Everything You Need To Know About Ring Settings

Popular Ring Settings

Prong (or Claw) Setting

Perhaps the most familiar of all, the prong setting uses fine claws of metal to hold the stone securely in place. Typically arranged in four or six points, these prongs lift the gemstone to allow maximum light to pass through.

A four-prong design enhances brilliance, while six offers added protection. The result is timeless - elegant, minimal, and effortlessly wearable.

Solitaire Setting

A single stone, held with quiet confidence.

The solitaire is simplicity perfected: one gemstone set at the centre of a clean band. With no distractions, the focus falls entirely on the stone’s cut and character. Easy to care for and eternally classic, it’s a style that never fades.

Bezel Setting

Here, the gemstone is encased in a fine rim of metal, tailored precisely to its shape. The bezel setting offers durability and a contemporary edge - a smooth, architectural silhouette that feels modern yet enduring.

Cluster Setting

A constellation of smaller stones gathered together to create the impression of one larger gem.

Cluster settings carry a romantic charm, often seen in vintage-inspired designs. They allow for creative combinations - pairing diamonds with birthstones, or arranging tones for subtle contrast and depth.

Pavé Setting

Tiny diamonds, hand-set along the band, creating the illusion of a continuous shimmer. The pavé (from the French “paved”) technique uses minuscule prongs to secure each stone, offering delicate brilliance without overpowering the design.

Beautiful as a wedding band or as an accent to a central stone.

Flush Setting

In this sleek, practical design, the stone sits within the metal itself, its surface level - or “flush” - with the band.

Understated yet enduring, the flush setting is often chosen for men’s bands or those seeking something quietly refined. Its low profile makes it ideal for everyday wear.

Three-Stone Setting

Three stones, side by side - symbolising past, present, and future.

This meaningful setting allows for creative expression: a central diamond flanked by two birthstones, or a trio of complementary hues. Its symmetry and sentiment make it a modern heirloom in the making.

Other Distinctive Settings

Tension Setting

A feat of precision. The gemstone appears to float between two ends of the band, held securely by pressure alone. The result is sculptural, minimalist, and strikingly modern.

Channel Setting

Small diamonds set into a groove that runs along the band, protected by smooth walls of gold. A clean, snag-free design — perfect for eternity or anniversary rings.

Halo Setting

A ring of smaller stones encircles the centre gem, amplifying its light. Iconic, feminine, and radiant, this design remains one of the most beloved in jewellery history.

Cathedral Setting

Characterised by elegant metal arches that rise to frame the centre stone - reminiscent of cathedral architecture. It lifts the gem slightly higher, giving presence and lightness in equal measure.

Bar Setting

Each diamond is framed by vertical bars of metal, allowing light to enter freely from the sides. Sleek and balanced, the bar setting is both secure and luminous.

Split-Shank Setting

The band divides into two graceful arms as it approaches the stone, creating a soft symmetry that draws the eye inward. It’s an understated way to add dimension and detail.

Infinity Setting

Two interwoven bands form a figure-eight motif - symbolising eternity and connection. This setting offers movement and subtle symbolism, especially when adorned with pavé-set diamonds.

Antique or Vintage Settings

Defined by intricate metalwork - filigree scrolls, milgrain borders, and delicate engraving - these designs honour the artistry of bygone eras. Though we don’t replicate antique styles directly, many of our etched collections take quiet inspiration from them.

Choosing a Setting

When selecting a ring, think beyond appearance - consider how it fits your rhythm of life. Do you prefer the clean lines of a bezel, the shimmer of pavé, or the tactile simplicity of a flush setting?

The setting shapes not only your ring’s beauty, but also its feel, comfort, and meaning.

For something truly personal, our bespoke design service allows you to collaborate with our jewellers to create your own ring - from sketch to stone, handcrafted entirely in London.

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Maya Magal Rings

Every Maya Magal ring is mindfully crafted from 100% recycled solid gold and set with responsibly sourced gemstones. Whether one-of-a-kind, bespoke, or from our limited collections, each design carries the mark of the maker - a quiet testament to craftsmanship, care, and connection.