When you're shopping for an engagement ring, choosing the right setting can be just as important as choosing the right diamond. The ring setting adds style, character, and design to the overall look of the ring. Whether or not you want the ring to be a surprise, it's important to get an idea of your fiance's personal taste. It's also important to consider her daily activities. For a woman that is more active, you may want to choose a stronger, sturdier setting.

Although there are a huge range of diamond engagement ring settings, the three most common diamond engagement ring settings are solitaire settings, side-stone settings, and three-stone settings.

Solitaire Settings

This is the most classic, most popular setting for a diamond engagement ring. In a solitaire diamond engagement ring, a single diamond is positioned in the center of the ring. Round brilliant diamonds are the most common; however any diamond shape or cut is an acceptable choice. Normally, the diamond is held in place on a solitaire engagement ring by a special prong-setting which looks like a small claw. Prong settings are by far the most traditional and classic of all settings. The most popular prong setting is the four-prong setting which allows for the highest percentage of the diamond to be visible. Six-prong settings and bezel settings, however, provide the wearer with a bit more security when it comes to the safety of the set diamond. A low setting is also less likely to incur damage than a high setting.

Side-Stone Settings

A side-stone setting is a general term for any diamond engagement ring that features a centrally showcased, usually larger diamond accented by smaller diamonds along the sides of the ring, on either side of the central diamond. Side-stone settings are a way to add extra sparkle or a dash of color to a white-diamond engagement ring. Be aware that this style can vary greatly depending on the side-stones used and the way the side-stones are set. Channel-set side-stones are set within the band and are the most securely-set side-stones available. Bar-channel-set side-stones are set a bit higher which increases the risk of damage. Prong-set side-stones are more delicate settings than both the channel-set and bar-channel-set, and typically feature larger side stones. Finally, pavé –set side-stones are the most delicate settings since they feature small diamonds inset directly into the metal band with only small beads holding the stones in place. However, the pavé setting has become quite popular recently with the growing interest in vintage and vintage-style jewelry.

Three-Stone Settings

Three-Stone diamond engagement rings are imbued with an additional layer of symbolic meaning. Three-stone rings have one diamond representing the past, one representing the present, and a third representing the future. They can be nostalgic, but are typically considered to be timeless. Almost all three-stone set diamond engagement rings showcase prong-set diamonds. Frequently consumers who are interested in buying three-stone diamond engagement rings chose to design their own ring and carefully pick out each diamond.

Remember, a diamond engagement ring is a very important purchase. Don't feel like its taboo to involve her in some of the decision-making. Whether you choose to involve her or not, it's important to get a good feel for her taste, ring size and lifestyle. Then you'll be well prepared to choose the setting that will make her happy forever.