The Truth About Bezel Settings

Like many funny sounding jewelry words, the bezel’s linguistic origins are French. A bezel setting is a style of setting where the diamond is surrounded by a metal rim, rather than clutched by the four or six prongs you’re used to seeing in a solitaire setting. Bezel set engagement rings might have old-fashioned connotations, but, for both the trendsetters and the gemsetters, the bezel is officially in vogue right now.

Bezel settings Got an Upgrade

If you’re imagining bulky, hand-hammered things with a chunky medieval flair to them, those are the bezels of yesteryear. The style of bezel preferred today is slimmer, streamlined, and adds practicality along with a distinct golden flash when the sun hits it just right. While prong-set solitaires tend to catch on sweaters and sleeves, the bezel’s smooth practicality makes them a better fit for many modern women. So, if you hate sweaters, and you don’t do much with your hands, by all means, go for the prongs. Everyone else, it’s time to consider the bezel.

Oh the solitaire

All of this is not to disparage the four-prong solitaire. We’re suckers for classics, and there is no more classic engagement ring than a round brilliant perched and pinched atop a platinum band clutched by four glittering prongs. But, we at Frank Darling do tend to favor practicality. A gorgeous bezel setting embodies the rare combination of practicality and desire that can make a grown woman swoon.

If you’re curious about the bezel setting, but, you’re not quite sure why, or how to distinguish a good bezel from a bad one, you’ve come to the right place. The last thing anyone wants to do is get excited about a setting only to find that it makes your diamond look dull, dark, or downright medieval. Let’s dig in.

What is a Bezel Setting?

Prongs hold diamonds and gemstones in place by clutching them with tiny talons. The bezel, in contrast, frames a diamond with a continuous rim of thin metal. It forms a collar around the stone. The stone’s girdle, the thin edge of its circumference, fits snugly inside a groove on the inside of the collar, securing the stone from coming loose. Bezel set engagement rings use a bit more metal than a prong setting and often requires more skill to set. As a result, there may be an added cost to the bezel setting. But, there are benefits as well.

Do Bezel Set Diamonds Sparkle?

Yes, and no. An excellent or ideal cut stone set into a well-designed bezel will stun even the most hardened of hearts. A poorly cut stone, framed in a chunky rim of metal that eclipses the top surface of the stone, can look dull or dim. Choose your stone, and bezel, wisely.

How are Bezel Settings Made?

Bezel settings are made by gently hammering the metal rim of the bezel, gently flattening it down and over the edge of the diamond. This craft requires skill. A wobbly, distorted shape is a hallmark of a heavy handed setter. The bezel’s shape should be crisp, and almost entirely free of all but the gentlest wobble from the hammer. While diamonds are most popular, bezels are also an excellent choice for softer gemstones that need greater protection, like emeralds or morganite, from day to day wear and tear.

What is a Half Bezel Setting?

A full bezel wraps entirely around the diamond’s girdle, or waist, creating a continuous rim of metal.

A half bezel will only wrap some of the diamond’s girdle, leaving it exposed in some areas. A partial bezel is also very secure, and offers many of the same benefits of a full bezel, but, has a different look. You’ll love it or hate it.

Why Get a Bezel Setting?

If you don’t love the look of a bezel, the practical benefits won’t be enough to sway you. But, if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably a fan, so here’s several more reasons you can feel even more responsible about choosing this stylish setting.

1. Bezels are the most secure setting. 

Are you worried about your diamond falling out? How about damaging a prong? Does a clumsy streak run in your household? With a bezel set engaegment ring, you don’t need to worry so much about the little bumps and jolts of a busy day. The metal frame protects the fragile girdle of your diamond from all sides, leaving you free to worry about other things like Monday morning’s meetings, or where to book reservations for dinner. So go ahead, knock it around a little. That diamond’s not going anywhere.

2. Bezels are the lowest profile setting. 

One of the most common concerns we hear from the future owners of a new diamond ring: “I’m worried the diamond’s going to stick up too much.” While our prong settings are as low profile as they can go, the reality is that they still stick up some. It’s what they’re designed to do. You just can’t be too hard on them. In contrast, our bezel settings ride low and secure on your finger, protected from all sides, and won’t get caught or snagged.