One of the worst things that can happen to a married or engaged woman’s engagement ring or wedding band, or for that matter any piece of jewelry, is a stone falling out and getting lost. Even worse is if the stone is lost down a drain and can’t be recovered. However, this isn’t always what the bride-to-be is thinking when she considers her engagement ring or wedding band. For this reason, brides and grooms are often on two very different wavelengths when choosing an engagement ring setting as the bride is thinking about how to show off the gemstone in the best possible manner, while the groom is thinking about how to preserve his very expensive purchase.

In addition, there are several different types of engagement ring settings some of which are strong and can tolerate heavy amounts of abuse while others are designed to display the ring and are easily damaged by the slightest tap. Consequently, picking out an engagement ring setting can be a very difficult process. For those who would like to know which engagement ring settings can take some abuse, here is a list and short description of the four sturdiest engagement ring settings.

Bezel Engagement Ring Settings. Bezel engagement ring settings are actually the sturdiest settings that do not totally obscure the diamond. This engagement ring setting consists of a metal band that is wrapped around a diamond, generally a round brilliant. The band keeps the diamond in place, although there is also a hole bored into the ring as well. It also keeps the diamond from getting caught on clothing and other objects. These settings, even though they cover most of the diamond, do allow parts of the diamond to be shown off. An active bride to be should consider this type of engagement ring setting.

Prong Engagement Ring Settings. This type of engagement ring setting is the most popular because of its constant usage with a solitaire engagement ring. Prong settings are known for being problematic as they can get snagged on clothing. However, they can be made as a very sturdy setting, especially if there are 6 prongs. In terms of the actual setting, prong engagement ring settings consist of 4 or 6 prongs that are shaped like claws, cover the edges and corners of the diamond – usually as round brilliant or princess cut diamond - and lock it into place. Regardless, this engagement ring is the most popular and will likely continue to be as such because of its classic look.

Flush Engagement Ring Settings. Flush engagement ring settings are the sturdiest and most protective of engagement ring settings. However, these settings also obscure the diamond as only the tops are visible and as a result cannot be shown off unless there are multiple diamond set in it, such as those in a pave or eternity pattern. There is one very important thing to consider bout these engagement ring settings and that is that even thought they are the most protective, if there is the slightest error in the boring of the hole, the diamond will not sit right and will almost definitely fall out become lost.

Tension Engagement Ring Settings. Tension engagement ring settings are the strongest setting available. This because they use the entire ring as the setting and not just a separate setting that is attached to the ring. The diamond is set into grooves that actually a part of the ring and thus exerts massive 12,000 to 50,000 pounds of pressure per square inch to ensure that any stone set into it isn’t going to go anywhere. The only issue with these settings is that the having the ring set directly it can cause serious problems: First of all, only diamond may be used as the no other stone can withstand the high amounts of pressure. Second, if the diamond should become loose, the entire ring’s structural integrity is compromised and will have to be replaced. This being the case, these rings are strong and seldom fall apart and thus can be used as an engagement ring setting with no need for serious concern.