The Concierge Diamonds Guide to Engagement Ring Setting Styles

by Concierge Diamonds, Los Angeles 

At Concierge Diamonds, we believe your engagement ring should reflect your one-of-a-kind love story. Whether you're drawn to timeless elegance, modern minimalism, or unique conversation pieces, the right setting showcases your diamond and speaks to your personal style. As premier custom jewelers based in Los Angeles, we’re here to guide you through the most popular engagement ring settings—from iconic classics to bold, contemporary designs.

Solitaire Setting

The solitaire is the ultimate classic—what we affectionately call the “little black dress” of engagement rings. Featuring a single, beautifully set center stone, the solitaire setting lets the diamond take center stage. Its simplicity offers versatility across all diamond shapes and metals, making it an enduring favorite.

Whether paired with a sleek band or enhanced with design elements like a split shank or knife edge, solitaires are timeless, elegant, and effortlessly sophisticated. If you're looking for a clean, refined look that never goes out of style and matches with everything you wear, a solitaire setting is your match.

Pave Setting

For those who love sparkle, the pave setting is a showstopper. Tiny diamonds are set closely together with minimal metal, creating a continuous shimmer along the band. The result is a surface that appears encrusted with diamonds—elevating the brilliance of the center stone.

This dramatic yet refined style is available in U pave, French pave, and other intricate variations, each offering a unique take on added glamour. It’s a favorite for enhancing elegance without overpowering the center stone. To learn all about pave, read our blog on the subject, here.

Three-Stone Setting

Symbolizing your past, present, and future, the three-stone engagement ring is as meaningful as it is beautiful. This setting features a prominent center stone flanked by two side stones available in a range of shapes for a modern twist, from tapered baguettes to trillions.

From minimalist pairings to ornate, accented bands, three-stone rings offer a balance of sentiment and sophistication. Ideal for those who want a romantic story told through their ring.

Channel Setting

A popular choice for wedding bands and modern engagement rings alike, the channel setting features diamonds secured between two parallel walls of metal. The stones sit flush within the band, creating a smooth, uninterrupted line of brilliance.

Channel settings are sleek, secure, and since they are among the most durable setting styles, they are perfect for an active lifestyle. They pair beautifully with bezel or solitaire centers for a clean, architectural look.

Tension Setting

A modern marvel of engineering, the tension setting uses compression to hold the diamond in place, giving the illusion that it’s floating mid-air. This setting is bold, minimal, and truly one-of-a-kind.

Because of the pressure involved, only very hard stones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies are suitable for tension settings. If you're after a contemporary look with maximum visual impact, this could be the perfect choice.

Halo Setting

Designed to dazzle, the halo setting features a central diamond surrounded by a "halo" of smaller stones. This framing effect enhances the center stone’s brilliance and can even make it appear larger.

Available in single, double, or even more elaborate styles, this setting brings a Celestial? I know what that means, and I don’t know what that means. touch to any engagement ring. Whether you choose white diamonds or colored gemstones, the halo adds eye-catching sparkle and romance.

Hidden Halo Setting

A hidden halo adds a whisper of brilliance beneath the center stone, encircling it with a subtle row of diamonds visible only from the side. This design creates an unexpected sparkle without overwhelming or distracting attention from the main gem.

Loved for its refined elegance, the hidden halo offers depth and dimension while keeping the focus on the center stone. It’s a favorite among clients who appreciate thoughtful details and modern sophistication.

Bezel Setting

The bezel setting is a sleek, contemporary choice where a metal rim encircles the diamond to hold it securely in place. It offers a modern look while providing exceptional protection for the stone.

Perfect for active lifestyles or design-forward tastes, bezel settings are ideal for round and emerald-cut stones. Bonus: white metals like platinum can enhance a diamond’s brightness, while yellow or rose gold pair beautifully with colored gemstones.

Prong Setting

The most popular setting in the world, prongs are small metal claws—usually four or six—that cradle the center stone and allow light to enter from all angles. This maximizes brilliance and gives the diamond a “floating” appearance.

Prong settings are versatile and timeless, with various styles (rounded/ball, eagle claw, or V-shaped) tailored to suit different diamond cuts. Whether classic or modern, this setting showcases the stone’s sparkle above all.

Cathedral Setting

Inspired by the arches of Gothic cathedrals, this setting raises the center stone with graceful metal curves that emerge from the band. The cathedral setting is elegant, elevated, and architectural.

It offers additional height and presence without compromising security. This timeless design works well with pavé accents or solitaire stones, and adds dramatic flair while maintaining a traditional silhouette.

Cluster Setting

Cluster settings bring together multiple smaller stones to create a bold, sparkling centerpiece. Often arranged around a larger diamond or set in intricate patterns, clusters create the illusion of a higher carat weight at a lower price point.

These rings are ideal for vintage lovers or those who appreciate ornate detail. They’re also a great way to play with unique shapes and artistic layouts while maximizing brilliance.

Vintage-Inspired Setting

Vintage-inspired rings capture the romance of a bygone era with intricate detailing like milgrain edges, filigree, and hand engraving. Styles from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods influence these distinctive designs.

Whether you’re drawn to antique glamour or symbolic touches like three-stone settings, vintage engagement rings blend craftsmanship with sentiment for a truly unforgettable design.

Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Setting

At Concierge Diamonds, we understand that your engagement ring should be as unique as your love story. Whether you're just beginning your search or looking to custom-create a design, our Los Angeles team is here to guide you through every detail.

Ready to begin? Contact us to book your private consultation, or explore our custom engagement ring process to start designing the ring of your dreams today.