When it comes to choosing the perfect diamond ring, the setting plays a crucial role in determining the overall appearance and style of the piece. Among the many options available, cathedral settings, halo edge settings, and pavé set diamonds are three popular choices, each offering a unique blend of elegance and sophistication. This article explores the similarities and differences between these settings, helping you make an informed decision for your next piece of fine jewelry.
Cathedral Setting
The cathedral setting is named for its elegant arches, which mimic the grand arches of a cathedral. This classic and timeless setting elevates the center stone, creating a stunning and dramatic look.
Similarities
- Highlighting the Center Stone: Like halo and pavé settings, the cathedral setting aims to highlight the center stone, making it the focal point of the ring.
- Versatility: Cathedral settings can be used with various diamond shapes and sizes, similar to halo and pavé settings.
Differences
- Design Structure: The cathedral setting is characterized by its elevated arches that rise from the band to support the center stone. This design element distinguishes it from halo and pavé settings, which do not feature such prominent arches.
- Metal Presence: The arches in the cathedral setting add more metal to the design, which can give the ring a more substantial and traditional appearance compared to the delicate nature of halo and pavé settings.
- Stone Exposure: The cathedral setting elevates the center stone, allowing more light to pass through it, enhancing its brilliance. This differs from the halo setting, where the surrounding diamonds can reflect light into the center stone, and the pavé setting, which focuses on a continuous sparkle along the band.
Halo Edge Setting
The halo edge setting features a center stone surrounded by a border of smaller diamonds or gemstones. This setting creates a halo effect, adding extra sparkle and making the center stone appear larger.
Similarities
- Enhanced Sparkle: Like pavé settings, halo settings are designed to maximize sparkle and brilliance by incorporating multiple smaller diamonds around the center stone.
- Focus on Center Stone: Both settings draw attention to the center stone, although halo settings use a surrounding circle of diamonds, while pavé settings use a band encrusted with diamonds.
Differences
- Design Focus: The halo setting specifically focuses on creating a halo effect around the center stone, enhancing its size and brilliance. This is distinct from the cathedral setting, which elevates the stone without additional surrounding diamonds, and the pavé setting, which emphasizes a continuous line of diamonds along the band.
- Perceived Size: The halo setting can make the center stone appear larger than it is by surrounding it with smaller diamonds. This optical illusion is not as pronounced in cathedral or pavé settings.
- Light Reflection: The halo setting’s surrounding diamonds reflect light into the center stone, increasing its brilliance. In contrast, the cathedral setting relies on elevation for light exposure, and the pavé setting focuses on overall band sparkle.
Pavé Set Diamonds
The pavé setting involves small diamonds set closely together along the band of the ring, creating a continuous, sparkling surface. The name “pavé” comes from the French word for “paved,” as the diamonds appear to pave the surface of the ring.
Similarities
- Increased Sparkle: Both halo and pavé settings are designed to enhance the ring’s overall sparkle by incorporating numerous small diamonds.
- Attention to Detail: Like the halo setting, pavé settings pay great attention to the arrangement and setting of smaller diamonds to maximize brilliance and aesthetic appeal.
Differences
- Band Focus: The pavé setting emphasizes a continuous line of diamonds along the band, creating a sparkling surface that extends beyond just the center stone. This differs from the halo setting, which focuses on surrounding the center stone, and the cathedral setting, which elevates the center stone without additional band embellishments.
- Setting Technique: In pavé settings, the small diamonds are set into the band with minimal visible metal, creating a seamless, sparkling surface. This technique is different from the prongs or bezel settings used in cathedral and halo settings.
- Subtle Elegance: Pavé settings offer a more subtle and elegant look compared to the more dramatic halo and cathedral settings. The continuous line of diamonds provides a refined sparkle without the bold presence of a halo or elevated arches.
Choosing between cathedral, halo edge, and pavé set diamonds depends on your personal style and the statement you wish to make with your jewelry. The cathedral setting offers a timeless and elegant look with its elevated arches, perfect for those who appreciate classic designs. The halo edge setting provides extra sparkle and makes the center stone appear larger, ideal for those seeking a glamorous and eye-catching piece. The pavé setting offers a continuous, refined sparkle along the band, making it a sophisticated choice for those who prefer understated elegance.
By understanding the similarities and differences between these settings, you can select the one that best suits your taste and enhances the beauty of your chosen gemstone.
