A ring setting is the showcase for the center stone. There are many settings to choose from, but the channel setting engagement rings are a particularly special design. Durable and stylish, you will love how it looks on your finger- and it will hold up perfectly well with normal daily wear!

The Channel Setting Engagement Ring Style

A channel setting is best described as a channel created from two parallel strips of precious metal. The strips are on the outside of the band, placed flush with the shank. Gemstones (most popular choice being diamonds) are held securely in place in a continuous row.

Style Variations for the Channel Setting

The channel may be continuous or a partial row around the band. When the center stone is a diamond and the channel stones are diamonds, the flash is spectacular.

The small stones in the channel are set in a continuous and even flow. When round diamonds are used, an attractive pattern of precious metal triangles is seen between each stone. Square diamonds have a different visual effect and are flush against each other, creating a solid diamond channel.

A channel setting offers flexibility for customization. Sometimes the channel can be shaped into intricate designs around the center diamond or other gemstone, and along the shank. A channel setting is beautiful with diamonds, but you’re not limited to this option. A modern bride may opt to incorporate other precious gemstones into her engagement ring, such as sapphires or rubies, or maybe her birthstone!

Channel setting engagement rings took over the ‘90s

Channel settings were made popular as wedding bands for men and women. These single row bands channel bands are simple and classic. a simple and classic style. In the 90’s, channel settings were revived as an embellishment to center stone engagement rings. Today, this style is one of the first types of settings that jewelers recommend, both for their durability and beauty.

How to Spot a Channel Setting Engagement Ring:

Learn how to tell the difference between a channel setting engagement ring and other settings. The more you know, the better prepared you will be. Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you decide what you like best, so you can make an informed choice!

1. Pavé

A Pavé setting is what it sounds like. This setting is paved with tiny diamonds so close together that no metal shows through. Pavé setting is sometimes called a bead setting because each diamond is set individually into a hole drilled into the metal by the jeweler. The jeweler then places a tiny metal bead around the gem to hold it in place. Diamonds used in the pavé setting are .01-.02 carats. If the diamonds are any smaller, the setting is considered a micro-pavé.

While the method of setting the diamonds and possibly the weight of each diamond is different in a Pavé than a channel setting engagement ring, the results are similar. Both of these settings creates a continuous sparkle. A smaller center stone will look larger and more brilliant when set with the pavé or the channel setting.

2. Shared Prong Setting

A shared prong setting differs from the channel setting engagement ring, but achieves a similar look. A shared prong setting uses larger diamonds than the channel setting. Larger diamonds require more metal to hold them in place, and the diamonds are held in a row, each with two or four prongs to secure it.

Unlike a channel setting engagement ring, which nestles the diamonds and protects them, the prong setting exposes the diamond and the prongs. They may catch on clothing and get bumped around. That can loosen the prongs from the diamond. The channel would prevent this.

3. Bezel Setting

A bezel setting protects like a channel setting engagement ring, except it only protects one gemstone. A thin strip of precious metal surrounds the stone overlapping the edges securely. A bezel setting is a low setting offering protection from bumps and snags.

The bezel setting can surround the diamond fully or partially. A partial bezel setting allows more light into the diamond for more sparkle. Because of the amount of metal required for a bezel setting, there may be less sparkle than a channel setting.

4. Bar Setting

A bar setting is similar to a channel setting engagement ring. What’s different is that each stone is set between metal bars with open ends. Each stone has its own channel. Instead of being enclosed on all sides, the bar setting encloses the diamond on two sides.

The stones are exposed to more light on the ends and keep them low and secure. The diamond and bar pattern may encircle the whole band, or just the top portion.

5. Flush Set

A flush setting is a diamond set into a drilled hole in the band so the face of the stone is flush with the band. The jeweler then hammers the metal around the diamond to secure it. The diamond is very secure and safe from chipping and loss.

Unlike the channel setting engagement rings, the flush setting is not appropriate for all gemstones. It is more suitable for diamonds because of their hardness.

Beautiful Channel Setting Engagement Rings

Michael M. designed channel set diamonds with pave diamonds on each side.

Tapering channels of round diamonds by Gabriel & Co.

Intertwining Channels in a Hearts On Fire Diamond Engagement Ring

Jaffe designed channel set engagement ring

You can’t go wrong with a channel setting

Channel setting engagement rings are amazing. If you’re active with your hands and you want a gorgeous ring that can take a lot of wear and tear, this is an excellent choice. As you view the multiple choices of settings you will see that the channel setting is a winner all around!