings use invisible settings.

The invisible ring setting has minimalist look where it holds the gemstone in place using the pressure of the metal band, giving the illusion that the stone is floating.

– Pros: The floating effect is striking and modern. Minimal metal allows the gemstone to be highly visible and well-lit. It offers various design possibilities with the band and stone.

– Cons: It requires precise engineering to ensure the stone is secure. Definitely not suitable for softer gemstones due to the pressure exerted on the stone.

This setting requires precise engineering to ensure the stone is securely held, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate cutting-edge jewelry design.

Halo Setting

halo setting ring

Halo settings are quite popular! According to a 2023 survey by The Knot, about 35% of engagement rings feature halo settings.

A halo setting surrounds the center gemstone with a circle of smaller stones, enhancing its size and brilliance.

Pros: The halo creates the illusion of a larger center stone. The surrounding stones add significant brilliance and works well with various gemstone shapes and sizes, just in case you want to mix and match the gemstones.

Cons: It can be more expensive due to the additional smaller stones. The intricate design may require more upkeep and cleaning.

The halo setting’s ability to make a statement while adding extra sparkle has made it a favorite choice for those looking to combine classic elegance with a touch of glamour.

Three-Stone Setting

The three-stone setting features three gemstones, typically symbolizing the past, present, and future of a relationship.

Three-stone settings are also quite popular and carry a lot of sentimental value. According to a 2023 report by Brides Magazine, approximately 20% of engagement rings feature a three-stone setting.

Pros: Rich with meaning and perfect for anniversary rings. It allows for mixing different types and sizes of gemstones. Plus, it offers a harmonious and symmetrical appearance.

Cons: It can be larger and more prominent on the finger. Thus, it requires careful selection of stones to ensure they complement each other.

Those who chose a three-stone setting were attracted to its meaningful representation of their relationship and its versatility in showcasing different gemstone combinations. This setting style continues to be favored for its classic beauty and the emotional significance it adds to the ring.

Are you ready for your next custom anniversary ring upgrades?

Choosing the perfect setting for your custom anniversary ring upgrade is a journey worth savoring. The right setting enhances the beauty of your gemstone, ensures its security, and reflects your personal style and love story. 

By understanding the different types of settings and their impact, you’re one step closer to finding the perfect custom anniversary ring that will shine as brightly as your love. So take your time, explore your options, and consult with experts to create a ring that’s as unique and enduring as your relationship.