admin - February 16, 2016
Channel settings are not just one of the most common engagement ring designs but also the most beautiful ones. These simple settings are popular in engagement rings as well as wedding bands. It can be used to enhance the central stone or to add sparkle to a plain band. This type of setting arranges diamonds in a line around the band. By adding a small metal lip on the edge, a jeweller creates a channel in the band of the ring. The lip keeps the stone securely in place.
Channel settings have been a pretty usual choice for engagement rings. The channel set rings today are more elegant and elaborate than before. There is a channel set ring for almost every style, be it ring variation or other design elements.
Design for Channel Setting in Engagement Rings
It is important you understand all the options available as there are many ways a channel setting add beauty to an engagement ring .
• Channel Lengths
The look of the ring can be changed by changing the length of the channels which also depends on the number of stones used. 5 to 7 stones are popular but smaller numbers such as 2 to 3 gems too work well as accents.
• Bypass or Parallel accents
In this type you can use curved channels along the sides of the central stone and create an illusion of wave. This is a very nice way to enhance the focal gem’s beauty and add sparkle to the overall setting.
• In-Line Accents
The stones in the channel are along the band in line with the center stone which creates a line of gems with the focal gem highlighted in the center.
• Encircling Accents
This is a common style for bridal set. In this design 2 or more channels are used to completely encircle the central stone. By using the setting in this way allows you to visually enhance the size of the gem in centre.
• Channel Bands
Channel bands are popular styles for wedding and anniversary bands without an elevated center stone. Channel set bands have stones that completely encircle the ring. This creates a never ending loop of diamonds or other gems.
• Various Stone Shapes
Couples can also choose from different stone shapes in channels apart from the basics styles. Classic round diamonds are the usual choice but emerald and princess cuts are also gorgeous. These shapes give a continuous appearance since their square edges guarantee that there are no gaps within stones.
Advantages of Channel Settings
The diamond becomes the focal point. The metal lip keeps the stones secured without detracting them with additional metal.
The gems are enclosed in the channel and thus have less exposure to light. This lets you compromise on clarity without sacrificing the ring’s beauty.
The fragile girdles of the gems are protected from chips since they are fully set in the ring. The setting thus becomes sturdier. The ring is less likely to snag on cloth if there are no elevated stones.
Disadvantages of Channel Settings
They should be removed while doing vigorous activities since they are more difficult to clean.
Since the setting prevents the light from hitting the gems, your ring may look less sparkling than alternative pave settings.
Tips for Buying Channel Settings
Before buying channel setting rings you need to:
1. Properly examine the metal lips securing the stones to check if they are free from defects, are smooth and wide enough to keep stones in place.
2. Stones should not exert pressure on each other.
3. Stones should not be loose.
4. The channel should be secure and solid to prevent the loss of stone.
5. Investigate the quality of jeweler and their replacement, repair and return policies.
