With engagement rings taking on a whole new design direction, the traditional solitaire is losing ground as far as popularity goes.
Today's women are more on the go than ever before and the traditional solitaire setting often are more of a hindrance than the up and coming engagement channel setting designs.
What is a channel setting?This type of setting is where diamonds (or other gemstones of your choice) are arranged in a linear pattern and set into the band of the ring.
There is a small ridge on each side that is there to hold the gemstones in place without the aid of prongs.
Engagement channel settings are becoming increasingly popular because the gemstones are more fully protected from getting chipped or damaged.
The lower profile of the channel setting does not catch on clothing or suffer damage that a stone with a higher profile is subjected to.
There are a variety of ways that the channel settings can be designed.
Each design can either complement the wedding band or set itself apart from the wedding band.
Below are a few examples of how different engagement channel settings can be.
oDifferent lengths:Some channels are set with two or three accent stones to either side of a diamond.
oIn-Line Accents:All stones are set along the band in direct line with the central stone.
oParallel or Bypass Accents: Designed so that the channel runs along the side of the center stone, similar to a wave.
oEncircling Accents:Where two or more channels totally surround the central stone.
oEmbellished Channels:Where the channels are etched or sculpted and either runs parallel to or at a 90 degree angle to the channel creating texture and chic to the ring.
oAlternating Shape Channel:This is where different shapes are alternated around the band.
For example, one may choose to alternate an emerald shaped stone and then a round cut stone for a more interesting design.
Due to the fact that the stones are placed into the band, the stones sometimes take on a yellowish tint, especially if set in yellow gold, therefore the most common metals for channel settings are white gold or platinum.
Almost all jewelers carry a wide selection of channel set engagement rings.
When shopping for this type of setting there are some things to watch out for to assure that the ring you choose will last for a long time: oClosely examine the metal ridge that secures the stones within the channel.
The ridge should be free of imperfections and just wide enough to hold the stones secure without taking away from the beauty of the stones.
oStones need to be placed closely together, but not so close that they are placing pressure on its neighboring stones.
oThere should be no loose stones.
oThe channel itself should be solid and secure, both on the topside as well as the underside to prevent a stone from falling out.
Be sure to ask about the jeweler's policies regarding returns, replacement, cleaning, and repair.
It might be wise to talk with friends and family for jeweler recommendations.
Channel set engagement rings are more affordable because the stones are generally smaller and the channel setting hides many flaws that a solitaire setting would not.
With the American economy being as tight as it is right now, this style of ring has become the style preference for the women of today.
Today's women are more on the go than ever before and the traditional solitaire setting often are more of a hindrance than the up and coming engagement channel setting designs.
What is a channel setting?This type of setting is where diamonds (or other gemstones of your choice) are arranged in a linear pattern and set into the band of the ring.
There is a small ridge on each side that is there to hold the gemstones in place without the aid of prongs.
Engagement channel settings are becoming increasingly popular because the gemstones are more fully protected from getting chipped or damaged.
The lower profile of the channel setting does not catch on clothing or suffer damage that a stone with a higher profile is subjected to.
There are a variety of ways that the channel settings can be designed.
Each design can either complement the wedding band or set itself apart from the wedding band.
Below are a few examples of how different engagement channel settings can be.
oDifferent lengths:Some channels are set with two or three accent stones to either side of a diamond.
oIn-Line Accents:All stones are set along the band in direct line with the central stone.
oParallel or Bypass Accents: Designed so that the channel runs along the side of the center stone, similar to a wave.
oEncircling Accents:Where two or more channels totally surround the central stone.
oEmbellished Channels:Where the channels are etched or sculpted and either runs parallel to or at a 90 degree angle to the channel creating texture and chic to the ring.
oAlternating Shape Channel:This is where different shapes are alternated around the band.
For example, one may choose to alternate an emerald shaped stone and then a round cut stone for a more interesting design.
Due to the fact that the stones are placed into the band, the stones sometimes take on a yellowish tint, especially if set in yellow gold, therefore the most common metals for channel settings are white gold or platinum.
Almost all jewelers carry a wide selection of channel set engagement rings.
When shopping for this type of setting there are some things to watch out for to assure that the ring you choose will last for a long time: oClosely examine the metal ridge that secures the stones within the channel.
The ridge should be free of imperfections and just wide enough to hold the stones secure without taking away from the beauty of the stones.
oStones need to be placed closely together, but not so close that they are placing pressure on its neighboring stones.
oThere should be no loose stones.
oThe channel itself should be solid and secure, both on the topside as well as the underside to prevent a stone from falling out.
Be sure to ask about the jeweler's policies regarding returns, replacement, cleaning, and repair.
It might be wise to talk with friends and family for jeweler recommendations.
Channel set engagement rings are more affordable because the stones are generally smaller and the channel setting hides many flaws that a solitaire setting would not.
With the American economy being as tight as it is right now, this style of ring has become the style preference for the women of today.
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