When you think of your dream engagement ring, what words come to mind? If those words are “classic” and “sophisticated,” you might want to consider a channel set engagement ring. This style is utterly timeless and never fails to please.
These stunning rings feature sparkling diamonds set in a channel between two bands of precious metal. Channel set engagement rings are surprisingly versatile, and can be personalized to come in a range of different looks. For example, you can change the shape or color of the center or accent gemstones, or you can add them to a distinctive setting. What all channel set engagement rings have in common, however, is a classic beauty that brings out the fire and brilliance of the center gem.
What is a Channel Setting?
Channel set rings feature accent gemstones, which are small diamonds or other gemstones incorporated into a ring to add a touch of sparkle and glamour. In a channel set ring, diamond accents are placed in a “channel” formed by two strips of precious metal. Grooves on both walls hold the diamonds securely in place. When round diamonds are channel set, triangular-shaped spaces usually appear in the corners between the stones, creating a distinctive, captivating look.
Starting in the 1990s, the channel setting became an increasingly popular style in ring design. With their clean, sleek look, channel set rings are well-suited to the modern preference for straight lines and simple, elegant styles. Wider metal borders also have become more admired, due to the beautiful contrast of sparkle and reflective shine.
Channel Set Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands
You have a number of options when it comes to selecting your perfect channel set engagement ring. Many channel set rings consist of a simple band of precious metal with round brilliant or baguette diamonds filling the channel. Smaller accent diamonds offer a classic look, while a channel set engagement ring with larger accent diamonds is ideal for a more glamorous style. Channel set wedding bands or eternity rings are also an increasingly popular style, including in men’s ring designs!
Abierta Diamond Ring
With all of the comfort of a single band and the trendy look of two, this modern ring features negative space between a plain cigar band and a baguette diamond band while a bar of lustrous metal in the back to add support. Due to the width of this band we suggest sizing up a half size for the perfect fit.
Apollo Black Diamond Wedding Ring
This modern men’s wedding band features a vertical baguette-shaped black diamond set against a matte brushed finish for a defining look. The softened inside edge provides increased comfort for daily wear. This style can also be set with a blue sapphire or classic diamond baguette.
Amalfi Diamond Engagement Ring
Channel-set baguettes gently taper and adorn the sides of this luxurious, unique ring for a sophisticated look and feel.
Jordan Diamond Ring
Petite Signet Cerulean Ring
Hera Baguette Diamond Ring
Chloe Channel Set Eternity Diamond Ring
Deja Diamond Ring
Jamie Sapphire Ring
Six Prong Hidden Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
This hidden halo ring features channel-set round diamonds that wrap around the center stone for a surprise hint of glamour on a simple six prong setting.
Equator Eternity Diamond Ring
Channel Set Baguette Diamond Ring
Skyline Diamond Wedding Ring
How to Spot a Channel Set Engagement Ring
Differentiating between the channel setting and other diamond accent settings can be difficult. To the untrained eye, many settings look the same. When you look closely, however, you begin to see discernible variations. Take, for example, the pavé setting. Pavé, which literally means “pave,” is a setting in which accent diamonds are set very close together to produce a solid expanse of sparkle. The difference is that in the pavé setting, beads of metal fill the triangular spaces that appear between diamonds in most channel settings. These beads keep the diamonds in place and create the “paved” look.
The shared prong setting is easier to tell apart from the channel setting because it lacks the characteristic wide, precious metal borders. In this setting, adjacent accent gemstones share the prongs that keep them in place. An even more recognizable setting is the bezel setting, in which each stone is completely surrounded by precious metal, with only the crown of the gem showing. When compared with channel set stones, bezel set diamond accents provide a more contemporary look.
Less common options are bar set stones and flush set stones. Bar set diamonds are set firmly between small bars of metal, while flush set diamonds are completely embedded in the ring, with only the top of the gem showing. Like the bezel setting, these two options are more modern when compared with classic channel set engagement rings.
Final Thoughts
Channel set engagement rings have a beauty that will endure the ages, and the versatility to please even the most discerning jewelry lover. Do you love channel set engagement rings? Would you like to see the channel setting integrated into more of our beautiful styles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!
