Three Most Affordable Engagement Ring Settings

Three Most Affordable Engagement Ring Settings

So you want a beautiful ring, but don't want to spend an unnecessary amount. You think you'll have to skimp on the diamond carats or pick a diamond shape she doesn't like. Remember that there are two parts to an engagement ring: the diamond and the setting. Let's see how we can save a few bucks by reviewing the three most affordable diamond settings.

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to diamond settings. Some people enjoy the simplicity of a solitaire setting, while others prefer the classical styling of an antique setting. Three factors determine the cost associated with the setting. These include the quantity of the diamonds incorporated into the setting, the size and quality of said diamonds, and finally, the complexity of the setting. As such, while you can have a solitaire ring utilize either a prong or a tension setting, the prong setting is easier to make and will be more affordable.

This solitaire example from Blue Nile features a 6-prong setting. Solitaires can come either with a four or six-prong configuration, with a very minimal difference in cost, if any.

If you want to know more about engagement ring settings, you can see our detailed review here or reach out to us personally. With that in mind, let's look at the three most affordable diamond settings and what makes them unique.

• Pavé (From $600 and up): A Pavé setting is the most affordable to the group of settings that features smaller diamonds mounted onto the shank. While very similar to a Channel Setting, the Pavé mounting style allows for smaller, and thus more affordable diamonds. The Pavé effect's length can vary greatly, from a small section adjacent to the center solitaire to an Eternity style that surrounds the ring. The smaller the area featuring the Pavé, the more affordable the ring will be.

  This example from James Allen costs $840 and comes in either White, Yellow, or Rose Gold, as well as Platinum. With the Pavé effect only accounting for about 30% of the total ring circumference, the setting is very affordable.

Tension Setting (From $390 and up): The more expensive option for solitaire rings, a Tension setting takes the beauty and simplicity of a single diamond and mounts it between the shanks of the ring. The net effect is a setting where the diamond appears to hover between the two shanks. Thoroughly elegant and striking, a Tension setting does have a drawback. The shanks are grooved so that the diamond can fit snugly within. However, this can be one of the more perilous setting designs, given that so much of the diamond is exposed. On the plus side, though. If you have an ideal diamond throughout, from the Table to the Cutlet with a beautiful Girdle, then a Tension setting can highlight its beauty.

This example from James Allen costs $830 and comes in either White, Yellow, or Rose Gold, as well as Platinum. Tension settings definitely add a modern and artistic flair to an engagement ring, and while they might be too much for some, for others it is just what they are looking for.

Prong Setting (From $180 and up): By its very nature, a solitaire ring will be the most affordable option, and within the variety of solitaires, a Prong setting is the cheapest. The Prong setting consists of four to six individual prongs that clamp down around the diamond's Girdle. The advantage of a Prong setting is that it isolates the diamond providing the maximum amount of exposure. Thus, if you have a great diamond or a partner with very slender fingers, a Prong setting can look radiant!

This solitaire example from Blue Nile features a 4-prong setting and costs just $240. While simple, this classic setting has an elegant and lasting beauty and can never go wrong when partnered with the right diamond or gem.

Use what you have at your disposal

So there are the top-3 Most Affordable Engagement Ring Settings. Remember, these are more affordable because they are either easier to make or utilize less complimentary diamonds. Ultimately, the choice for a diamond's setting is highly personal and can vary significantly between individuals, regardless of price. If price is an important factor, it is good to know what effect a setting will have on an engagement ring's cost.

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