Comparing Classic Solitaire, Halo, and Pave Engagement Ring Settings
Insights into engagement rings reveal that diamond solitaires have grown in popularity by 10% since 2015. While solitaire engagement ring types remain the most popular option, halo and pavé engagement ring settings are also well sought-after. A 2022 case study found that solitaire was the most popular option, with 33.6% of respondents choosing it, halo was second (19.1%), and pavé took the fifth spot (9.6%). If you or your partner are unsure exactly what these setting styles look like and which is the right one for you, this article will explain everything you need to know.
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Classic Solitaire Engagement Ring Settings
Most solitaire engagement rings (with a single center diamond) are set with four to six prongs, which refer to the metal points that hold the diamond in place. The classic configuration is to have these prongs placed evenly around the circumference of the diamond.
However, depending on the design and shape of the center stone, three or five prongs might also be used for a solitaire engagement ring.
The prong configuration is commonly referred to as a head. It consists of:
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A base that attaches and/or extends upwards from the ring shank
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The portion of the ring that wraps around the finger
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A metal framework (for added strength) that holds prongs together
People often inquire about how many prongs are preferable. Given the improved design of the modern engagement ring, this is largely a matter of personal preference.
Some people find that four prongs make a diamond look larger because there is less metal covering its surface. Others prefer the look of six prongs, which keeps the diamond looking more round.
Best Classic Solitaire Engagement Ring Styles
Here are some ideas for beautiful solitaire engagement rings:
The Grace Solitaire
The Grace Solitaire features four prongs crafted in 18k white gold. The ring is also available in platinum, rose gold (pink gold), and yellow gold.
We especially love this look when set with a square princess-cut diamond.
Six-Prong Twist Solitaire
The Six Prong Twist Solitaire is the preferred example of a six-prong diamond setting. The setting is all in one tone, and you can choose from platinum, 18k white gold, 18k yellow gold, and 18k rose gold.
Certified Preset Lab Grown 2.25ct Pear Diamond Solitaire Ring
Lab-grown solitaire diamond rings are another popular choice. The 2.25-carat pear diamond option, suitable for specific finger sizes, features an 18k white gold or 18k yellow gold band, set with a beautiful color sparkle and a F+ VS+ LAB diamond.
Halo and Shared Prong Engagement Ring Settings
Next, we have halo and shared prong settings. A halo setting refers to any ring with a center stone set in the middle of a halo of diamonds. It may be set using shared prongs or a bezel.
The term “shared prongs” refers to a setting style in which diamonds are set in a series, held in place by prongs used to keep the edges of more than one diamond in place.
The setting style looks like this: o:o:o:o:o, where the “o” represents a diamond and the colon represents the prongs.
Brian Gavin offers numerous halo settings for our Brian Gavin Diamonds Signature round diamonds. Each setting is custom-made to fit the diamond selected as a center stone.
Best Halo Ring Styles
Here are some gorgeous halo ring setting ideas.
Petite Invisible Halo
This halo setting features a hidden diamond halo and a four-prong basket. The ring is adorned with approximately 0.26 carats total weight of F/G VS Brian Gavin Signature hearts and arrows diamond melee, accentuated by claw prongs.
Kirsty's Halo Platinum
Kirsty's custom halo setting is based on the Sarah Halo and is designed using approximately 1.03 ctw F/G VS Brian Gavin Signature melee. This option is only available in platinum.
Fishtail Halo
A fishtail style is a slightly more unique option for a halo setting. This option is available in platinum, 18k white gold, 18k yellow gold, and 18k rose gold.
It features metal prongs and beads that secure the gemstones to the metal band in v-shaped cuts. These metal prongs and beads are shaped like a fishtail, giving the illusion of a fish's split and curved tail.
Pavé Set Diamond Engagement Rings
Finally, we take a look at the pavé setting.
The term pavé describes a setting style in which small diamonds are set closely together and held in place by tiny prongs. These prongs push up the metal from the ring's structure, creating a paved surface of diamonds.
The concept is to “pave the surface” of the ring with diamonds in much the same way an old European cobblestone street was paved with stones. The result is an endless view of glittering diamonds that span across the surface of the ring, sparkling from every vantage point.
Best Pavé Ring Styles
Brian Gavin Diamonds offers an extensive collection of pave settings.
Kim Micropave
The Kim micropave setting incorporates a four-prong head configuration set on a ring shank adorned with pavé set diamonds. The center stone could just as easily be set in a halo of shared prongs or pavé set diamonds.
Gracie Pavé
This stunning classic half-round shank has a four-prong Eternal Grace basket. It has a row of F/G VS Brian Gavin Signature melee around the basket just under the girdle of the diamond. You’ll also see a row of diamonds down each side of the shank.
Classic Truth Sleek Micro Pavé
It’s hard to beat the sophistication of a sleek micro pavé diamond ring setting, including our Classic Truth Sleek Micro Pave. It boasts eight stones on each side with an approximate 0.22 ctw Brian Gavin Signature melee F/G VS.
Choosing Between Solitaire, Halo, and Pavé for the Perfect Engagement Ring Setting
The perfect choice in a diamond setting depends on your style—there is no right or wrong option!
Collect and save examples of ring settings you like the look of while shopping. If you are unsure of the setting in a particular design you like, diamond jewelry experts at Brian Gavin Diamonds can help!
And, if you can’t find an exact match, we can also custom-design engagement rings and/or modify any of our existing designs to accommodate diamonds of a different shape.
Lab Diamond Options for Engagement Rings
Lab diamonds are increasingly popular among couples, one-third of couples said choosing a lab-grown diamond is important to them, up 17% since 2019.
The same survey found that among respondents, nearly half opted to buy a lab-grown diamond, about four times higher than this number in 2019.
Brian Gavin Lab Diamonds offer everything you want in a real diamond – incredible sparkle and clarity in a ring setting you’ll love just as much.
Find Your Engagement Ring Setting
Now that you know the differences between pavé vs. halo and solitaire vs. pavé engagement ring settings, it’s time to use your newfound knowledge to begin ring shopping.
Browse Brian Gavin Diamond’s extensive collection of designer engagement rings in various settings to find the sparkle that matches your vision.
You can choose from numerous engagement ring settings, styles, shapes, colors, and more to find the best match. Get your engagement ring today.
