Diamond Earrings – Which Setting Is Best? (Part 2)

As we said yesterday, choosing the perfect setting for your diamond earrings is crucial and knowing the difference between the four most common setting types is the best way to determine which style is right for you. We’ve already discussed the traditional prong setting and the classic pave setting. The other two most common settings on the market today are the rub-over setting, or bezel setting, and the invisible setting.

Rub-over set diamond earrings, also referred to as bezel set diamond earrings, are one of the more sleek designs on the market. Instead of being held in place by a claw of prongs, the diamond is set into the precious metal which then wraps over the outer edges of the stone evenly al the way around. Since the overlap on the top of the stone is minimal, the fact that it extends the entire perimeter of the stone helps keep the diamond securely in place. Unlike prong set diamond earrings, the rub-over setting gives a much smoother and cleaner outer edge to each earrings, creating a somewhat more modern look. The rub-over or bezel setting is also very versatile as it can usually accommodate and size of shape of stone. It does tend to work best with single stone solitaire diamond earrings however, as opposed to multi-stone designs.

The final setting is invisible set diamond earrings. This setting is accomplished with either princess cut or baguette cut diamonds since these are the two best cuts to lie flush against one another. The invisible set use a type of prong setting that grips the bezel of the stone, which is on the underside edge, as opposed to wrapping up over the top. When the stones are set flush, the setting holding each stone in place is ‘invisible’ to the eye which gives the stones the appearance of merely floating within the earrings. With the stones flush, the invisible setting also helps to create the appearance of one seamless stone as opposed to several smaller ones. Because of the nature of this setting, princess cut, or square stones, or baguette cut, or rectangular stones, are the only shapes truly suited to look best in this design.

With four distinct setting styles to choose from, it is very easy to find the perfect pair of diamond earrings to suit your personal taste and preferences.