Your engagement ring is one of the most important pieces of jewelry you will ever own. With so much riding on this one piece of jewelry, it's important to take the time to choose the perfect ring.
One of the most important decisions you will need to make is whether to choose a high setting or a low setting for your diamond. Here are some things to consider about high setting vs low setting engagement rings to help you make your decision.
High Setting Engagement Rings
A high setting engagement ring is one in which the diamond is set relatively high above the band. The advantage of this is that it makes the diamond appear larger and more prominent.
It also allows for more light to enter the diamond, resulting in greater brilliance and fire. If you want your diamond to make a big statement, a high setting is a good choice.
How To Shop For A High Setting Engagement Ring
When shopping for a high setting engagement ring, it is important to keep in mind these different features.
- The first thing to keep in mind when shopping for a high setting engagement ring is the type of metal that you want the ring to be made out of. The most popular metals for high setting engagement rings are platinum and white gold. Platinum is more expensive, but it is also harder and will last longer.
- The next thing to keep in mind when shopping for a high setting engagement ring is the type of diamond that you want. The most popular diamonds for high setting engagement rings are round brilliant cut diamonds. Round brilliant cut diamonds have 58 facets, which means that they sparkle more than any other type of diamond. If you want your diamond to sparkle, then you should choose a round brilliant-cut diamond.
- The last thing to keep in mind when shopping for a high setting engagement ring is the price. These engagement rings can range in price from $500 to $5,000. It all depends on the metal, the diamond, and the design of the ring.
Advantages Of A High Setting
- The diamond is less likely to become loose over time because it is securely held in place by several prongs.
- High settings allow more light to enter the diamond, which makes it appear brighter and more sparkly.
- If you have an active lifestyle, a high setting will protect your diamond from knocks and scrapes.
- High settings are easier to clean because there are no nooks and crannies for dirt to build up in.
- High settings make small diamonds appear larger because they are raised above the band.
Disadvantages Of A High Setting
- High settings can get in the way if you use your hands a lot during the day (e.g., if you are a chef).
- Diamonds in high settings are more exposed and therefore more vulnerable to being damaged or knocked out.
- High settings can be more expensive because they require more metal and labor to create.
- If you have allergies to certain metals, a high setting may not be suitable as it will often contain nickel which can irritate.
- Prongs on high settings can catch on clothing or hair, which can cause damage.
Low Setting Engagement Rings
A low-setting engagement ring is one in which the diamond sits close to the band. The main advantage of this is that it's much less likely to get damaged since there's less of it exposed. If you're worried about knocking your ring around or damaging it over time, a low setting might be a better choice for you.
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How To Shop For A Low Setting Engagement Ring?
If you are shopping for a low set engagement ring, keep the following tips in mind.
- The first thing to consider when shopping for a low set engagement ring is the shape of the diamond. This is because it is the most classic and timeless shape. It is also the most forgiving when it comes to setting height. Other shapes that can work well in a low setting include the princess cut and the marquise cut.
- The second thing to consider is the size of the diamond. The size of the diamond will dictate how high or low the setting can be. If you want a very low set ring, then you will need to choose a smaller diamond. If you have your heart set on a large diamond, then you may need to compromise on the set height.
- The third thing to consider is the quality of the diamond. When it comes to choosing a low set engagement ring, you do not have to sacrifice quality for quantity. You can still find high-quality diamonds in smaller sizes. It is important to look at the four Cs when judging quality: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. Make sure that you find a balance between all of these factors so that you can get the best value for your money.
Advantages Of A Low Setting
- Low Settings sit closer to the finger, making them more comfortable to wear all day long.
- Low Settings do not get in the way when you use your hands for activities such as cooking or typing on a keyboard.
- They are less likely to snag on clothing or hair, making them ideal for people with active lifestyles.
- Low Settings tend to be less expensive than High Settings because they use less metal and require less labor to create.
Disadvantages Of A Low Setting
- The Diamond is more exposed in a low setting and therefore more susceptible to being hit, damaged, or even lost if not cared for properly.
- Smaller diamonds can get lost in low settings because they do not sit as high above the band.
- Dirt and grime can build up in low settings more easily, making them more difficult to clean than in high settings
High Setting Vs Low Setting Engagement Rings - Comparison
The first thing you need to decide is what kind of diamond you want. Do you want a solitaire diamond, or do you want a diamond with side stones? If you want a solitaire diamond, then you need to decide whether you want a high setting or a low setting.
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A high setting will raise the diamond of your finger, making it more visible. A low setting will keep the diamond closer to your finger, making it less likely to get caught on things.
If you want a diamond with side stones, then you need to decide what kind of side stones you want. Do you want diamonds, pearls, or something else?
Diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, but pearls can be beautiful as well. Once you have decided on the type of side stones you want, then you can decide whether you want a high setting or a low setting.
The next thing to consider is how much wear and tear your engagement ring will go through. If you are very active and your hands are constantly in water or dirt, then a low setting might be best so that the diamonds are less likely to get damaged.
If you lead a more sedate lifestyle, then a high setting might be best so that your diamonds can sparkle and shine.
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Conclusion
So, which type of setting is right for you? That depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have an active lifestyle or prefer comfort over style, then a low setting may be best suited for you. However, if you want a ring that looks glamorous and sparkly, then a high setting may be better suited for you despite its potential drawbacks. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which type of engagement ring best suits your needs!
